Episode Transcript
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SPEAKER_02 (00:00):
beginning part so and then like where I'm talking
right now.
Okay.
We are ready.
You ready?
SPEAKER_01 (00:16):
I'm ready.
SPEAKER_02 (00:17):
Victoria, you ready?
Or I call you a Vicky?
I don't know.
Whatever.
Okay.
I saw Victoria on the board andI was like, okay, that's pretty
formal, but that's okay.
All right, here we go.
Coming to you in three, two,one.
Hey everybody, and once again,good morning and welcome to
another episode of the InnerHarbor Cast.
(00:37):
My name is Skip Clark.
Again today your host and we'retalking about community
connection and making adifference right here in central
New York.
Joining me is Rachel Nelson, thepresident of the Junior League
of Syracuse, an incredibleorganization, women volunteers
who have been shaping andstrengthening our community for
generations.
(00:58):
And we'll talk about theirmission.
We're going to talk about theirimpact uh they're making across
Syracuse and how you can getinvolved.
Plus uh we want to get to knowRachel a little bit better too
because uh being the presidentof this great organization, I'm
sure it takes a very specialperson.
So um Rachel, big thanks forbeing here this morning and
welcome to the Inner Harborcast.
(01:18):
So good to see you.
SPEAKER_01 (01:19):
Thank you.
Happy to be here.
SPEAKER_02 (01:20):
It's a pleasure to meet you as well.
Rachel um what's we're gonnawe'll start it over.
SPEAKER_00 (01:30):
Excuse me I'm gonna shut that off real life I know I
left my phone in the other roombecause I can tell you how it's
(02:00):
all oh that's not what's on mylist.
SPEAKER_01 (02:05):
Yeah.
SPEAKER_02 (02:10):
Sorry about that.
SPEAKER_01 (02:11):
That's okay.
SPEAKER_02 (02:12):
It's very unprofessional and I do do this
for a living so because I'm ageek.
All right we're starting overcoming to you in three two one
good morning everybody andwelcome to another episode of
(02:35):
the Inner Harborcast my name isSkip Clark and I'm your host
again this week uh talking aboutcommunity connection and making
a difference right here incentral New York uh joining me
today is Rachel Nelson who isthe president of the Junior
League of Syracuse.
They are an incredibleorganization women volunteers
(02:55):
they've been shaping and uhstrengthening our community for
generations we're going to talkabout their mission we're gonna
talk about their impact uh thatthey are making across Syracuse
and how you can get involvedplus we'll get to know Rachel a
little bit better as well beingthe president of this great
organization I'm I'm sure ittakes a very special person.
(03:15):
And good morning Rachel welcometo the Inner Harborcast so good
to see you so so happy tofinally meet you.
SPEAKER_01 (03:21):
It's good to be here thanks for having me.
SPEAKER_02 (03:24):
Absolutely Rachel um you know you're the president
that's a big role and uh let'sstart right from the beginning.
What is the Junior League ofSyracuse?
SPEAKER_01 (03:34):
You know we are an organization that's been around
the Syracuse area for over ahundred years and we are women
led and we're really aboutleadership development and we do
that through several differentways.
We do that through our communityimpact we do it through
volunteering and through youknow just board work and
(03:57):
committee work in the league.
SPEAKER_02 (03:58):
What is the actual mission of the junior thank you
for asking so our ready is toadvance women's leadership um
for meaningful community impactthrough volunteer action
collaboration and training youknow I mentioned uh you know
being the president of thisgreat organization takes a very
(04:19):
special person that's a very bigrole as well what inspired you
to join the junior league andhow did that uh journey lead to
becoming its leader so to speakwell I've been part of the
junior league for 12 years.
SPEAKER_01 (04:30):
Oh wow and really as you do work in the community and
it's an advancement kind ofprogram where they develop you
as a leader.
So this was kind of a naturalnext step for me having been in
the league a long time you knowevery nonprofit organization has
had challenges since COVID andmember turnover and this was
(04:52):
just a great opportunity to havesome of that um longevity and
work with the newer members andhelp continue to develop
leaders.
SPEAKER_02 (05:00):
Love that uh they uh the junior league you know you
get such deep roots right herein Syracuse uh how long has the
local chapter been active andhow has it evolved over the
years?
SPEAKER_01 (05:11):
Sure 105 years.
Wow many of the nonprofitorganizations that you are
familiar with, we have helpedthem either found or we have
been instrumental in theirorganization growing and doing
the good work that they dothrough um volunteers.
We provide those we partner withthem and it's really beautiful
(05:31):
what has taken place.
You know um Rachel can you sharesome of the projects or the
partnerships that make you uhmost proud my favorite is the
Steam event we put on every yearwith Brighton Academy the sixth
grade girls and just to seetheir faces light up at the
possibilities for their futurewhen they learn about different
(05:51):
careers and opportunities in theSteam categories.
So I love going it's a full dayevent we bring in different
community partners to teach themabout STEAM and um it's just
really rewarding.
