Any Jack & Jill members here?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Question - why would someone from PG County need to join J&J? Your ENTIRE county is black, so your children do not need the benefit of J&J (activities with other black children, etc.) because they would be getting that everyday at their predominantly black schools. I think this just shows that membership is perceived to be a badge of honor for those blacks who think they've made it as opposed to an organization that connects black families to activities that they can do together.

The county may be majority Black but a small percentage of those people have the pedigree that is desirable for J&J. Government workers, first generation college (think Strayer, online degrees, kids aren't going to college, etc...). This may be a sweeping generalization of the county but the true "J&J types" of PG County are few and far between. That county isn't considered the 9th ward of DC for nothing... a lot of people feel that it is extension of Ward 8.

It's nice that you recognize the stupidity of your statement.

Really? A good number of people in the PG County Chapter of J&J schlep their kids to upper NW privates. None of the houses in that county have retained pre-bubble value, highest percentage of short sales and foreclosures in the metro DC area. I also see more MD tags at DC public and charter schools than should be allowed. My statement may be a generalization but it certainly isn't stupid. You [or your family members] may be the exception but PG (or Prince Georges as the new money calls it) County is not rife with legacy J&J members.

But if PG county parents are putting their kids elite NW private schools than that means they do actually have deep pockets, correct? What area is rife with J&J legacy members...DC? All those people moved to Prince Georges County, MD and Montgomery DECADES ago. The only area that has J&J legacies in upper 16th street. Prince Georges County has those same neighborhoods in the same income bracket, there are just 100x more of them located in the County. In fact Prince Georges County has 2 Different Jack & Jill chapters because of the demand. What does Foreclosures that happened in the last 5 years have to do with a county that has had black wealth since the mid 90's LOL

This is an old thread, but I just came across it. I am a member of the DC J&J Chapter. Our Chapter members are mostly legacy members (at least 60%). There is a huge demand for spots in DC's Chapter, but not many spots open up (plus, membership intake is every other year--at most). There is only one DC Chapter, so that only adds to its exclusivity.

I totally understand, but legacy doesn't equate to wealth. I"m sorry if u compare the bank accounts of each chapter, "PG" wont be at the bottom but certain chapters will...but I"m not a messy person so I'll leave it at that lol. But I did hear the DC chapter is very "cut throat" with lots of accomplished Moms so good for them

[Anonymous]

I grew up on the West Coast and J&J was not a thing, never heard of it until I was well into my late 20s. Sorry, but just as with the whole "elite Northwestern" culture as a whole, most of the country simply doesn't care.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:They may be UMC/UC but not one of them is truely wealthy and never will be.

????

Anybody can become rich only a few are wealthy. Oprah is rich, the Rothschields are wealthy.

Right. 3 billion isn't wealthy.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Sounds like reverse segregation.

Says the person that doesn't know the definition of segregation.

If Whites are excluded, that's segregation.

Oh please what ur really mad about is the realization that blacks have had their own organizations for Decades and you weren't invited. You thought we were sitting hand playing with our thumbs. BTW list me the names of black families at any of those elite country clubs in "Liberal" MOCO county?

Yeah, how about that! I am sure the number is less than 5. Legacy doesn't really work well with the clubs if you are black since our parents couldn't join.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I grew up on the West Coast and J&J was not a thing, never heard of it until I was well into my late 20s. Sorry, but just as with the whole "elite Northwestern" culture as a whole, most of the country simply doesn't care.

It is a thing, you just didn't know about it. Jack and Jill has SEVERAL chapters on the west coast and they've been around a very long time.

[Anonymous]

legacy here. i liked J&J and it was good for me because there were no other Black kids like me in my school/neighborhood/church. as an adult with a child i haven't joined though. i do find it quit pretentious and too much time and money to make it worthwhile, especially since DC has so many opportunities to meet like Black children here in DC

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I grew up on the West Coast and J&J was not a thing, never heard of it until I was well into my late 20s. Sorry, but just as with the whole "elite Northwestern" culture as a whole, most of the country simply doesn't care.

It is a thing, you just didn't know about it. Jack and Jill has SEVERAL chapters on the west coast and they've been around a very long time.

That's nice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:legacy here. i liked J&J and it was good for me because there were no other Black kids like me in my school/neighborhood/church. as an adult with a child i haven't joined though. i do find it quit pretentious and too much time and money to make it worthwhile, especially since DC has so many opportunities to meet like Black children here in DC

Which region were u in? I hear attitudes are different from chapter to chapter, region to region

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:NP here, and didn't read all the posts. Can interracial children join?

