 |
|  |
|  Junior League State Public Affairs Committee Positions
JUNIOR LEAGUES OF FLORIDA
STATE PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE (SPAC) POSITION STATEMENTS
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
1. Position Statement on Families (Adopted Fall 1988, Revised Fall 1995, Last Review Fall 2001)
The Junior Leagues of Florida are committed to protecting, preserving and enhancing the stability and
quality of life for Florida families. The Junior Leagues of Florida, therefore, support programs and services
and adoption and enforcement of laws and policies to prevent family dysfunction, violence in the home,
and the loss of family independence.
2. Position Statement on Family Visitation for Children in the Care and Custody of the State of Florida
(Adopted Fall 1993, Revised Fall 2001)
The Junior Leagues of Florida support the creation of healthy, positive environments where court-ordered
supervised visits can take place between children in the care and custody of the State of Florida and their
families, when in the best interest of the child.
3. Position Statement on Foster Care (Adopted Fall 1992, Revised Fall 2001)
The Junior Leagues of Florida believe children require life-long family placement to develop their full
potential. Interim placement in the foster care system should safeguard a child's welfare while suitable
life-long family placement for the child is being determined. Therefore, the Junior Leagues of Florida
support efforts to expedite life-long family placement without sacrificing thoroughness. We further support
increasing public and legislative awareness, voluntarism, and strategies to enhance the quality of life for
these children in the foster care system while providing support for their caregivers.
4. Position Statement on Adoption (Adopted Fall 2001)
The Junior Leagues of Florida believe adoption can satisfy the life-long family placement needs of
children whose immediate and/or extended families cannot or will not take care of them. We also
recognize the difficulties involved with the adoption of the older children and children with special needs.
Therefore, the Junior Leagues of Florida support the development and funding of programs and services
that would aid families adopting older children and children with special needs.
5. Position Statement on Hunger (Adopted Fall 2001)
The Junior Leagues of Florida recognize that adequate food is essential to the well-being of all men,
women and children. We support comprehensive services and efforts to feed the hungry.
6. Position Statement on Children (Adopted 1988, Last Review Fall 2001)
The Junior Leagues of Florida are committed to ensuring that children have the opportunities and
services essential for their physical, intellectual, emotional, mental and social growth and their economic
well-being and will advocate to see that such opportunities and services are provided.
7. Position Statement on Child Care (Adopted Fall 1988, Revised Fall 1995, Last Review Fall 2001)
With concern for the critical need for child care in Florida, the Junior Leagues of Florida support:
1. Quality child care that is easily accessible and affordable,
2. A wide variety of child care programs that meet the needs and preferences of children and
their families,
5-10
3. The enforcement of minimum standards for licensing requirements to ensure the health,
safety, and well-being of children,
4. Incentives for corporations and other entities to provide child care benefits for their
employees,
5. Increased funding for subsidized child care commensurate with the ever-growing need of
Floridians for these services,
6. Local, state and national education of the public as to the need for child care.
8. Position Statement on Child Support (Adopted Fall 1996, Last Review Fall 2001)
The Junior Leagues of Florida recognize the importance of effective and responsible parenting in the
development of healthy children, supports efforts and legislation that promotes and enforces various
means of child support by non-custodial parents.
9. Position Statement on Multiculturalism (Adopted Fall 1999, Last Review Fall 2001)
The Junior Leagues of Florida recognize the multicultural nature of our society and support programs that
encourage children's interest in many cultures, enhancing their intellectual and social growth.
10. Position Statement on Human Services (Adopted Fall 1992, Revised Fall 1995, Fall 1997, Last
Review Fall 2001)
The Junior Leagues of Florida are committed to and will advocate for the provision of adequate and
accessible human services.
11. Position Statement on Bicycle Safety Mandate (Adopted Fall 1994, Revised 1995, Revised Fall 1999,
Last Review Fall 2001)
The Junior Leagues of Florida recognize the high incidence of injuries resulting from bicycling and
therefore, support enforcement of statewide mandates for the use of bicycle helmets meeting a minimum
federal safety standards, by children under the age of 16 on bicycles, and all child passengers on bicycles
and bicycle trailers.
