www.jackandjillinc.org

Greensboro Chapter History

In the Fall of 1953, a small group of mothers who happened to be friends and business associates came together to organize a chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated in Greensboro, North Carolina. They had been inspired by the exemplary projects of the Raleigh Chapter, who through their innovation, had strengthened the bond of parenthood and child hood on a community level. The mother’s ultimate objective was to inaugurate programs and development of the youth in the Greensboro community through the immediate efforts with their own children.

That day in 1953 was one for “remembering.” A day that impressed upon them more strongly than ever that one did not build a lasting or useful edifice alone; nor did one rear a fine human being without the advice and assistance of other agencies and influences. The Raleigh Chapter was indeed their co-architects in the building of the Greensboro organization. The Raleigh Chapter offered every conceivable bit of advice and tool that they possessed to the group of Greensboro mothers. It was during the following spring that the blueprint was laid in order to obtain a Charter for the Greensboro Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

It was at the June 1954 national convention held in Durham, North Carolina, that the Greensboro Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. was accepted into national membership. This Chapter was sixtieth entry in the national organization. It was the beginning of better understanding of self, of friends, of community and of world neighbors. This was the culmination of a dream and the Greensboro group of mothers was filled with a sense of fulfillment.

Margaret Falkener was the “guiding hand” for the Greensboro Chapter. Her friendship with Virginia Newell and other mothers in Raleigh opened many doors and helped the Chapter avoid many rough spots. As a result, the new Greensboro Chapter had developed respect and a sincere gratitude for the mothers of the Raleigh Chapter. The National President, Mrs. Nellie Rouhlac, installed the Greensboro Chapter. Her friendship with Virginia Newell and other mothers in Raleigh opened many doors and helped the Chapter avoid many rough spots. As a result, the new Greensboro Chapter had developed respect and a sincere gratitude for the mothers of the Raleigh Chapter.

The National President, Mrs. Nellie Rouhlac, installed the Greensboro Chapter in the home of Margaret Falkener on October 8, 1954. The following were charter members of the group: Elreta Alexander, Sallie Corbett, Elizabeth Dowdy, Edna Fisher, Margaret Falkener, Blance Grant, Anne Graves, Mae Sue Henry, Eva Miller, Winnie Robinson, Sue Taylor, and Ivy Williamson. Officers elected after receiving the Chapter’s Charter were Margaret Falkener, President; Anne Graves, Vice President; Winnie Robinson, Secretary; Edna Fisher, Treasurer; and Sallie Corbett, Journalist. The first group of mothers installed after the Chapter was established were Nettie Banks, Marietta Carington, Pauline Foster, Anita Rivers, Juanita Spaulding and Rosalie Wooden in December, 1954.

Message from the Chapter President

Welcome to the Greensboro Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated! It is an honor to serve as Chapter President and to continue the legacy of excellence, leadership, and service that defines our Five-Star Chapter.

This year, our theme is “Empowering Excellence, Embracing Unity.” Through this theme, we reaffirm our commitment to delivering impactful, high-quality programming that uplifts our children, strengthens our families, and deepens our engagement in the community. As a chapter, we are focused on cultivating the next generation of African-American leaders while fostering strong bonds of sisterhood and purpose among our members.

For the love of Jack and Jill,

Michelle Lester

President, Greensboro Chapter

Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated

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.