www.jackandjillinc.org

Our Chapter

The Tulsa Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. began in 1946 with the vision and leadership of a single trailblazer who recognized the opportunities that Jack and Jill could offer the Tulsa community. The Tulsa Chapter was chartered by its Founder, Lillian Perry; Charter President Helen Rouce; and Jeanne Goodwin. Each of these women were active leaders in the Tulsa community during their lifetime. Under their tenure and the service of their successors, the Tulsa chapter thrived for many decades following its inception.

The illustrious past of the Tulsa Chapter of Jack and Jill represents the vitality of more than 130 families who collectively served the Tulsa community for more than 50 years. The Tulsa Chapter of Jack and Jill remained active during the Korean and Vietnam wars, the Civil Rights era, and the desegregation of the 1970’s. During the 1980’s the chapter received many accolades at regional conferences, but the nineties proved to be a difficult time for membership retention and the Tulsa Chapter of Jack and Jill of America eventually folded.

The Tulsa Chapter was revitalized officially in 2008 after succeeding under the vision of Michelle Gentry Anderson and Angela Bontemps Hardman, both of whom had experienced membership as children in Jack and Jill. Through their efforts and the support and belief of several other mothers the Tulsa Chapter was granted membership in 2008 at the 38th National Convention held in Miami, Florida.

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.