JACK & JILL OF AMERICA INC.
JAMES RIVER VIRGINIA CHAPTER
MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT
I bring you greetings on behalf of the James River Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, where I have the honor of currently serving as Chapter President. The James River chapter is a group of dynamic women who are focused on serving our community, training the next generation of servant leaders, and supporting one another through this journey called Motherhood.
Educate, Empower, Equalize.
This is my vision for the James River Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated. Our community has been significantly affected by the COVID pandemic, which has exacerbated educational inequalities that have existed for decades. In addition, we have witnessed rising racial tensions that culminated in demonstrations demanding an end to police brutality and the removal of the Confederate Statues here in Richmond. It is in this crucible of events that the mission was birthed. Educate, Empower, Equalize- Reclaiming our history, dismantling injustice, and lifting as we rise. The mothers of the James River Chapter are working to EDUCATE children on the many contributions of Africans and African Americans. By understanding the breadth and depth of our collective history, which begins well before slavery with highly civilized and organized African kingdoms to our modern Civil Rights movement, which continues to this moment, this new generation of young leaders will have a renewed since of pride in the accomplishments of the African diaspora, and will walk with a new purpose.
We must next EMPOWER these young generations with the skills to act upon this purpose. The James River Chapter provides children in the Richmond community the opportunity to learn public speaking, advocacy skills, and community organizing. These skills are developed through exposure to National, State, and Local civil servants, participation in community activism, and leadership seminars and opportunities.
Through these efforts, the families of James River will work to EQUALIZE the inequalities that plague our society. The focus for James River for the 2021-2022 Program year is food insecurity and closing the literacy gap. Our efforts so far have included a $10,000 donation to the Central Virginia Food Bank, creating book corners at local elementary schools and daycares, cooking for local homeless and medical hospitality houses, and delivering Thanksgiving meals to families in need.
In addition to pouring into our community, we also are a support system for each other. We have an intentionally small chapter designed to foster close, sisterly relations. Many of our members, including myself, have moved to Richmond from places near and far. This diversity of experiences has enabled us to create a dynamic and unique chapter that operates as a “framily.” We are a team bonded by a common goal to make the Richmond metro area a better place for all to live, work and play.
Thank you again for visiting our website. Please join us as we work to better our community.
Tamara Charity-Brown, M. D.
President, James River Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated
JRVA CHAPTER & NATIONAL HISTORY
The James River Virginia Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. was chartered in 2005 with 17 mothers and 23 children. The group was excited about serving a more focused and community-minded purpose. Membership included a diverse group of mothers who were visionaries, role models, servant leaders and community builders. In the last ten years we have nearly doubled in membership and continue to achieve high levels of success in programming activities and community service.
The James River Chapter created the Teen Leadership Institute in collaboration with the University of Richmond Jepson School of Leadership and Leadership Metro Richmond which was nominated to become the national program for all Jack and Jill Chapters in 2006.
Our signature event, beginning its seventh year is the Richmond Renaissance Junior Cotillion. This event builds social self-confidence, teach social graces and manners, and provides the opportunity socialize with peers in a constructive environment.
Additionally, our families participate in activities like the CASA Superhero 5K walk/run as volunteers and participants, and Virginia Legislative Day.
The chapter’s vision and purpose continues to be driven by a shared passion to create opportunities to positively impact the lives of others in the Metro Richmond community, especially children.
National Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
Founded in 1938 Jack and Jill is a nationwide organization with over 220 chapters in 35 states and the District of Columbia, representing over 30,000 family members. 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. + Read more about our National organization
Jack and Jill of America Foundation, Inc.
The Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Since its inception in 1968, the Foundation has distributed millions of dollars to communities all across America. + Read more
WHAT WE DO | OUR PROGRAMS
We have evolved into a strong organization as a result of strong programming. Our founder, Marion Stubbs Thomas had a simple idea of bringing together children in social and cultural relationships and this idea has catapulted our organization.The James River Virginia chapter continues to grow, and the aims and ideals of Jack and Jill continue to strengthen, always with our children as the focal point. Our 2020-2022 National theme is "The Power of a Dream, On Mission. On Purpose. For All Children."
The aims of the organization are:
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To aid mothers in learning more about their children by careful study
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To seek for all children the same advantages which we desire for our own
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To support all national legislation aimed at bettering the conditions of all
Our program director leads a well balanced and organized program of activities throughout the school calendar year. Our local initiatives are directly tied to our national goals including creating a medium of contact for children that will stimulate growth and development, and providing children constructive educational, cultural, civic, recreational, and social programs. Children are placed in age-appropriate groups and enjoy activities appropriate for their age and interests.
Preschool (Ages 2- Kindergarten)
Lower Elementary (Grades 1-2)
Upper Elementary (Grades 3-5)
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Teens (Ages 13-17)
Some of the fun, exciting and stimulating activities the children participate in include: theater outings; holiday and seasonal events; Sickle Cell, March of Dimes, feeding the homeless community service projects; volunteering at nursing homes and health fairs; farm trips to pick fresh fruit and vegetables, scientist programs; finance education programs; college tours; participate in HBCU college activities; amusement park outings, and so much more.
To learn more about our national organization click here:
JRVA CHAPTER MEMBERS
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BECOME A MEMBER
By uniting individual member’s efforts, Jack and Jill of America, Inc. has built a strong, cohesive organization that positively impacts the lives of children, families and communities. Jack and Jill success is based on the depth of commitment, vision and confidence of its members.
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 is divided into 233 local chapters within 7 geographical regions in the United States.
Membership can be obtained via legacy status or via invitation.
Membership via invitation. We appreciate your desire to join our organization. Prospective members must be sponsored by a current member in good standing of the chapter in which they are seeking membership. We encourage interested mothers to make contact with Jack and Jill members in their local communities to learn about specific membership guidelines and procedures. If you are unfamiliar with any current members of your local chapter you may choose to network with others in your community to gain contact with a chapter member. Please be aware that membership intake is at the sole discretion of each chapter. Obtaining a sponsor does not guarantee intake into the organization.
Legacy Membership. Legacy status is granted to each child (male or female) who graduates from a Jack and Jill Chapter and whose mother is a member in good standing at the time of the child’s graduation from the chapter. Once the child desires to enter Jack and Jill through their Legacy Status the legacy will be verified through the chapter by completing and submitting the legacy application.