The Junior League of Lafayette is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

The Junior League of Lafayette began in 1957 as the Service League of Lafayette. Seventeen women organized the Service League. In 1974, the Service League was admitted into the Association of Junior Leagues and officially became the Junior League of Lafayette.

The League has trained volunteers for community service in areas of local needs including child health/development education, health/well-being, social services, substance abuse prevention, teens/juvenile justice, voluntarism, and the arts.

First members listed: Mrs. Bella Nickerson Abramson; Mrs. Emelie Cogys, Jr.; Mrs. Margaret Ramsey Copeland; Mrs. Azalie Crain; Mrs. Geraldine Fontenot; Mrs. Malise Foster; Mrs. Jean Frazell; Mrs. Martha Greer; Mrs. Frances Wallace; Mrs. Barbara Hartwell; Mrs. Irene Hetherwick; Mrs. Susie Hughes; Mrs. Janelle Morgan; Mrs. Wodthrow Meeker; Mrs. Lucille Copeland; Mrs. Mary Ann Sadler and Mrs. Martha Smith. Three Honorary members: Mrs. W.W. Hawkins; Mrs. Donald Labbe; and Mrs. Bennett Voorhies; this group formed the charter membership.