www.jackandjillinc.org

DYNAMIC DETROIT CHAPTER

The Detroit Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. was chartered in January 1953 by a group of 15 prominent mothers. Detroit Chapter was the 53rd chapter to be established by the National organization and the 10th in the Mid-Western Region. It is noteworthy that our National Founder Marian Stubbs Thomas was a charter member of the Detroit Chapter after moving from Philadelphia. The first president of the Detroit Chapter was Frances Polk. Interest in membership to the newly founded Detroit Chapter was electric. At the installation of new members in September 1953, 42 mothers were installed. These early members began a legacy that continues to thrive.

That same year, the National organization increased the age of children who could participate to 19; however, the Detroit chapter stood fast and decided not to include teens. Initially, there were only two groups of children, ages 2 to 5 and 6 to 12, in Detroit’s chapter. By 1956, with the continued annual initiation of new members, Detroit expanded their age groups to five with a maximum of 20 children in each age group. In 2017, the chapter decided to restructure groups including a teen group for students in grades 9-12.
In 1956, Detroit was one of 16 chapters nationwide. In the early years, the monthly mother’s meetings rotated among the homes of members. Civic activities were an integral part of the mission for the Detroit chapter. For example, in the 1950’s with the rise of polio, the Detroit chapter along with the other nationwide chapters donated $10,000 to the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis.
Above all, we maintain focus on planning fun and unique children’s programs that reflect the national values and the legacy of the Detroit Chapter since that first meeting, on a Monday in January in 1953. For this reason, legacies return, new members join and the Detroit Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. lives on. We honor the Detroit mothers who came before us, and we maintain the legacy for those who will come after us.

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.