Wow that's only one of many itis what what are some of the
others you know we partner withthe uh food bank the diaper bank
(06:12):
we have little free librariesaround the town uh the boys and
girls clubs so lots of differentpartnerships that we take and
how how does the league decideuh which community issues or
organizations to touch uh and tofocus on each and every year
that's a great question uh we'veworked with over 80
organizations throughout theyears and so it evolves it
(06:34):
changes depending on the desiresof our members what they want to
get involved in and so we kindof change here and there and you
know we're always open toworking with a new partner if
they want to work with us allthey got to do is reach out.
SPEAKER_02 (06:49):
Yeah essentially and then you will take it into
consideration and more thanlikely um do what you can to
help them.
SPEAKER_01 (06:54):
Sure.
SPEAKER_02 (06:55):
You gotta love that can you share a story that
really captures the heart ofwhat the junior league stands
for maybe a moment that remindedyou why why you do this work.
SPEAKER_01 (07:05):
Sure.
Years ago probably I don't knowat least 10 years ago I went to
my first um back then it wasSTEM event at the Trighton
Academy and we went around andwe asked the young girls uh what
do you want to be when you growup and we heard movie star,
model um you know actress, youknow, different things like
(07:27):
that.
But no one actually was talkingabout a legitimate career that a
woman would have um that wasn'tjust up, you know, pie in the
sky kind of thing.
And my heart broke a littlebecause I thought these are such
capable girls and they have noidea what their potential is.
But then seeing them light upwhen we went around and did
(07:49):
different activities and theyfound that they can actually use
math and science and technologyand go into a field of work that
isn't just for men, that womencan actually make a big
difference in the world and thatwe're not boxed into something
based on our looks or you knowstereotype.
SPEAKER_02 (08:09):
Exactly that's that's great.
The junior league is known forempowering women to lead as you
you talked about how do you umhelp develop the leadership
skills among the members theyoung ladies oh that is a really
great question.
SPEAKER_01 (08:22):
You know we have committees people come in and
they get put in roles that theyare not comfortable necessarily
with they've never done itbefore but you always have
somebody there to help you whohas done it before.
And so throughout the years Ihave done so many different
types of committee work I had noclue what I was doing.
But it's an opportunity it tolearn something new to be
(08:47):
mentored and to develop skillswithout being in a corporate
setting where maybe your jobwould be on the line if you
didn't do something perfect.
SPEAKER_02 (08:55):
No well you know nobody's perfect though.
So you know you do the best youcan and I think if you show that
you're doing the best that youcan everything's gonna be fine
then they know you're giving itall you got oh yeah which is
good.
SPEAKER_01 (09:08):
Oh yeah and we just do good in the world if we can
do a little more good great ifwe you know do a little less
good because we're learningthat's great too.
SPEAKER_02 (09:17):
Yeah and to be thrown into something maybe you
haven't done before you learnfrom that as you mentioned you
learn from that it's it's likeme in the broadcasting side of
things there's a lot of things Ihaven't done.
Doing this until recently I Iwasn't doing uh but now I'm
learning how to do it and I'mlearning that I really enjoy it.
So it's pretty much almost thesame thing.
(09:38):
Uh what are some of the uniquechallenges that uh women leaders
face in volunteer drivenorganizations and how do you
help members uh overcome themyou know there there's actually
a new initiative put on by theJunior League International it's
called Every Woman All Things.
SPEAKER_01 (09:56):
And this is an opportunity to really evaluate
all the roles andresponsibilities that women
carry, which is unique to women.
And so as an organization we'rereally looking to support the
mental health of women in ourcommunity and women in the
junior league because they'remoms and they're wives and they
work full-time jobs and theytake care of their homes and
(10:17):
they volunteer and it is amazingwhat women do.
But with that sometimes comesmental health burnout different
things and we are tackling ithead on as a league and really
want to help women you know growtheir capacity and be encouraged
and um learn that they can domore than maybe they think they
can do you think um the world isgoing through so many different
(10:41):
changes for sure feach their ownopinions are everybody's opinion
but the mental health stateright now is a big situation.
SPEAKER_02 (10:50):
It's a it's a big problem.
Oh yeah you know so how do youhow do you tackle that how do
you you tell them you know youjust need to relax a little bit
how does all that work and howdo you do that?
SPEAKER_01 (11:01):
That that is a large you know it's a big answer.
Yeah it is it is but we all gomore than I can you know tackle
today but we do our best we webring in speakers to help people
understand um how to deal withdifferent mental challenges um
we give them opportunity forsupport and collaboration with
other women who are doing thesame things that they are and
(11:23):
just that community to be ableto have other women around you
powerhouse women doing so manyamazing things but they're also
vulnerable and real and they'regonna you know share those
experiences together.
SPEAKER_02 (11:35):
Absolutely you know on a personal note I said we
were going to try to get to knowyou a little bit better because
you are the president and you'releading all these women and
you're doing a great job at thatuh what has leading this
organization taught you aboutyourself oh so I think other
women could also you know getsomething out of this answer.
SPEAKER_01 (11:53):
Yes.
You know I like to do thingswell and perfectionism at times
is a thing right would you sayyou're very organized?
I try to be but you know I thinkit's allowed me to give myself
grace that there's a lot on myplate and I don't have to do
(12:14):
everything perfectly and there'sa lot of amazing women around me
that I can also lean on thathave strengths that are
different than my own.
