About LBDI
Founded in 2014 by the Junior League of London, the Little Black Dress initiative (LBDI) is a week-long awareness and fundraising campaign that harnesses the power of social media to illustrate the restrictions poverty places on choices, opportunities, and access to resources.
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Advocates wear a black outfit for five consecutive days in an effort to spark conversations and awareness about the Junior League’s mission and impact areas.
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Throughout the week League members post social media content to advocate and raise awareness for the numerous programs the Junior League of Albany, GA, Inc. partners with to spark conversations around some of Albany's most critical issues, including human trafficking and domestic violence awareness and prevention, health and wellness, education, food insecurity, and adult and adolescent literacy.
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November 10-17, 2026, the Junior League of Albany, GA, brings together its members, community partners, and supporters to invest in programs that address local needs and improve the lives of individuals and families in our community. The campaign also highlights the power of women’s leadership, volunteerism, and collective action in making a meaningful difference. The beneficiaries of the Little Black Dress Initiative are Chehaw Park and Zoo, where a new inclusive accessible play park for all children, including those with disabilities, is being built and the Boys and Girls Club of Albany, where club membership scholarships will be funded.
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Poverty in Albany, GA
According to the U.S. Census findings in 2022, 29.6% of Albany residents were in poverty, with a median income of $43,724 and per-capita income of $23,824, which is 16.9% higher than the state poverty rate and 18.5% higher than the national poverty rate, 38% lower than the state median income, and 37.1% lower than the state per-capita income.
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Poverty in our area has caused lagging income and homeownership rates, higher rates of individuals who do not have medical insurance and less who have high school diplomas and college degrees, which means a lower chance of securing a high-paying, secure job with benefits for the individual and their family.
Who Your Donation Will Support
Chehaw Park & Zoo
Boys & Girls Clubs
All LBDI proceeds will be used to further the mission of JLA. All donations are tax-deductible.
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The Junior League of Albany, Georgia is partnering with Chehaw Park and Zoo in order to build a new play park for the Albany community to enjoy. The Junior League will be specifically focusing on building an inclusive play park for all children, including those with disabilities, to use. Chehaw Park boasts a rich history, a distinctive environment, a talented and varied team, robust support from the city, an exceptional support organization, and a forward-looking vision. This vision is rooted in the core principles of conservation, education, and preservation that Chehaw was established upon.
The Junior League of Albany is proud to partner with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany. The Clubs’ mission is to inspire young people to become productive, caring, and responsible citizens each and every day. Through the efforts of trained and experienced youth development professionals, program specialists, dedicated volunteers, and support staff, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany is committed to helping young people reach their full potential.
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