12. Position Statement on Bicycle Safety Education (Adopted Fall 1994, Revised Fall 1999, Last Review
Fall 2001)
The Junior Leagues of Florida recognize the high incidence of injuries resulting from bicycling and
therefore endorse the development of community coalitions which provide educational and/or financial
assistance to encourage bicycle safety by children of all ages.
13. Position Statement on Women (Adopted Fall 1990, Last Review Fall 2001)
The Junior Leagues of Florida are committed to ensuring that women have the opportunities and services
essential for their intellectual, economic, social, mental, physical and emotional well-being and will
advocate to see that such opportunities and services are provided.
14. Position Statement on the Homeless (Adopted Fall 1989, Last Review Fall 2001)
The Junior Leagues of Florida recognize the needs of those families and individuals in our community
who are considered homeless; those lacking a fixed, regular and recognized residence. We support
comprehensive services and efforts to address homelessness. We advocate strategies that include
intervention as well as prevention.
15. Position Statement on Dependent Persons with Disabilities (Adopted Fall 1989, Revised Fall 2005)
The Junior Leagues of Florida recognize that dependent persons with physical, mental and emotional
disabilities, and their caregivers, face many difficult problems with limited choices. We support the
development and funding of quality programs, services and living arrangements for dependent adults and
their caregivers. We further support increasing public awareness and volunteerism on these issues.
16. Position Statement on 911/ BAD (Adopted Fall 1993, Last Review Fall 2001)
The Junior Leagues of Florida support the establishment of an Emergency Medical Dispatch standard
training program for all 911 dispatch operators in the state.
5-11
17. Position Statement on Crisis Shelters (Adopted Fall 1986, Revised 1995, Revised Fall 1999, Last
Review Fall 2001)
The Junior Leagues of Florida, with the concern for the lack of adequate and available shelters for adults
and children in crisis, support programs, public awareness and increased funding for shelters to aid in the
prevention and treatment of family violence and other crises.
18. Position Statement on Substance Abuse (Adopted Fall 1993, Revised 1995, Last Review Fall 2001)
The Junior Leagues of Florida support funding and community projects that promote education and
intervention to prevent substance abuse by children and adults.
19. Position Statement on Substance Abuse Prevention (Adopted Fall 1986, Last Review Fall 2001)
The Junior Leagues of Florida support funding and continued community planning to prevent substance
abuse which would include a comprehensive K-12 drug alcohol awareness curriculum and an early
intervention system.
20. Position Statement on Young Adults Emerging from Foster Care (Adopted Winter 2004)
The majority of Junior Leagues of Florida support opportunities for those young adults emerging from the
foster care system so that they may become self-sufficient members of our society.
21. Position Statement on Guardian Ad Litem (Adopted Winter 2005)
The Junior Leagues of Florida support the concept that children whose rights are being determined in
Florida's civil court system should be assisted by trained advocates who can testify and make reports to
the court concerning the child's best interest and welfare while the court matter is pending. Therefore, the
Junior Leagues of Florida support the funding and expansion of the Guardian Ad Litem program serving
children in the Florida court system.
22. Position Statement on Child Safety Restraint Systems (Adopted Spring 2001)
The Junior Leagues of Florida support education on the importance of the use of child safety restraint
systems in automobiles and the enactment of legislation, which will establish legal requirements for the
use of those child safety restraint systems consistent with the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration guidelines.
23. Position Statement on Infant Crib Safety Act (Adopted Fall 2001)
The Junior Leagues of Florida believe the design and construction of an infant crib must ensure that it is
safe, and a parent or caregiver has a right to believe that an infant crib in use is a safe containment in
which to place an infant.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
1. Position Statement on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (Adopted January 1984, Revised Fall
1990, Fall 1995, Last Review Fall 2001)
The Junior Leagues of Florida support programs, policies, educational initiatives and financial resources
that reduce and prevent crime, and ensure the effective delivery of justice.
2. Position Statement on Victim/ Witness Rights (Adopted January 1984, Revised Fall 1997, Last Review
Fall 2001, Last Review Fall 2001)
The Junior Leagues of Florida recognize the need to ensure victim/witness rights coordination and
assistance programs.
3. Position Statement on Prevention and Treatment of Adult and Child Abuse (Adopted Fall 1984, Last
Review Fall 2001)
The Junior Leagues of Florida are committed to the elimination and prevention of abuse and neglect of
adult and child victims by supporting programs and legislation designed to address the problem; assist,
protect and treat the victims and provide effective treatment for abusers.
