The Junior League of Atlanta was organized in 1916 with forty-five members. It is a member of the Association of Junior Leagues, Inc. Primary activities include organized events which raise funds for charitable and philanthropic activities, and volunteer assistance for its own projects and those of other community organizations.

Activities through the years reflect the changing needs and social interest of the community. The first activity was a "Butterfly Ball" in 1916, with the proceeds going to the Churches' Home for Girls. Other projects have ranged from a Thyroid Clinic at Grady Hospital, established in 1934, to financial and volunteer support of Henrietta Egleston Hospital for Children. The league gave a spectacular Gone With the Wind Ball in 1939. It also instigated the return of the Metrolpolitan Opera to Atlanta in 1947, runs the Nearly New Shop and Atlanta Speech School, and participates in many other projects.