And that's the beauty of havingan organization where we
collaborate together.
SPEAKER_02 (12:26):
I love that now let's talk about some of these
events you have coming up.
Yes for sure um what are some ofthe big things happening this
season with the junior league ofSyracuse excuse me.
SPEAKER_01 (12:35):
All right well we have our premier holiday
shopping event that is ourlargest fundraising my wife
loves so the holiday shops umwe're having our 30th
anniversary year can you believethat 30 years I've been talking
about this on the radio forprobably 30 years but it's hard
to believe I know wow 30 alreadyokay so we have a three-day
(12:58):
holiday shopping event and wehave almost a hundred different
artisans merchants that aregoing to come in and have tables
and you're gonna be able to shopand find really something for
everyone on your list and thisyear we have some unique
offerings you can come do a MattPilates class and then go shop.
You can I love that VIP night umon Friday night and that ticket
(13:24):
gets you um reserved parking twocomplimentary drinks or
d'oeuvres by copper top livemusic and you get to hold
puppies from helping hands andhelping hounds yes they do a lot
of that and you're talking aboutthese organizations but to bring
the puppies to an event likethat and it goes back to when we
were talking about some of thestress I mean puppies take that
(13:44):
away they do they do you'll seethem in a lot of different
conferences I've seen them quiteoften so yeah so we're actually
doing something um we justsecured a partnership with the
food bank of CNY beautiful andif you bring with you some
non-perishable items you aregonna get a discount on your
tickets at the door so if youbring two non-perishable food
(14:07):
items you know things thatpeople would use at Thanksgiving
time cranberry sauce.
Yeah they're canned they're notgonna go bad um stuffing mix
things like that yeah thenyou'll get two dollars off your
admission at the door and that'sjust because you know what's
going on in the world right nowpeople need help with the food
insecurity situation and it'sone of our top um focuses as a
(14:28):
listener.
SPEAKER_02 (14:28):
So that's one way that listeners can get involved
by if they want to go to theevent that you know bring the
non-perishable food items thingslike that they get a discount
but what if somebody actuallywanted to get involved with the
event itself is there still timefor somebody's to say you know
what I'm a crafter and I want tohave a booth.
SPEAKER_01 (14:49):
I want to sell my items can somebody do that you
know we love for people toreserve early but I'm sure we
wouldn't turn them away um withyou know what nine eight eight
nine days left until the eventyeah it's coming up pretty quick
isn't it can uh reach out go tojlciracuse.org that's where you
can get your tickets but that'salso where they can get
(15:10):
information of how to sign up asa merchant um I can't promise
you a premiere spot but wedefinitely can squeeze you in
probably let's a great cause forsure is what I'm saying.
SPEAKER_02 (15:19):
So regardless where you are in the building I think
um it's all going to work outfine and you're giving to a
great cause uh what aboutsponsorships?
I would assume if somebody maybethey can't do it this year but
they they they hear this, theywatch this and they say, you
know what, I'd love to sponsorthat.
SPEAKER_01 (15:34):
Oh yeah we have we actually have year-round
sponsors for the Junior Leagueof Syracuse that helps us do the
work that we do in thecommunity.
So we also can accept those atany time and if they you know
want to be featured in differentways we can talk about what that
would look like in the future.
So this is the like the one bigevent that you have every
largest fund we look forward toevery money that comes in from
(15:57):
this event is how we're able todo the good work that we do in
the community.
SPEAKER_02 (16:00):
I love that and uh give us the dates of the event
again.
SPEAKER_01 (16:03):
Oh thank you the seventh Friday night the seventh
okay 12 to 8 p.m okay saturdaythe eighth 10 to 6 and Sunday
the ninth 10 to 4.
SPEAKER_02 (16:15):
And where?
Horticulture building at thefairgrounds New York State
fairgrounds great place becauseparking's never a problem.
SPEAKER_01 (16:23):
That's true.
Except that there is a VeteransDay event and when there's a
parking issue there you want tomake sure to park in the midway
area.
SPEAKER_02 (16:32):
Oh that's good to know that's good to know and I
know they're they're very goodabout putting up signs.
Yes they are you know you gothrough that one gate and it
tells you which direction youneed to go just look for the
sign and I'm sure it's gonnapoint you in the right
direction.
Yes so that that that's cool.
So that's the big event.
Uh what about some of thesmaller events?
SPEAKER_01 (16:49):
Okay you know um throughout the year maybe we do
pop-up types of things I knowthis Saturday we're gonna be
refilling all of our little freelibraries around the community
um and our members will come andvolunteer their time to do that.
We'll be bacon pies for theSamaritan Center.
There's all sorts of things andif you want to come and just
check out what we're all aboutum women can come join us as a
(17:11):
volunteer at any time.
You don't have to be a memberyou just you know come to one of
our events and we'd love to haveyou help with our community
efforts.
SPEAKER_02 (17:20):
I'd love that and all that uh goes back to helping
Syracuse what you do as the atthe JL the junior league.