5-12
4. Position Statement on Conditions for Taking Testimony from Abused Juveniles (Adopted Fall 1984,
Revised 1995, Last Review Fall 2001)
The Junior Leagues of Florida support the concept and implementation of an integrated, comprehensive
approach for the handling of abused juveniles. To that end, we support the use of techniques which
provide a neutral environment for the taking of testimony from juveniles and a coordinated agency
approach to reduce the impact on the juvenile.
5. Position Statement on Violence (Adopted Fall 1987, Revised 1995, Fall 1997, Last Review Fall 2001)
The majority of the Junior Leagues of Florida recognize that there is a disturbing increase in consumption
of violent media by our youth in our society and a correlating desensitization toward violence. Therefore,
the Junior Leagues of Florida are committed to increasing community and legislative awareness of, and
seeking viable solutions to the problem of violence in our society.
6. Position Statement on Services for Female Juvenile Offenders (Adopted Winter 2005)
The Junior Leagues of Florida support the concept of gender-specific programming and gender-specific
models and services that comprehensively address the needs of juvenile female offenders within the
juvenile justice system. Therefore, the Junior Leagues of Florida are committed to increasing community
and legislative awareness of the needs of juvenile female offenders with the goal of expanding funding of
gender-specific programming throughout the state's juvenile justice facilities.
7. Position Statement on Human Trafficking (Adopted Fall 2005)
The Junior Leagues of Florida find human trafficking unacceptable and support the adoption and
enforcement of laws that prevent the importation and illegal detainment of people against their will.
EDUCATION
1. Position Statement on Education (Adopted Fall 1980, Revised Fall 1984, Spring 1992, Fall 1997, Last
Review Fall 2001)
The Junior Leagues of Florida recognize education is essential for the well-being and future of our
democratic society. Public education ensures access to obtain the skills necessary for intellectual
development and to become productive members of our global society. We are committed to actions that
result in excellence in our public education system.
2. Position Statement on the Teaching Profession (Adopted Fall 1981, Revised 1984, Fall 1992, Fall
1995, Fall 1997, Last Review Fall 2001)
The Junior Leagues of Florida support efforts to recruit, train, and retain the highest caliber of teachers
and other educational professionals.
3. Position Statement On Graduation (Adopted Fall 1993, Revised Fall 1997, Last Review Fall 2001)
The Junior Leagues of Florida support efforts to provide a variety of programs to enable all students to
meet the requirements to graduate and be better prepared to compete in a global economy.
4. Position Statement on Education Funding (Adopted Fall 1992, Revised Fall 1997, Last Review Fall
2001)
The Junior Leagues of Florida support funding and other resources to meet the needs of Florida's rapidly
growing student population.
5. Position Statement on School Safety and Discipline (Adopted Fall 1993, Revised Fall 1995, Fall 1997,
Last Review Fall 2001)
The Junior Leagues of Florida support efforts and resources to ensure a safe school environment for all
students and staff.
6. Position Statement on Literacy (Adopted Fall 1993, Revised Fall 1997, Last Review Fall 2001)
The Junior Leagues of Florida support efforts to end illiteracy.
7. Position Statement on School Health Personnel (Adopted Fall 1997, Last Review Fall 2001)
5-13
The Junior Leagues of Florida support efforts to place licensed health care professionals in Florida
schools to provide the health services mandated by law.
8. Position Statement on Arts Education (Adopted Fall 1997, Revised Fall 1999, Last Review Fall 2001)
The Junior Leagues of Florida support initiatives that provide arts education in: Art Education and Cultural
Enrichment, Physical Education, and Science and Technological Education in every Florida School.
9. Position Statement on School Readiness (Adopted Fall 1999, Revised Fall 2005)
The Junior Leagues of Florida support efforts to ensure all pre-school children are given quality early
education opportunities to become school ready.
10. Position Statement on Bullying (Adopted Winter 2004)
The Junior Leagues of Florida recognize the severe effects of bullying on the everyday lives of children.
We therefore support initiatives to reduce the number of bullying incidents, and to reduce the incidents
effects.
