Chapter History
On January 29, 1977, the Phoenix chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated held an informational workshop to provide an organization overview to the Tucson Provisional chapter. This workshop was led by Thelma Rice, Far West Regional Director, and Barbara Davis, Phoenix Chapter President. Under the sponsorship of the Phoenix Arizona chapter and leadership of Fran Keith and Beverly Johnson, the requirements were met and the Tucson provisional group was formed. Fran Keith attended the National Convention as the provisional interim President for the Tucson provision group to become an official chapter. Other provisional officers included Wyllstyne “Styne” Hill, 1st Vice President; Leyda Herring, 2nd Vice President; Sara Pogue, Recording Secretary; Barbara V. Williams, Corresponding Secretary; Pearlie Pridgett, Financial Secretary; Rose Dubose, Treasurer; Rosa Herring, Historian; Winona Ettrick, Chaplin and Norma Watson, Parliamentarian/Sargent at Arms.
On Saturday, October 7, 1978, the Tucson provisional chapter inducted 22 moms into the newly chartered Tucson Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated. These inducted moms included the 10 provisional officers stated in the above paragraph in addition to Mary Campbell, Fay Chappel, Mariette Ekuchukuri, Bernice Harmon, Jean Johnson, Jerry Lewis, Margaret Kimbrough, Yvonne Lake, Wilhelmina Robinson, Edith Sorrell, Bernice Jackson, and Louise Young.
The chapter installation was held on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona and 22 moms were present during the installation ceremony. The initial membership dues were $75 per family, and 57 children were included in the chapter roster with the last founding members graduating in 1996.
In 1979 after the Tucson chapter was chartered, Wyllstyne “Styne” Hill was elected to serve as the first official President along with Yvonne Gathers, the chapters 1st
Vice President. At that time, the membership had grown to 27 mother members. The last of this founding group graduated out of Jack and Jill in 1996.
Our Chapter strives to create civic-minded leaders who celebrate the fullness of their heritage; take purposeful action; optimize their talents; and advocate for themselves and others. We appreciate our leaders for stepping up to serve Jack and Jill of America, their region and their chapter. As we begin the 2020 – 2021 programming year we are excited about these possibilities for our children and motivated to become more involved in the Tucson community. Implementing the National Program Theme, “The Power To Make A Difference For All Children On Mission. On Purpose’’, we know that we have the power to impact all children, our chapter, our community, and the world.
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
Leadership
Our Chapter’s Leadership Board
Cesanee Johnson
Kimberly Braxton Anekwe
Sandra Herron
Rochelle Price
Nelda Akinbile
Carmishun Coleman
Sabrina Salmon
Jenée Hamilton
Community Service
Local Philanthropies that we have had the honor of partnering with
Contact Our Chapter
We look forward to hearing from you about membership or how our members can serve your philanthropy and our community.