Uh what are some of the biggestneeds in the area right now and
where you really help out I knowyou we mentioned the food bank
but uh are there any others yeahyou know the food bank and the
diaper bank we all the diaperbank yes so we will be doing a
diaper drive we actually do themmultiple times a year so you can
(17:44):
contact us and drop off diapersif you want to and we'll make
sure they get to the rightplace.
I love that that's it's it's anorganization I think people
don't really think a lot aboutno you know they all take it for
granted but uh if you're a youngmom you know the cost of diapers
and what's going on and it's noteasy in the food bank for
obvious reasons too you gottalove that.
SPEAKER_01 (18:04):
If you uh Rachel uh we're talking to Rachel uh this
morning um Rachel is thepresident of the junior league
and uh if you could dream bigwhat would you love to see the
junior league accomplish in thenext five to ten years I would
love to see our membershipdouble or quadruple uh because
I'd really think it is anamazing opportunity to grow as a
(18:27):
woman and so to see women comein and to do good in the
community but also develop thoseleadership skills so that they
can also go out and do even moregood in the community you know
many of our members go and serveon other boards of nonprofits as
they are trained and gain thatconfidence in the nonprofit
world and so I would just loveto see it explode and we can do
(18:48):
more good when we have moremembers.
SPEAKER_02 (18:50):
What if somebody, yeah, does somebody go online?
Do they just sign up online?
How do they volunteer to help?
SPEAKER_01 (18:56):
Um explain all that there is um a form on our
website jlciracuse.org okay andyou can just enter and you know
submit that form of interest andthen we can be in touch with you
and let you know the thedifferent events that we have
coming up that you can come seewhat we're about, meet our
members, mingle and help usmaybe even with some of our
(19:18):
projects that we're I love that.
SPEAKER_02 (19:19):
Now finally if how can people connect with you?
Uh follow the Junior League ofSyracuse online and uh learn
more to get involved it's all onthe website.
SPEAKER_01 (19:29):
Yes I would assume but and then we are really
active on our socials.
So you can find us on Facebookyou can find us on Instagram and
look for the Junior League ofSyracuse.
I'm sure if you type that in thesearch bar you'll find us and
follow us and you'll be able tosee what we're doing um
throughout the whole year.
SPEAKER_02 (19:47):
I love that um I'm gonna ask you a crazy question
and and I ask everybody thatcomes in to do one of these
interviews I will always askthem as we wrap it up for
example with you if the juniorleague had a theme song what
would it be?
Oh I know do you do you usedifferent music when you do your
(20:08):
promos and things like that isthere a song that when they I
guess maybe this will make it alittle bit easier that when they
hear it they think of the juniorleague.
SPEAKER_01 (20:16):
Maybe not I know it's a tough one that is a tough
question.
I don't know I think um maybedon't stop believing you know
because there's a lot that wecan do in our community and in
the world and um you know justexactly no that's perfect.
SPEAKER_02 (20:36):
See you answered it don't stop believing that's
right with the Junior League ofSyracuse uh Rachel Nelson has
been our guest here this morningshe is the president of the
junior league uh just afantastic women's organization
putting the spotlight on a lotof the needs right here in
central New York got the bigevent coming up like in just a
matter of days and again that isthe the holiday shops shops at
(21:00):
the fairgrounds in thehorticulture building yes Friday
through Sunday next week youknow I love the crafts I love
all that stuff the homemadethings and things along those
lines it's so good so good plusyou said you're gonna have some
live music too oh yeah there'sgonna be music Santa's gonna be
there no yep how'd you get Santaso early oh we have connections
(21:21):
oh my goodness I'm very excitedabout that my son will be glad
to hear that too yes andchildren 12 and under are free
so bring them along and they'regonna enjoy the event i i love
what you're doing Rachel thankyou i love your whole staff i
know victoria stepped in here umthank you for the hookup and uh
you know what we're here forhere for you uh you're local we
(21:42):
are local and we cannotemphasize that enough that local
radio is alive and it's well andwe're supporting the
organizations such as the juniorleague and we loved if anybody
else is watching this and youwant to come in uh do an
interview get on our innerharbor cast you are more than
welcome to um it's just like Isay we've been chatting with
Rachel Nelson the president ofthe junior league of Syracuse
(22:05):
thank you for joining me on theinner harbor cast today what
just what an amazingconversation so well spoken and
definitely got your facts thereand uh what an amazing group of
women doing uh real good righthere at home uh if you'd like to
learn more like to volunteer orsupport their work just uh it's
JL JL Syracuse Syracuse okay Idid a search it came up J uh
(22:28):
junior league Syracuse dot orgbut if you do that will it
automatically yeah I think itwill redirect you're Google's
pretty smart very smart that'sscary too but uh and follow them
on their social media again I'mSkip Clark thanks for watching
thank you for listening uh it isthe Inner Harbor cast we do it
each and every week at this timeuh make sure you subscribe to
(22:49):
our YouTube channel not to missany of these if you want to go
back and maybe listen again wehighly recommend that uh all
these great organizations thatmake Syracuse work it it comes
to it comes together as a teameffort um Rachel thank you for
being here today thank you forhaving me yay I'll cut that out
(23:13):
you ask a lot of questions alittle does
beginning part so and then like where I'm talking
right now.
