The 1960s were a time of change in Dallas and around the country - socially, politically and philosophically. From the sit-ins and civil rights demonstrations of the early 1960s to Vietnam protests and Woodstock later that decade, an atmosphere of change and unrest prevailed. Members cried at the assassinations of their leaders and celebrated when the first man walked on the moon. The JLD also continued to move forward:
- As in the past, the JLD responded by looking inward at its purpose and goals and outward to the pressing needs of the community.
- The Follies became an annual JLD fund-raising event.
- Cookbook number five, "From Texas Tables," was published.
- The Children's Theatre and Puppeteers group each entertained and educated thousands of school children.
- In 1962, the JLD was the beneficiary of the Grand Opening of Six Flags over Texas.
- By 1969, there were 16 continuing projects and eight new ones. The JLD's first $100,000 grant went to the Children's Medical Center for completion of the Neurology Center.
- In 1968-1969 the Placement Committee individually placed all members. The Professional group gained representation on the Board.
- "The real distinguishing aspect of the League is that it primarily exists to train us as members to become more effective leaders in our community," wrote JLD President Rita Clements in 1969.
1970s
The 1970s brought significant changes to the JLD membership base. "Many more women were beginning to go to work," says Carolyn Foxworth, 1976-1977 JLD President. "That was a major change. We (the League) were going from a 10 or 15% professional base to about a 30% professional base. We were trying to look ahead to prepare ourselves for how the League would operate in the future."
- Growth in resources allowed large grants such as the $300,000 to the new Children's Wing of the Dallas Museum of Art and $100,000 to renovate Letot Academy to house adolescent runaways.
- The JLD's involvement in politics also grew. Members lobbied and advocated on the local level and took trips to Austin to meet with state representatives.
- The Christmas Card Committee expanded into Imprinters.
- The League funded the start of the Shakespeare Festival of Dallas to offer a free summer theatre season. In 1976, the League published yet another cookbook.
- The Senior Citizens Craft Fair and the JLD magazine, the DallaCite, also started.
- By 1979, the JLD had 2,227 Active, Sustaining and Provisional members. Professionally employed members made up one-third of the total membership.
1980s
In 1981, for the first time, more members attended evening General Membership Meetings than daytime meetings. The JLD membership grew to more than 2,500, with almost 1,300 Active and Provisional members working in 47 community agencies and projects, three fund-raising activities and 17 internal committees. With almost half of its members in paid jobs, the League eliminated its distinction between professional and daytime members.
- The 1982 Ball raised more than $600,000, the most of any money-raising event of any League in the Association of Junior Leagues.
- By the mid-1980s, numerous $100,000 grants were made possible by record million-dollar returns from the JLD Ball. The League supported as many as 70 programs a year.
- A permanent headquarters building was acquired through a capital campaign that raised $3.5 million.
- The Community Assistance Fund was created to disperse emergency funds to agencies.
- League membership mushroomed to 3,800 with 50% employed members. The adoption of "open membership" policies produced a more diverse membership and one that better reflected the community served by League volunteers.
