www.jackandjillinc.org

OUR CHAPTER

In 1949, seventeen prominent mothers in the Raleigh, North Carolina area identified a need for a local chapter of Jack and Jill of America. They organized a provisional group in Raleigh, under the sponsorship of Mollie Huston Lee of the Durham, North Carolina Chapter.

On June 3, 1950, in Buffalo, New York, at the Fifth National Convention, this provisional group was voted into membership. The Raleigh Chapter became the twenty-seventh chapter to represent the goals and objectives of Jack and Jill of America. This illustrious event occurred only twelve years after the inception of the National Organization.

In 1993 the Raleigh Chapter had a vision to encompass all of Wake County, North Carolina. This vision was achieved under the leadership of the twenty-first Chapter President, Ms. Shirley Nimmons. The new boundaries brought about a new name for the chapter: The Raleigh Wake Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

The Raleigh Wake Chapter has an unparalleled presence in the community and continues to build a rich legacy of service and leadership. Raleigh Wake is a Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Five Star Chapter of Excellence.

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President’s Message

The Raleigh Wake Chapter of Jack and Jill of America has an extraordinary legacy of service throughout North Carolina. That legacy continues today with our impressive mother members who are leaders in their professions, philanthropic organizations and faith communities.

Together we are committed to nurturing future Black leaders through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty. As a chapter we persevered through the unique challenges the pandemic posed to families. Our chapter has committed to harnessing the revolutionary power of Joy through the intentional awareness that creating, expressing and displaying black joy in uncertain times is as James Baldwin described “the bulwark against a hostile society.”

Raleigh Wake is excited to Re-engage, Re-connect, and Re-imagine Jack and Jill of America, Inc. through the revolutionary power of Joy.

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.