Okay.
We are ready.
You ready?
SPEAKER_01 (00:16):
I'm ready.
SPEAKER_02 (00:17):
Victoria, you ready?
Or I call you a Vicky?
I don't know.
Whatever.
Okay.
I saw Victoria on the board andI was like, okay, that's pretty
formal, but that's okay.
All right, here we go.
Coming to you in three, two,one.
Hey everybody, and once again,good morning and welcome to
another episode of the InnerHarbor Cast.
(00:37):
My name is Skip Clark.
Again today your host and we'retalking about community
connection and making adifference right here in central
New York.
Joining me is Rachel Nelson, thepresident of the Junior League
of Syracuse, an incredibleorganization, women volunteers
who have been shaping andstrengthening our community for
generations.
(00:58):
And we'll talk about theirmission.
We're going to talk about theirimpact uh they're making across
Syracuse and how you can getinvolved.
Plus uh we want to get to knowRachel a little bit better too
because uh being the presidentof this great organization, I'm
sure it takes a very specialperson.
So um Rachel, big thanks forbeing here this morning and
welcome to the Inner Harborcast.
(01:18):
So good to see you.
SPEAKER_01 (01:19):
Thank you.
Happy to be here.
SPEAKER_02 (01:20):
It's a pleasure to meet you as well.
Rachel um what's we're gonnawe'll start it over.
SPEAKER_00 (01:30):
Excuse me I'm gonna shut that off real life I know I
left my phone in the other roombecause I can tell you how it's
(02:00):
all oh that's not what's on mylist.
SPEAKER_01 (02:05):
Yeah.
SPEAKER_02 (02:10):
Sorry about that.
SPEAKER_01 (02:11):
That's okay.
SPEAKER_02 (02:12):
It's very unprofessional and I do do this
for a living so because I'm ageek.
All right we're starting overcoming to you in three two one
good morning everybody andwelcome to another episode of
(02:35):
the Inner Harborcast my name isSkip Clark and I'm your host
again this week uh talking aboutcommunity connection and making
a difference right here incentral New York uh joining me
today is Rachel Nelson who isthe president of the Junior
League of Syracuse.
They are an incredibleorganization women volunteers
(02:55):
they've been shaping and uhstrengthening our community for
generations we're going to talkabout their mission we're gonna
talk about their impact uh thatthey are making across Syracuse
and how you can get involvedplus we'll get to know Rachel a
little bit better as well beingthe president of this great
organization I'm I'm sure ittakes a very special person.
(03:15):
And good morning Rachel welcometo the Inner Harborcast so good
to see you so so happy tofinally meet you.
SPEAKER_01 (03:21):
It's good to be here thanks for having me.
SPEAKER_02 (03:24):
Absolutely Rachel um you know you're the president
that's a big role and uh let'sstart right from the beginning.
What is the Junior League ofSyracuse?
SPEAKER_01 (03:34):
You know we are an organization that's been around
the Syracuse area for over ahundred years and we are women
led and we're really aboutleadership development and we do
that through several differentways.
We do that through our communityimpact we do it through
volunteering and through youknow just board work and
(03:57):
committee work in the league.
SPEAKER_02 (03:58):
What is the actual mission of the junior thank you
for asking so our ready is toadvance women's leadership um
for meaningful community impactthrough volunteer action
collaboration and training youknow I mentioned uh you know
being the president of thisgreat organization takes a very
(04:19):
special person that's a very bigrole as well what inspired you
to join the junior league andhow did that uh journey lead to
becoming its leader so to speakwell I've been part of the
junior league for 12 years.
SPEAKER_01 (04:30):
Oh wow and really as you do work in the community and
it's an advancement kind ofprogram where they develop you
as a leader.
So this was kind of a naturalnext step for me having been in
the league a long time you knowevery nonprofit organization has
had challenges since COVID andmember turnover and this was
(04:52):
just a great opportunity to havesome of that um longevity and
work with the newer members andhelp continue to develop
leaders.
SPEAKER_02 (05:00):
Love that uh they uh the junior league you know you
get such deep roots right herein Syracuse uh how long has the
local chapter been active andhow has it evolved over the
years?
SPEAKER_01 (05:11):
Sure 105 years.
Wow many of the nonprofitorganizations that you are
familiar with, we have helpedthem either found or we have
been instrumental in theirorganization growing and doing
the good work that they dothrough um volunteers.
We provide those we partner withthem and it's really beautiful
(05:31):
what has taken place.
You know um Rachel can you sharesome of the projects or the
partnerships that make you uhmost proud my favorite is the
Steam event we put on every yearwith Brighton Academy the sixth
grade girls and just to seetheir faces light up at the
possibilities for their futurewhen they learn about different
(05:51):
careers and opportunities in theSteam categories.
So I love going it's a full dayevent we bring in different
community partners to teach themabout STEAM and um it's just
really rewarding.
