New Members
Welcome to the Junior League of San Diego (JLSD)!
Now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 New Member Class.
Since 1929, the Junior League of San Diego has welcomed thousands of women into a community built on service, leadership, and impact.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive experience for every prospective member. Our team is here to guide you through the process, share our legacy of service, and find your purpose, place, and people within the League.
Whether you are new to San Diego, transferring from another League, returning to membership, or ready to join for the first time, we cannot wait to meet you!
JLSD is now accepting new member applications through our three-step application process. Please read on to learn more about this process, including important application deadlines. If you have questions that are not answered on this page, please feel free to email us at recruitment@jlsd.org.
How do I learn more and speak with a current member?
Information Sessions are held in-person at our headquarters at 210 Maple Street 6:30-7:30pm unless otherwise stated below. We will share more about who we are, what we do, and how you can become involved today! Space is limited so please register to attend.
Upcoming Dates:
- Thursday, May 21st, 6:30-7:30PM at 210 Maple Street
- Saturday, May 30th, 10:00-11:00AM at Mochichis in Encinitas
- Wednesday, June 3rd, 6:30-7:30PM at 210 Maple Street
- Tuesday, June 23rd, 6:30-7:30PM at 210 Maple Street
- Wednesday, July 8th, 6:30-7:30PM at 210 Maple Street
One-on-one sessions are also available upon request. To schedule a virtual one-on-one with a current member, please email recruitment@jlsd.org or complete the registration form above and someone will reach out.
What is the Junior League of San Diego?
The Junior League of San Diego is an organization of women whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training.
We are a highly respected organization with an extraordinary 97 year legacy. Our chapter is very proud of our trailblazing history and the lasting impact we have made within the San Diego community.
Together, we empower our members to be the next generation of community leaders through training and hands-on experiences. Members explore their interests and develop their skills with a variety of learning opportunities such as organizational development training, leadership placements, community volunteering, nonprofit fundraising and drives, local government advocacy, and public outreach.
How do you make a difference in the community?
As the needs of our society changes, our focus area adapts and evolves. We currently focus our volunteer and community work around food insecurity. You can learn more information about our ongoing projects and partnerships here. Previous focus areas have included: transition aged foster youth, domestic violence, child welfare and health.
For the lifecycle of each focus area, our ultimate goal is to identify gaps within the community in partnership with our local non-profits and then leverage our unique volunteer and leadership networks to create sustainable solutions.
Who can join the Junior League?
We are a diverse group of women from all stages of life, personal and professional expertise, cultures, and regions. Our Members are doctors, lawyers, moms, teachers, Active-Duty service members, Veterans, grandmothers, first-generation Americans, entrepreneurs, students, retirees, and everything in between.
All women are invited to join if they have the willingness to serve the communities and develop their own leadership potential.
Membership Eligibility:
Any woman is invited to join who meets the following requirements:
- At least 21 years of age by July 1, 2027 to apply. Our incoming members range from 21 to 50+. There is no upper age limit to apply and participate in the Junior League of San Diego chapter.
- You must reside within San Diego County no later than one week prior to the date of the New Member Orientation (held in August).
- You must exhibit an interest in the San Diego community and commit to the fulfillment of all requirements and attendance obligations of the New Member Training Program.
What are the benefits of membership?
Being a member of JLSD comes with many benefits to serve, lead, and connect. Build confidence, expand your network and create your own community of likeminded women through shared purpose.
As a member of the Junior League of San Diego, you are also a member of the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc (AJLI).
For members who relocate, league membership is transferable throughout the United States, Canada, England, Kenya, and Mexico.
What is the application process?
Follow the steps below to complete your application:
- Step 1: Click the button above to create your Member Essentials profile. You will receive an email to verify your account. Once verified, return to your online profile to access your Application Form.
- Step 2: Complete the application. Tell us a bit more about yourself and what’s motivating you to join!
- Step 3: After submitting your application, you will receive a unique email link to pay your annual Membership Dues ($295) and one-time New Member Training Fee ($100). Payment must be submitted on, or before, July 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. to reserve your seat in the 2026-2027 New Member Class.
Once your payment is confirmed, you are officially part of the 2026-2027 New Member Class! You will receive exclusive invitations to New Member socials and volunteer opportunities to meet your fellow new leaguers, and you can register for any event posted on the JLSD website. Orientation begins the first Saturday in August.
New Member Experience:
The Junior League of San Diego’s New Member Training Program is an essential start to your journey. Over your first 5 months, we will provide an introduction to:
- Our mission, culture, and history
- Focus Area: food insecurity, our community partners, and ongoing Community Impact Projects
- Organizational structure and available spring committee placements
- Survey of core competencies with current leaders: advocacy, community, event planning, philanthropy, operations, public relations, and DEIB.
The training course begins with a New Member Orientation the first Saturday in August and meets monthly through December. You will be paired with a Junior League mentor to help you navigate your first year obligations, answer questions, and foster connections with other members.
In January 2027, you will then be placed onto a JLSD committee and join our Active members to put your training into action!
We look forward to welcoming you into our vibrant and distinguished community of women dedicated to service, leadership, and making a meaningful impact in San Diego!
What is the monthly time commitment?
Members often say, “What you get out of your Junior League experience is directly related to how much you put into the league.”
The minimum time commitment is estimated at 3-5 hours a month with at least one 2-hour New Member Training (fall)/Committee Placement Meeting (spring) and one 2-hour General Membership Meeting, training, volunteer shift, or other event per month.
You have the flexibility to manage your own annual calendar to complete your membership obligations and register for opportunities that align with your schedule and interests.
Annual Requirements
As a training organization, the Junior League of San Diego strives to provide all members with a standardized experience to develop their skills across our core competencies aligned with our mission.
The below obligations are the minimum requirements. Members are welcome to participate in as many opportunities as they wish.
New Member Specific Obligations:
- New Member Orientation: August TBD
- New Member Trainings: Attend 3 of 5 (August–December)
- New Member Training Fee: $100
All Member Obligations:
- General Membership Meetings: Attend 3 of 8
- Fund Development: 6 credits (1 credit = $25)
- Training Activities: 2 credits (active members only)
- Volunteer Shifts: 2 credits
- Committee Placement: Monthly Participation Required
- Annual Voting Meeting: June
- Annual Dues: $295
Questions?
If you run into any issues or have any questions throughout your application process, please contact recruitment@jlsd.org.
Wishing to Reinstate with the Junior League of San Diego?
If you have been away from the League and wish to rejoin our membership, please contact membership@jlsd.org for details about reinstatement.