11. Position Statement on Revisions to the Florida Educational Equity Act (Adopted Fall 2005)
The Junior Leagues of Florida support revision of the Florida Educational Equity Act to include the
prohibition of discrimination on the basis of religion and sexual orientation.
HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT
1. Position Statement on Growth (Adopted Fall 1985, Revised Fall 1990, Last Review Fall 2001)
The Junior Leagues of Florida recognize that the population of Florida is increasing at an unprecedented
rate and that this growth is impacting the state's economy, infrastructure and natural environment. We
also recognize the need to regulate this rapid growth in a responsible manner, providing an equitable
balance between economic interests and environmental interests. To that end, we support planning,
funding and implementing measures that achieve that balance while preserving and conserving our
natural resources.
2. Position Statement on the Environment (Adopted Fall 1990, Revised Fall 1993, Last Review Fall 2001)
The Junior Leagues of Florida recognize the importance of Florida's environment to the quality of life. To
that end, the Junior Leagues of Florida support community education to foster environmental awareness
and responsible actions from the public and private sectors to preserve and protect natural resources.
3. Position Statement on Historic Preservation (Adopted Fall 1987, Last Review Fall 2001)
Historical Preservation is essential to the uniqueness of a community, to its cultural resources, to its
economic viability, and to its future development. The Junior Leagues of Florida recognize the need for
and fully support the preservation of our heritage, the development of viable alternatives to preserve our
archaeologically, architecturally, and historically significant buildings and sites, and the education of our
citizenry in the area of historic preservation.
4. Position Statement on Affordable Housing (Adopted Fall 1993, Last Review Fall 2001)
The Junior Leagues of Florida recognize the need for affordable housing in all communities. The Junior
Leagues of Florida support comprehensive services and efforts to address affordable housing and
advocate strategies to reduce barriers and create incentives for affordable housing.
5. Position Statement on Health (Adopted Fall 1999, Last Review Fall 2001)
The provision of affordable, accessible and quality healthcare is critical to ensure the overall well-being of
Floridians. The Junior Leagues of Florida believe that all persons should have access to adequate
healthcare regardless of age, gender, race, socio-economics, religion, employment, or existing medical
conditions.
6. Position Statement on Drivers Licensing Frequency and Transportation Alternatives (Adopted Spring
2004)
The Junior Leagues of Florida recognize the high incidence of traffic accidents experienced by drivers
under the age of 24 and over the age of 70, and we therefore support the enforcement of statewide
mandates for license renewal frequency meeting minimum Department of Highway Safety and Motor
Vehicle standards. We also support improved public transportation to provide driving alternatives.
7. Position Statement on C-Section Coverage (Adopted Fall 2005)
The Junior Leagues of Florida support the adoption and enforcement of laws and policies that ensure
insurance coverage for cesarean section deliveries regardless of previous c-section deliveries.
8. Position Statement on Childhood Obesity (Adopted Fall 2005)
The Junior Leagues of Florida recognize that childhood obesity is an epidemic that has long reaching
impact on the health and well-being of Floridas children and families. The Junior Leagues of Florida
support the adoption and enforcement of programs, services, laws and policies to prevent childhood
obesity.
|
|  |
|  |
|
|
|
|
| |
| Provisional Project Success!
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
| |
| Barely Blemished Spring News
Sale Dates Announced!
NEW LOCATION IN THE AIRPORT BUSINESS CENTER!
6935 15TH STREET EAST, UNIT 109
SARASOTA, FLORIDA 34243
- FREE admission
- We accept CASH or CHECK
- NO strollers or carts allowed in warehouse.
- Service animals only.
Since 1960, our Barely Blemished Rummage Sale has provided new, unique, and gently used items to thousands of bargain hunters, and has raised over $600,000 in support of various Junior League projects throughout the community. Through the generous donations of members and local businesses, we have been able to keep the tradition alive and strong for over 40 years. And now we have a NEW LOCATION!
Thanks to the generosity of Benderson Development, our new sale location is 6935 15th Street East, Unit 109, in the in the Airport Business Center, at the southeast corner of Whitfield Avenue and 15th Street East. Don’t miss out on the deals, and be sure to join us for the next Barely Blemished, because we know how much everyone loves a sale! Additional Sale Dates-- mark your calendars!
SALE - March 20th & 21st, 8:30 am to 3:00 pmSALE - April 17th, 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
