Tennessee Voices, Episode 271: Jenny Barker, president, Junior League of Nashville
In 1920, Tennessee became the pivotal state to enshrine women's suffrage in the U.S. Constitution with the ratification of the 19th Amendment, ending the disenfranchisement of female Americans.
Two years later, the Junior League of Nashville formed to empower women to volunteer for and contribute to important philanthropic and civic causes.
The group's work has involved multiple community service projects that led to the creation of Nashville Children’s Theatre, Renewal House and the Home for Crippled Children, now called the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Since 1970, Junior League has provided more than $17 million to the hospital.
On this episode of the Tennessee Voices video podcast, Junior League President Jenny Barker spoke to me about the organization's centennial in April 2022, its ongoing work and its efforts to ramp up a culture of service in years to come.
The Junior League has 1,500 members and works to develop the potential of women as leaders and volunteers.
In a message to members on the centennial celebration, Barker wrote: "As we look back on our history, I hope you will find inspiration in being part of a century-old movement that has had such a profound effect on modern life."
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About Tennessee Voices
The Tennessee Voices videocast is a 20-minute program, which started in March 2020 and invites leaders, thinkers and innovators who have written guest columns for a USA TODAY Network Tennessee publication to share their insights and wisdom with me and our viewers.
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David Plazas is the director of opinion and engagement for the USA TODAY Network Tennessee and an editorial board member of The Tennessean. Tweet to him at @davidplazas.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee Voices: Junior League of Nashville with Jenny Barker
