ABOUT US
MISSION: Jack and Jill of America, Inc., is a membership organization of mothers with children ages 2 – 19, dedicated to nurturing future African American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty.
The late Marion Stubbs Thomas founded Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, on January 24, 1938, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Twenty mothers came together to discuss creating an organization to provide social, cultural and educational opportunities for youth between the ages of 2 and 19. In 1946, 10 chapters were involved in the national restructuring process. The constitution and bylaws were drawn up, and the organization was incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware.
Today, Jack and Jill boasts more than 247 chapters nationwide, representing more than 40,000 family members. Each chapter plans annual programming activities guided under a national theme. Through service projects, Jack and Jill of America creates a medium of contact for children to stimulate their growth and development. Through lobbying, educational programming, dissemination of education materials, and the organization of community and charitable events, Jack and Jill has promoted the public awareness and interests of children including child development, child growth, child quality of life, child care and the promotion of children’s rights.
By uniting individual members efforts, Jack and Jill of America, Inc. has built a strong, cohesive organization that positively impacts the lives of children, families and communities. Jack and Jill success is based on the depth of commitment, vision and confidence of its members.
We are a membership organization of mothers with children ages 2 to 19, dedicated to nurturing future Leaders by supporting children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty.
Membership can be obtained via legacy status or via invitation.
Membership via invitation.
We appreciate your desire to join our organization. Prospective members must be sponsored by a current member in good standing of the chapter in which they are seeking membership. We encourage interested mothers to make contact with Jack and Jill members in their local communities to learn about specific membership guidelines and procedures. If you are unfamiliar with any current members of your local chapter you may choose to network with others in your community to gain contact with a chapter member. Please be aware that membership intake is at the sole discretion of each chapter. Obtaining a sponsor does not guarantee intake into the organization. For Membership Questions Please Contact the Vice President at Membership Inquiries
For further information about the chapter closest to you, please visit the ‘Regions’ section on our website.
Legacy Membership.
Legacy status is granted to each child (male or female) who graduates from a Jack and Jill Chapter and whose mother is a member in good standing at the time of the child’s graduation from the chapter. Once the child desires to enter Jack and Jill through their Legacy Status the legacy will be verified through the chapter by completing and submitting the legacy application which is located below. The application should be filled out and forwarded to the current chapter president of the chapter in which he/she graduated out from. If at the time the chapter cannot verify the legacy, the chapter files at headquarters will be researched to verify Legacy. If a Legacy certificate was filed for the child it will be in the Chapter Files at Headquarters.