Junior League of Hamilton - Burlington, Inc. 2.5

In 1901, Mary Harriman, a 19-year old New York City debutante with a social conscience, formed the Junior League for the Promotion of Settlement Movements. Harriman mobilized a group of 80 other young women, hence the name "Junior" League, to work to improve child health, nutrition and literacy among young immigrants living on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. These families were mired in poverty and had few support systems. With community needs abundant and many women sharing a commitment to improving conditions, the volunteer movement spread quickly to other cities across North America. In 1934, the Junior League of Hamilton (now the Junior League of Hamilton-Burlington, Inc.) was formed, joining what had by then become a very dynamic and effective international woman's volunteer movement.