www.jackandjillinc.org

Our Chapter

In the summer of 1965, a group of concerned parents met to discuss the possibility of becoming an affiliate of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated. The primary concern of this group was the desire to provide for the optimum growth and development of the children. After communication with the National Officers, their dream became a reality in the form of a Mothers’ Club.

Following a year of provisionary activities, the Knoxville Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. was formed. In November, 1966, Jill Aurelia James of the Chattanooga Chapter installed the officers of the Knoxville Chapter.

Throughout the years, the Knoxville Chapter has included civic, cultural, and social activities, as well as educational programs, throughout the Knoxville community for children. Monthly age group activities are planned for the Royal Teens, Twixt ‘N Tweens, Primary and Intermediate, and Whats ‘N Whys children. Along with the monthly age group activities, each programming year (June – May) the chapter participates in six signature family activities:

Shoes for School sponsored by the Knoxville Area Urban League (August)
Jack and Jill Day/Carole Robertson Day (September)
Kwanzaa Family Christmas Celebration (December)
MLK Day – JJOA National Day of Volunteering (January)
March for Babies – JJOA National Day of Fitness (May)
Black Family Day (May)

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About Jack and Jill of America

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 262 chapters nationwide, representing more than 50,000 family members.

Each chapter plans annual programming activities guided under our five point programmatic thrust:

Cultural Awareness

We remember the ways of living developed by communities and passed on from generation to generation, including customs, practices, places, objects, artistic expressions and values. Through our cultural heritage we honor and preserve those who are making a difference in our community by teaching our children to cherish their past and be excited about the future.

Educational Development

The core of the Jack and Jill of America philosophy is that every child – if given the proper guidance and opportunity – can be developed into a leader. Whether it is through skill enhancement or understanding the concepts of integrity, Jack and Jill has become a national icon in creating effective leaders.

Social/ Recreational

We are social beings with a need for balance to function and maintain healthy lives. We believe it is necessary to engage our children both socially and recreationally, learning to interact with peers and others in a healthy, positive and productive manner. These activities promote processes that help to refresh and reinvigorate both the mind and body.

Health

Chapters continue to embrace the importance of being more aware of health issues that impact our communities, resulting in an organization that is more health conscious. We are committed to providing healthy behaviors and personal empowerment programming and training for families to live healthy lifestyles.

Civic

Since our inception, we have been committed to legislation aimed at bettering the lives of all children. Past and present legislative advocacy focus has been on violence in the media, health and wellness initiatives, voter registration, responsible gun laws, and equal access to quality education.

Membership

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. Jack and Jill has 262 local chapters within 7 geographical regions in the United States.

Become a Member

If you are interested in becoming a member of this chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., you must be sponsored by a member(s) of the chapter. You will be invited to attend a meeting where pertinent information, such as the qualifications, cost, selection process, and other information will be discussed

An individual meeting all requirements and qualifications must then be approved by chapter vote to complete the selection process. Each chapter is autonomous and has specific criteria for sponsoring new members.

Legacy Membership

If you are a child or the spouse of a child whose mother graduated from a chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. in good standing and you meet the other criteria for membership, you are eligible for membership as a Legacy Member. Legacy forms can be obtained from our National Office.

In the Spotlight

“A true mother makes all things she touches work with excellence, for the good of all the children – the sons, the daughters, the sisters and the brothers. A true mother is a women -phenomenally.”

New Members 2022

Service Matters – This year, The Knoxville Area Urban League distributed more than 600 pairs of new tennis shoes and thousands of backpacks filled with school supplies to local children in coordination with partners, including Covenant Health, TVA, Second Harvest and nonprofit agencies like Jack and Jill of America, Inc. The Knoxville Chapter supplied more than 500 students with dental kits.

Shoes for School – August 2022

Knoxville Teens are gearing up to be the next generation of leaders, learning how to lead as teen is a critical part of the Jack and Jill programming.

Teen Planning Retreat – Lake Loudon 2022