Wow that's only one of many itis what what are some of the
others you know we partner withthe uh food bank the diaper bank
(06:12):
we have little free librariesaround the town uh the boys and
girls clubs so lots of differentpartnerships that we take and
how how does the league decideuh which community issues or
organizations to touch uh and tofocus on each and every year
that's a great question uh we'veworked with over 80
organizations throughout theyears and so it evolves it
(06:34):
changes depending on the desiresof our members what they want to
get involved in and so we kindof change here and there and you
know we're always open toworking with a new partner if
they want to work with us allthey got to do is reach out.
SPEAKER_02 (06:49):
Yeah essentially and then you will take it into
consideration and more thanlikely um do what you can to
help them.
SPEAKER_01 (06:54):
Sure.
SPEAKER_02 (06:55):
You gotta love that can you share a story that
really captures the heart ofwhat the junior league stands
for maybe a moment that remindedyou why why you do this work.
SPEAKER_01 (07:05):
Sure.
Years ago probably I don't knowat least 10 years ago I went to
my first um back then it wasSTEM event at the Trighton
Academy and we went around andwe asked the young girls uh what
do you want to be when you growup and we heard movie star,
model um you know actress, youknow, different things like
(07:27):
that.
But no one actually was talkingabout a legitimate career that a
woman would have um that wasn'tjust up, you know, pie in the
sky kind of thing.
And my heart broke a littlebecause I thought these are such
capable girls and they have noidea what their potential is.
But then seeing them light upwhen we went around and did
(07:49):
different activities and theyfound that they can actually use
math and science and technologyand go into a field of work that
isn't just for men, that womencan actually make a big
difference in the world and thatwe're not boxed into something
based on our looks or you knowstereotype.
SPEAKER_02 (08:09):
Exactly that's that's great.
The junior league is known forempowering women to lead as you
you talked about how do you umhelp develop the leadership
skills among the members theyoung ladies oh that is a really
great question.
SPEAKER_01 (08:22):
You know we have committees people come in and
they get put in roles that theyare not comfortable necessarily
with they've never done itbefore but you always have
somebody there to help you whohas done it before.
And so throughout the years Ihave done so many different
types of committee work I had noclue what I was doing.
But it's an opportunity it tolearn something new to be
(08:47):
mentored and to develop skillswithout being in a corporate
setting where maybe your jobwould be on the line if you
didn't do something perfect.
SPEAKER_02 (08:55):
No well you know nobody's perfect though.
So you know you do the best youcan and I think if you show that
you're doing the best that youcan everything's gonna be fine
then they know you're giving itall you got oh yeah which is
good.
SPEAKER_01 (09:08):
Oh yeah and we just do good in the world if we can
do a little more good great ifwe you know do a little less
good because we're learningthat's great too.
SPEAKER_02 (09:17):
Yeah and to be thrown into something maybe you
haven't done before you learnfrom that as you mentioned you
learn from that it's it's likeme in the broadcasting side of
things there's a lot of things Ihaven't done.
Doing this until recently I Iwasn't doing uh but now I'm
learning how to do it and I'mlearning that I really enjoy it.
So it's pretty much almost thesame thing.
(09:38):
Uh what are some of the uniquechallenges that uh women leaders
face in volunteer drivenorganizations and how do you
help members uh overcome themyou know there there's actually
a new initiative put on by theJunior League International it's
called Every Woman All Things.
SPEAKER_01 (09:56):
And this is an opportunity to really evaluate
all the roles andresponsibilities that women
carry, which is unique to women.
And so as an organization we'rereally looking to support the
mental health of women in ourcommunity and women in the
junior league because they'remoms and they're wives and they
work full-time jobs and theytake care of their homes and
(10:17):
they volunteer and it is amazingwhat women do.
But with that sometimes comesmental health burnout different
things and we are tackling ithead on as a league and really
want to help women you know growtheir capacity and be encouraged
and um learn that they can domore than maybe they think they
can do you think um the world isgoing through so many different
(10:41):
changes for sure feach their ownopinions are everybody's opinion
but the mental health stateright now is a big situation.
SPEAKER_02 (10:50):
It's a it's a big problem.
Oh yeah you know so how do youhow do you tackle that how do
you you tell them you know youjust need to relax a little bit
how does all that work and howdo you do that?
SPEAKER_01 (11:01):
That that is a large you know it's a big answer.
Yeah it is it is but we all gomore than I can you know tackle
today but we do our best we webring in speakers to help people
understand um how to deal withdifferent mental challenges um
we give them opportunity forsupport and collaboration with
other women who are doing thesame things that they are and
(11:23):
just that community to be ableto have other women around you
powerhouse women doing so manyamazing things but they're also
vulnerable and real and they'regonna you know share those
experiences together.
SPEAKER_02 (11:35):
Absolutely you know on a personal note I said we
were going to try to get to knowyou a little bit better because
you are the president and you'releading all these women and
you're doing a great job at thatuh what has leading this
organization taught you aboutyourself oh so I think other
women could also you know getsomething out of this answer.
SPEAKER_01 (11:53):
Yes.
You know I like to do thingswell and perfectionism at times
is a thing right would you sayyou're very organized?
I try to be but you know I thinkit's allowed me to give myself
grace that there's a lot on myplate and I don't have to do
(12:14):
everything perfectly and there'sa lot of amazing women around me
that I can also lean on thathave strengths that are
different than my own.
