New York – April 27, 2011 – The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc., one of the largest, most effective women’s volunteer organizations in the world, announced today that the 

United Nations Association of New York will honor The Junior League for its League-based initiatives in fighting against human trafficking.  Also honored by the UNA in its awards ceremony on May 11 will be Ruchira Gupta, President of Apne Aap, Emmy winner for her documentary “The Selling of Innocents” and recipient of the Clinton Global Citizen Award for Commitment to Leadership in Civil Society.

“The 110-year legacy of The Junior League is rooted in service to the under-served, and few groups in our society are as under-served as victims of human trafficking, particularly in its most vile form—commercial sexual exploitation of children,” said AJLI President Delly Beekman.  “Human trafficking is an increasingly important issue for many Junior Leagues, and we’re pleased to receive this honor, and all it means, from the United Nations Association of New York.”

“It’s through the work of volunteer organizations like The Junior League and Apne Aap that the world’s attention will be drawn to the global blight of human trafficking,” said Paula Jackson, President of the United Nations Association of New York.  “The key to success, both now and in the long term, is the implementation of credible programs that create awareness—globally, nationally and locally—and keep pressure on authorities everywhere to deal with this issue.”

The Junior League’s key initiatives against human trafficking are taking place at the state level through the New York State Public Affairs Committee of The Junior League (NYSPAC), the Junior Leagues of New Jersey State Public Affairs Committee (NJSPAC) and the Michigan State Council of Junior Leagues (MSC) as well as  more localized efforts by individual Leagues in Los Angeles, CA, Atlanta, GA, New Orleans, LA, Owensboro, KY and Westchester County, NY.  

About The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc.

Founded in 1901 by New Yorker and social activism pioneer Mary Harriman, the Junior Leagues are charitable nonprofit organizations of women, developed as civic leaders, creating demonstrable community impact.

Today, The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. (AJLI) is comprised of more than 155,000 women in 292 Junior Leagues throughout Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States.  Together, they constitute one of the largest, most effective volunteer organizations in the world.  

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