Junior Leagues of Washington State

What is JLWS?

For new or active members, the name “Junior Leagues of Washington State” may not mean much. But it is an important collaboration that everyone in Junior League should know. Junior Leagues of Washington State, commonly referred to as JLWS or “jewels”, are the five leagues in our state: Olympia, Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma and Yakima. Each League designates one or two delegates to serve on JLWS, usually a Senior and Junior Delegate. These Delegates are the voting members of JLWS.

JLWS Delegates elect a Chair, Chair-Elect and Secretary. The Chair-Elect position serves one year in this role and then assumes the position of Chair the following year. There is also a JLWS Treasurer, who is the treasurer from the League holding the bank account. These ladies are non-voting members and are a part of the JLWS Leadership team. League presidents and president-elects are considered “members”. They are involved in JLWS to provide leadership, consultation, and league support/buy-in. They are not able to vote, however, do have a voice in any discussions.

JLWS’ chief purpose is to educate Washington Junior League membership and lawmakers (local, state and federal) on our critical issues with a unified voice. We also serve to keep our five Leagues connected with one another.

To accomplish this, each year JLWS has planned and held “Capitol Days” for all five leagues to gather at our capitol in Olympia. Participants receive training over the course of two days about the legislative process, bills of importance to our missions and meet with local lawmakers. New in 2008, JLWS added a second training that occurs in the fall and is the precursor to the Capitol Days event.

Although each league’s focus area is different, the Delegates, Leadership team, and members of JLWS are committed to training its members to find their voices and become advocates for healthier and stronger communities.

And as JLWS becomes a stronger network, we will need your input on additional ways JLWS can support YOUR league’s needs by adding more training and events to our activities.

Leadership Team:

Cynthia Gustafson, Chair, steelhead@gustafsonhogan.com, 509-280-8595
Jennifer Metsker, Chair-Elect, jmetsker22@yahoo.com, 206-349-2051
Alanna Crouch, Secretary, sunnyjim57@msn.com, 509-466-1957
Jill Jackson, Treasurer, jillajackson@hotmail.com , 425-922-8794

Senior Delegates:

Olympia: Jennifer Matheson
Seattle: Lia Decker
Spokane: Julie Lattin
Yakima: Colleen Kinney

*Tacoma Junior League, previously a member of JLWS, likely to join again in 2010-2011 year.
*Wenatchee Junior Service League, not currently a member, however invited to meetings and events starting 2009.

JLWS Member Contact Info

Advocacy Links

Photo Gallery

Capitol Days

State Capitol

Capitol days