And that's the beauty of havingan organization where we
collaborate together.
SPEAKER_02 (12:26):
I love that now let's talk about some of these
events you have coming up.
Yes for sure um what are some ofthe big things happening this
season with the junior league ofSyracuse excuse me.
SPEAKER_01 (12:35):
All right well we have our premier holiday
shopping event that is ourlargest fundraising my wife
loves so the holiday shops umwe're having our 30th
anniversary year can you believethat 30 years I've been talking
about this on the radio forprobably 30 years but it's hard
to believe I know wow 30 alreadyokay so we have a three-day
(12:58):
holiday shopping event and wehave almost a hundred different
artisans merchants that aregoing to come in and have tables
and you're gonna be able to shopand find really something for
everyone on your list and thisyear we have some unique
offerings you can come do a MattPilates class and then go shop.
You can I love that VIP night umon Friday night and that ticket
(13:24):
gets you um reserved parking twocomplimentary drinks or
d'oeuvres by copper top livemusic and you get to hold
puppies from helping hands andhelping hounds yes they do a lot
of that and you're talking aboutthese organizations but to bring
the puppies to an event likethat and it goes back to when we
were talking about some of thestress I mean puppies take that
(13:44):
away they do they do you'll seethem in a lot of different
conferences I've seen them quiteoften so yeah so we're actually
doing something um we justsecured a partnership with the
food bank of CNY beautiful andif you bring with you some
non-perishable items you aregonna get a discount on your
tickets at the door so if youbring two non-perishable food
(14:07):
items you know things thatpeople would use at Thanksgiving
time cranberry sauce.
Yeah they're canned they're notgonna go bad um stuffing mix
things like that yeah thenyou'll get two dollars off your
admission at the door and that'sjust because you know what's
going on in the world right nowpeople need help with the food
insecurity situation and it'sone of our top um focuses as a
(14:28):
listener.
SPEAKER_02 (14:28):
So that's one way that listeners can get involved
by if they want to go to theevent that you know bring the
non-perishable food items thingslike that they get a discount
but what if somebody actuallywanted to get involved with the
event itself is there still timefor somebody's to say you know
what I'm a crafter and I want tohave a booth.
SPEAKER_01 (14:49):
I want to sell my items can somebody do that you
know we love for people toreserve early but I'm sure we
wouldn't turn them away um withyou know what nine eight eight
nine days left until the eventyeah it's coming up pretty quick
isn't it can uh reach out go tojlciracuse.org that's where you
can get your tickets but that'salso where they can get
(15:10):
information of how to sign up asa merchant um I can't promise
you a premiere spot but wedefinitely can squeeze you in
probably let's a great cause forsure is what I'm saying.
SPEAKER_02 (15:19):
So regardless where you are in the building I think
um it's all going to work outfine and you're giving to a
great cause uh what aboutsponsorships?
I would assume if somebody maybethey can't do it this year but
they they they hear this, theywatch this and they say, you
know what, I'd love to sponsorthat.
SPEAKER_01 (15:34):
Oh yeah we have we actually have year-round
sponsors for the Junior Leagueof Syracuse that helps us do the
work that we do in thecommunity.
So we also can accept those atany time and if they you know
want to be featured in differentways we can talk about what that
would look like in the future.
So this is the like the one bigevent that you have every
largest fund we look forward toevery money that comes in from
(15:57):
this event is how we're able todo the good work that we do in
the community.
SPEAKER_02 (16:00):
I love that and uh give us the dates of the event
again.
SPEAKER_01 (16:03):
Oh thank you the seventh Friday night the seventh
okay 12 to 8 p.m okay saturdaythe eighth 10 to 6 and Sunday
the ninth 10 to 4.
SPEAKER_02 (16:15):
And where?
Horticulture building at thefairgrounds New York State
fairgrounds great place becauseparking's never a problem.
SPEAKER_01 (16:23):
That's true.
Except that there is a VeteransDay event and when there's a
parking issue there you want tomake sure to park in the midway
area.
SPEAKER_02 (16:32):
Oh that's good to know that's good to know and I
know they're they're very goodabout putting up signs.
Yes they are you know you gothrough that one gate and it
tells you which direction youneed to go just look for the
sign and I'm sure it's gonnapoint you in the right
direction.
Yes so that that that's cool.
So that's the big event.
Uh what about some of thesmaller events?
SPEAKER_01 (16:49):
Okay you know um throughout the year maybe we do
pop-up types of things I knowthis Saturday we're gonna be
refilling all of our little freelibraries around the community
um and our members will come andvolunteer their time to do that.
We'll be bacon pies for theSamaritan Center.
There's all sorts of things andif you want to come and just
check out what we're all aboutum women can come join us as a
(17:11):
volunteer at any time.
You don't have to be a memberyou just you know come to one of
our events and we'd love to haveyou help with our community
efforts.
SPEAKER_02 (17:20):
I'd love that and all that uh goes back to helping
Syracuse what you do as the atthe JL the junior league.
