2003 – 2004

371 members (203 Sustainers, 131 Actives, 37 Provisionals).

Our theme this year was “Get Connected…” which challenged the membership to connect with our community, with our organization and with our own personal goals.

 

Get Connected

  • Members served on various other community Board of Directors including: Volunteer Center for Anne Arundel County, Chesapeake Children’s Museum, Anne Arundel Community Council Services, Prevent Child Abuse Maryland.
  • The weekly email Blast was started to create a concise weekly update for members.
  • 9 active members were sent to AJLI Organizational Development Institute/regional conference. Sustaining VP were sent to AJLI Annual Conference.
  • Past President’s Luncheon held in June
  • Revitalized the Community Advisory Board

 

Operating/Administration

  • Major strides were made to decrease overhead expenses (operating costs).
  • The postage machine was traded in, the copier lease was bought out, a cleaning service was eliminated, Office Manager was reduced to 9 hours a week, reduction in bookkeeper fees, 5 Pentium computers were donated from a member, encouraged bulk mailing to committees and passed motion to alleviate having to mail membership voting materials.

 

Community Impact Council

  • TEAM entered its 3rd year. Ad Hoc committee formed to determine continued direction, results were TEAM requirement for members, decrease committee size, partner with YWCA. Started development of Junior ICAAP (Interagency Coalition for Pregnancy, Prevention & Parenting).
  • COPR executed first year of a Done in a Day requirement for members. Provided at least one DIAD per month, including gift wrapping at Annapolis mall to benefit Juvenile Diabetes in which JLA received a portion of the profits.
  • Public Advocacy changed its name from Public Policy to accurately reflect the activities of the committee. A full scale public service announcement campaign was created to educate the community of the Safe Haven law. A radio PSA played on major Maryland radio stations. First Lady Kendel Ehrlich is the spokeswoman for the campaign and will record a TV PSA in the summer, 2004.
  • Bookbag Project completed its 11th year with 982 bags filled to elementary students at Harman, Mills-Parole, Germantown and Van Blokken schools. Partnership with Office Depot provides back packs, packing space and JLA provides supplies bought from Office Depot.  First time JLA budgets $3000 to the project.
  • Community Assistance Donations awarded $4000 to Rainbows, Inc., Arden House, Planning Action Committee of Anne Arundel County, Broadneck Community Resources and All Children’s Chorus.
  • Excellence in Voluntarism awarded to Darlene Blue of Boys and Girls Club of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.

 

Financial Resources Council

  • Chefs by the Bay enjoyed its 5th year with great success as the fundraiser moved to the spring on March 28th at Chartwell Country Club. Over 400 people were in attendance (many community folks) and 14 restaurants participated. The event grossed $60,809 with expenses at $6300, exceeding budget expectations!
  • Talk of the Town had its inaugural event on November 14th at Loews Annapolis Hotel hosting the political couple James Carville and Mary Matalin. Tickets sold: 246 general and 62 VIP. The event grossed $41,308 with expenses at $33,108. Overall success, but fell short of budget expectations.
  • Cookbook grappled with new publisher FRP shortfalls, thus launching a successful marketing campaign. An ad-hoc committee formed to begin exploration of 2nd cookbook. Cookbook sales grossed $49,414 with expenses at $23,158, just shy of budget expectations.
  • FDE helped raise $10,500 in corporate sponsorship for Talk of the Town. Mini-fundraisers brought in roughly $1500, which included Chevy’s night, Westfield Wonders and Mike’s Crab House. The committee authored several grants.

 

Membership Council 

  • Provisional Committee had 2 successful Open Houses in May and August bringing interest from over 75 women. 37 women became new members. The Provisional spring project was a mini-tag sale “Kids Blast” raising $2300.
  • Education & Training established the JLA Speaker’s Bureau, and they continued to offer speakers prior to and during General Membership Meetings. Welcomed First Lady Kendel Ehrlich as the speaker for the Holiday Luncheon.
  • Nominating and Placement created policy regarding “Standards of Code” and membership list dissemination. Facilitated February area group meetings. First time the Straw Ballot accessible on-line to members.
  • Sustainer funds from “2 Good for Goodwill” sale go to fund Community Assistance Donations. Successful social between Sustainers and Provisionals in the spring.

 

Communications Council 

  • Meetings and Events had the annual kick-off picnic at Horizons Dairy farm. Holiday luncheon at Yellow Fin Restaurant (traditional Chart House was damaged during Hurricane Isabel), Annual Dinner was held at Governor’s House on State Circle and the meeting room at St. Philips Church on Bestgate Road was our best new GMM facility.

Public Relations up-graded the website to be more user-friendly and interactive allowing members to purchase tickets on-line for Talk of the Town, download the LOG, Bluebook, the Blast and the Straw Ballot. Huge overall media exposure for all events and the mission of the JLA.