The Junior League of Atlanta Honored
with 2009 "Big Voice for Children Award"

Recognizing the League's Sustained Commitment
to Improve the Lives of Children in Georgia

The Junior League of Atlanta was honored by Voices for Georgia's Children, an independent, non-profit organization whose mission is to substantially improve this low ranking by engaging lawmakers and the public into building a sustained, comprehensive, long-term agenda to impact the lives of our kids in five distinct areas: health, safety, education, connectedness and employability.

Through advocacy, original research and analysis, Voices assists leaders and citizens of Georgia in making sound decisions on policy, investment and systems that serve children and youth. In so doing, they can produce better outcomes through supportive public policies and adequate public and private resources.

The "Big Voice for Children Award" recognizes Georgians who have elevated the importance of policy and advocacy in improving the conditions of children in the state. The Junior League of Atlanta was the first organization to receive this award in the history of the Voices.

"The choice of the Junior League of Atlanta for our first Big Voice Award for an organization helps us to set the standard for future awards,” said Pat Willis, Voices for Georgia's Children Executive Director. There were several reasons why the League was a natural to be honored with the Big Voice Award.  "First of all, the League has a choice of community issues to support but continually chooses children as an emphasis. Secondly, the approach of the League to its decisions on major initiatives reflects thorough research, a commitment to emerging issues or obvious gaps in opportunity and an extension of your good works to serious advocacy. Third, the depth of the League’s history, over 90 years and it’s sustained and visible impact is easily observed through lasting institutions like the Atlanta Speech School and the Atlanta Children’s Shelter. Finally, we anticipate that these same qualities will manifest themselves in the Junior League initiative -early childhood education and pre-K for 3 year olds - issues that are at the heart of Voices for Georgia's Children’s own policy agenda.”