History of the Presidents Roundtable

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Due to the increasing demands placed on women, the future of volunteerism in taking on a different complexion and requires organizations to rapidly adapt to the ever-changing contemporary nonprofit environment and women's needs.  The Junior League of Indianapolis recognized an underlying urgency to address these issues, and as a result, founded the Presidents Roundtable in January 2000.  The Presidents Roundtable (PRT) was established to work collectively with the Presidents, President-Elects, and immediate Past Presidents of current women's organizations to strengthen and enhance their groups.

 

The inaugural meeting for the Presidents Roundtable discussion convened on Wednesday, April 12, 2000, at the Skyline Club.  Prior to the meeting, Linda Goad had contacted the Presidents of approximately 18 women's non-profit organizations from Indianapolis and Central Indiana, inviting them to become members in the initial class.  The first meeting was convened by Julie Davis and Shannon Rezek, founders of the Presidents Roundtable.  Its purpose was to bring together diverse organizations of women involved in community service, to gain enrichment by sharing information, to build relationships, and to participate in collaborative projects in order to improve the quality of the lives of women and children in the greater Indianapolis area.  Julie Davis and Linda Goad served as the new organization's first Co-Chairs.  In attendance at this first meeting were representatives from:

 

The Children's Museum Guild

Christamore House Guild

Conner Prairie Alliance

Junior League of Indianapolis

Indianapolis Zoological Guild, Inc.

Indianapolis Chapter of Links, Inc.

National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Indianapolis Chapter

Women's Committee of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra

Women's Committee of the ISO, North Group

The Wing of Ballet Internationale

 

In May 2006, the Presidents Roundtable won the Association of Junior Leagues International’s Award for Collaboration, which is awarded by the Association of Junior Leagues International.  This award is given for innovative and effective collaborations and community partnerships. The Presidents Roundtable was recognized as a model program for collaborations. 

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From the Presidents Roundtable’s inception, it has been actively involved in the Indianapolis Community by providing networking and leadership opportunities for its members.  Activities have included meetings with Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and Mayor Bart Peterson; serving annually on the Mayor’s Community Service Awards committee; participating as a partner in the Sister-to-Sister National Women’s Heart Health screenings; serving on the Governor’s Residence Steering Committee; hosting the Saks Fifth Avenue Grand opening; and participating in the Mayor’s Pack the Pantries food drive initiative.  In 2016, the Presidents' Roundtable participated in the Indiana Historical Society's Festival of Trees.  

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