About Us
Jack and Jill boasts 271 chapters nationwide, representing more than 50,000 family members. Each chapter plans annual programming activities guided under a general five point programmatic thrust: cultural awareness, educational development, health (education and advocacy), civic (legislative advocacy and service) and social/recreational areas. Through service projects, Jack and Jill of America creates a medium of contact for children to stimulate their growth and development. Through lobbying, educational programming, dissemination of education materials, and the organization of community and charitable events, Jack and Jill has promoted the public awareness and interests of children including child development, child growth, child quality of life, child care and the promotion of children’s rights.
President's Welcome
Welcome!
It is with a spirit of joy, hope, and expectation that I greet you as the 28th National President of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated. Thank you for visiting our website to learn more about our beloved organization.
Jack and Jill has an excellent foundation thanks to past national, regional, and chapter leadership since 1938. The 2024-2026 National Executive Board is excited and prepared to take this organization to the next level! We are eager to see our Mother Members discover the best in children through innovative and effective programming, which we consider the heart of Jack and Jill. Our commitment is to engage the power in unified Black Motherhood and Families to ensure that our children and ALL children can grow and thrive in this world.
A transformational leader, I am unapologetic about our mission to nurture and build future African American leaders during this critical time in history. I also recognize the need to mobilize our alumni–the leaders we have already built—to ensure that Jack and Jill of America evolves and continues to make significant, positive contributions to society. Together, the 2024-2026 National Executive Board looks forward to working with our families, partners, and additional stakeholders to elevate the organization’s meaningful work. Although we represent seven geographical regions, we are one Jack and Jill.
Let’s innovate, impact, and inspire!
Darlene McGhee Whittington
28th National President
Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated
Father's Auxiliary
While mothers hold the membership in Jack and Jill of America, Inc., we realize that fathers play a vital role in helping to achieve our mission. We encourage the involvement of fathers at every level of the organization to assist mothers in delivering programming that stimulates the growth and development of our children and all children. As evidence of our belief in the importance of fathers to our organization, the Father’s Auxiliary is one of only three designated standing committees in our organization. The National Father’s Auxiliary Committee consists of one representative from each region, and the committee chair, which rotates among the regions, is appointed by the National President.
One of the primary objectives of the National Father’s Auxiliary is to encourage involvement of fathers at the local, regional and national level. This is done by establishing a line of communication between each region and all chapters who choose to have a Father’s Auxiliary to share information and ideas.
Associates
Mothers who have tenured out of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated can continue to give back to the organization as an Associate. A mother may become an Associate member of the organization when either the youngest child completes high school or when the youngest child reaches age twenty and the mother completes tenure in good standing. Associates and Associate Groups add value to our organization by supporting their local chapters and the Jack and Jill of America Foundation. They strengthen our organization by addressing the unique needs of Jack and Jill by embracing the institutional knowledge and wisdom of our tenured members. Associate Members who meet the documented criteria may apply for Life Membership (please click here for the form).
Programs
Our programs are primarily centered around leadership development, awareness of cultural heritage and community service. To these ends, we have established multifaceted initiatives such as STE[A]M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math), the Healthy Living Initiative (centered on lifestyle improvements and healthy development) and various projects with our national and local partners. The philosophy we embrace is one of holistic enrichment of our youth and, by extension, our communities. Our national theme is The Power to Make a Difference.
Our History
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.