Of course. Usually though, the mom should be black, but it depends on the chapter.

I'm the mom, and black. I've never heard of it. We had debutantes back in Augusta where I grew up. I'm gonna ask DH how he feels about it. I'm not sure I'd want to single DD out towards either race.

It's a mom's organization so men are already marginalized. Honestly, having been in 2 chapters and in a chapter with an interracial couple (mom black and dad white) - it was really just not a big deal.

Agreed. I almost joined Southern PG's chapter and I'm a single mom (so obviously a working mom lol).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:legacy here. i liked J&J and it was good for me because there were no other Black kids like me in my school/neighborhood/church. as an adult with a child i haven't joined though. i do find it quit pretentious and too much time and money to make it worthwhile, especially since DC has so many opportunities to meet like Black children here in DC

Which region were u in? I hear attitudes are different from chapter to chapter, region to region

Eastern region. I'm from Pennsylvania. Our chapter had all shades of Black folks and certainly social climbing types but the kids were cool. I keep in touch with a few. Now that I think about it though, maybe I will join here in DC. It might be a good experience for my child.

[Anonymous]

A few years back, I seriously considered joining Jack & Jill, but ultimately decided against it. Also considered Little Bo Peep. I'm now a member of Humpty Dumpty. I'm generally happy with my decision.

[Anonymous]

Biracial (black/white) woman here. Never heard of this organization until reading this thread. Interesting. How much exactly does it cost to be a part of this organization. Obviously I'm not thinking of being a part of it, I'm just curious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Biracial (black/white) woman here. Never heard of this organization until reading this thread. Interesting. How much exactly does it cost to be a part of this organization. Obviously I'm not thinking of being a part of it, I'm just curious.

Each chapter is different, the dues aren't that expensive I think the real spending comes from the mom sponsored activities that happen each month. So it does take time & money

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sounds like reverse segregation.

Says the person that doesn't know the definition of segregation.

If Whites are excluded, that's segregation.

I am in both Mocha Moms and Jack and Jill. Whites are NOT excluded. We have white moms in both groups and there are some in executive positions (in J&J). We hang out, travel together and get along. I think that some of the people who are posting about the criteria to get into J&J are not really in it because what they are saying is not accurate. In order to be part of J&J you must be invited and sponsored by an existing member and once you are sponsored, the existing members have to vote you in. With Mocha Moms, it is just an application and a fee of $50.00 (at least for the Silver Spring Chapter). Mocha Moms is VERY down to earth and can be a little granola but they are good friendly people and they hold lots of fun non-pretentious events.

For people who have negative things to say about J&J, the bottom line is everything is not for everybody. Unless or until someone invites you to be a member of J&J, don't worry about it because you really are not in a position to consider whether you would be a part of it or not. That said, the organization offers wonderful opportunities for kids of color who are from upper middle class to wealthy backgrounds. These kids usually live in far flung suburbs and are the only or one of few kids of color in their schools. J&J gives them an opportunity to interact and socialize with kids with similar backgrounds so that they do not feel so isolated and disconnected. Unless you are a parent of a black child in this type of situation, you will not understand. For those who cannot afford to be in J&J, nothing stops them from forming their own groups or organizations or getting some friends together and do some of the same activities on their own.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sounds like reverse segregation.

Says the person that doesn't know the definition of segregation.

If Whites are excluded, that's segregation.

I am in both Mocha Moms and Jack and Jill. Whites are NOT excluded. We have white moms in both groups and there are some in executive positions (in J&J). We hang out, travel together and get along. I think that some of the people who are posting about the criteria to get into J&J are not really in it because what they are saying is not accurate. In order to be part of J&J you must be invited and sponsored by an existing member and once you are sponsored, the existing members have to vote you in. With Mocha Moms, it is just an application and a fee of $50.00 (at least for the Silver Spring Chapter). Mocha Moms is VERY down to earth and can be a little granola but they are good friendly people and they hold lots of fun non-pretentious events.

For people who have negative things to say about J&J, the bottom line is everything is not for everybody. Unless or until someone invites you to be a member of J&J, don't worry about it because you really are not in a position to consider whether you would be a part of it or not. That said, the organization offers wonderful opportunities for kids of color who are from upper middle class to wealthy backgrounds. These kids usually live in far flung suburbs and are the only or one of few kids of color in their schools. J&J gives them an opportunity to interact and socialize with kids with similar backgrounds so that they do not feel so isolated and disconnected. Unless you are a parent of a black child in this type of situation, you will not understand. For those who cannot afford to be in J&J, nothing stops them from forming their own groups or organizations or getting some friends together and do some of the same activities on their own. +1