Uh what are some of the biggestneeds in the area right now and
where you really help out I knowyou we mentioned the food bank
but uh are there any others yeahyou know the food bank and the
diaper bank we all the diaperbank yes so we will be doing a
diaper drive we actually do themmultiple times a year so you can
(17:44):
contact us and drop off diapersif you want to and we'll make
sure they get to the rightplace.
I love that that's it's it's anorganization I think people
don't really think a lot aboutno you know they all take it for
granted but uh if you're a youngmom you know the cost of diapers
and what's going on and it's noteasy in the food bank for
obvious reasons too you gottalove that.
SPEAKER_01 (18:04):
If you uh Rachel uh we're talking to Rachel uh this
morning um Rachel is thepresident of the junior league
and uh if you could dream bigwhat would you love to see the
junior league accomplish in thenext five to ten years I would
love to see our membershipdouble or quadruple uh because
I'd really think it is anamazing opportunity to grow as a
(18:27):
woman and so to see women comein and to do good in the
community but also develop thoseleadership skills so that they
can also go out and do even moregood in the community you know
many of our members go and serveon other boards of nonprofits as
they are trained and gain thatconfidence in the nonprofit
world and so I would just loveto see it explode and we can do
(18:48):
more good when we have moremembers.
SPEAKER_02 (18:50):
What if somebody, yeah, does somebody go online?
Do they just sign up online?
How do they volunteer to help?
SPEAKER_01 (18:56):
Um explain all that there is um a form on our
website jlciracuse.org okay andyou can just enter and you know
submit that form of interest andthen we can be in touch with you
and let you know the thedifferent events that we have
coming up that you can come seewhat we're about, meet our
members, mingle and help usmaybe even with some of our
(19:18):
projects that we're I love that.
SPEAKER_02 (19:19):
Now finally if how can people connect with you?
Uh follow the Junior League ofSyracuse online and uh learn
more to get involved it's all onthe website.
SPEAKER_01 (19:29):
Yes I would assume but and then we are really
active on our socials.
So you can find us on Facebookyou can find us on Instagram and
look for the Junior League ofSyracuse.
I'm sure if you type that in thesearch bar you'll find us and
follow us and you'll be able tosee what we're doing um
throughout the whole year.
SPEAKER_02 (19:47):
I love that um I'm gonna ask you a crazy question
and and I ask everybody thatcomes in to do one of these
interviews I will always askthem as we wrap it up for
example with you if the juniorleague had a theme song what
would it be?
Oh I know do you do you usedifferent music when you do your
(20:08):
promos and things like that isthere a song that when they I
guess maybe this will make it alittle bit easier that when they
hear it they think of the juniorleague.
SPEAKER_01 (20:16):
Maybe not I know it's a tough one that is a tough
question.
I don't know I think um maybedon't stop believing you know
because there's a lot that wecan do in our community and in
the world and um you know justexactly no that's perfect.
SPEAKER_02 (20:36):
See you answered it don't stop believing that's
right with the Junior League ofSyracuse uh Rachel Nelson has
been our guest here this morningshe is the president of the
junior league uh just afantastic women's organization
putting the spotlight on a lotof the needs right here in
central New York got the bigevent coming up like in just a
matter of days and again that isthe the holiday shops shops at
(21:00):
the fairgrounds in thehorticulture building yes Friday
through Sunday next week youknow I love the crafts I love
all that stuff the homemadethings and things along those
lines it's so good so good plusyou said you're gonna have some
live music too oh yeah there'sgonna be music Santa's gonna be
there no yep how'd you get Santaso early oh we have connections
(21:21):
oh my goodness I'm very excitedabout that my son will be glad
to hear that too yes andchildren 12 and under are free
so bring them along and they'regonna enjoy the event i i love
what you're doing Rachel thankyou i love your whole staff i
know victoria stepped in here umthank you for the hookup and uh
you know what we're here forhere for you uh you're local we
(21:42):
are local and we cannotemphasize that enough that local
radio is alive and it's well andwe're supporting the
organizations such as the juniorleague and we loved if anybody
else is watching this and youwant to come in uh do an
interview get on our innerharbor cast you are more than
welcome to um it's just like Isay we've been chatting with
Rachel Nelson the president ofthe junior league of Syracuse
(22:05):
thank you for joining me on theinner harbor cast today what
just what an amazingconversation so well spoken and
definitely got your facts thereand uh what an amazing group of
women doing uh real good righthere at home uh if you'd like to
learn more like to volunteer orsupport their work just uh it's
JL JL Syracuse Syracuse okay Idid a search it came up J uh
(22:28):
junior league Syracuse dot orgbut if you do that will it
automatically yeah I think itwill redirect you're Google's
pretty smart very smart that'sscary too but uh and follow them
on their social media again I'mSkip Clark thanks for watching
thank you for listening uh it isthe Inner Harbor cast we do it
each and every week at this timeuh make sure you subscribe to
(22:49):
our YouTube channel not to missany of these if you want to go
back and maybe listen again wehighly recommend that uh all
these great organizations thatmake Syracuse work it it comes
to it comes together as a teameffort um Rachel thank you for
being here today thank you forhaving me yay I'll cut that out
(23:13):
you ask a lot of questions alittle does
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