Any Jack & Jill members here?

[Anonymous]

Mocha Moms is a great group. A few very active chapters in MD

[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.

I have no problem with J&J, have lots of friends who belong to various chapters around the country, but your comments in bold do absolutely nothing to dispel the stereotype of elitism. Just Wow! No way I would anyone, 'well if you cannot afford it, then make up your own organization. Really Nice lady!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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

I was told the DC J&J chapter was $8K per year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

I was told the DC J&J chapter was $8K per year.

One I know in VA is 5 grand

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

I was told the DC J&J chapter was $8K per year.

One I know in VA is 5 grand

Just curious about the sources of this information... These amounts seem very steep. Is this for membership dues or are other variables included, e.g., travel, conferences, conventions, monthly activities?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

I was told the DC J&J chapter was $8K per year.

One I know in VA is 5 grand

Just curious about the sources of this information... These amounts seem very steep. Is this for membership dues or are other variables included, e.g., travel, conferences, conventions, monthly activities?

dues -- info from chapter member

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

I was told the DC J&J chapter was $8K per year.

One I know in VA is 5 grand

Just curious about the sources of this information... These amounts seem very steep. Is this for membership dues or are other variables included, e.g., travel, conferences, conventions, monthly activities?

It's Jack and Jill , they are not "inexpensive" unless you are speaking relative to something more expensive

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

I was told the DC J&J chapter was $8K per year.

One I know in VA is 5 grand

Just curious about the sources of this information... These amounts seem very steep. Is this for membership dues or are other variables included, e.g., travel, conferences, conventions, monthly activities?

My info came from a member.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

I have no problem with J&J, have lots of friends who belong to various chapters around the country, but your comments in bold do absolutely nothing to dispel the stereotype of elitism. Just Wow! No way I would anyone, 'well if you cannot afford it, then make up your own organization. Really Nice lady!

Me saying "hey go start your own organization" is not being elitist. I am saying that since J&J has certain requirements for entry (an invitation from a member, sponsorship by a member, being voted in and often somewhat costly dues), then why not just form your own organization or group and do the same or similar things. The dues for J&J are high because they host a ton of activities, trips, conferences and trainings throughout the year. If membership were open to those who could not afford to participate, who pays for their admission to these events??? It is an organization and not a charity; however, there are charities that promote these types of activities. I think its silly to try and accuse J&J of being elitist when really all the organization is asking is that you pay the fees necessary for your child to participate throughout the year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

I was told the DC J&J chapter was $8K per year.

One I know in VA is 5 grand

Just curious about the sources of this information... These amounts seem very steep. Is this for membership dues or are other variables included, e.g., travel, conferences, conventions, monthly activities?

dues -- info from chapter member

People exaggerate. I've been in 2 chapters. Those dues would be unusually high.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

I have no problem with J&J, have lots of friends who belong to various chapters around the country, but your comments in bold do absolutely nothing to dispel the stereotype of elitism. Just Wow! No way I would anyone, 'well if you cannot afford it, then make up your own organization. Really Nice lady!

Me saying "hey go start your own organization" is not being elitist. I am saying that since J&J has certain requirements for entry (an invitation from a member, sponsorship by a member, being voted in and often somewhat costly dues), then why not just form your own organization or group and do the same or similar things. The dues for J&J are high because they host a ton of activities, trips, conferences and trainings throughout the year. If membership were open to those who could not afford to participate, who pays for their admission to these events??? It is an organization and not a charity; however, there are charities that promote these types of activities. I think its silly to try and accuse J&J of being elitist when really all the organization is asking is that you pay the fees necessary for your child to participate throughout the year.

You were sounding elitist, not J&J.
It was your tone. I the k most of us know that J&J is expensive. You either want in a can afford it or not.
But the way you came off, intentionally or not, was snotty and condescending.

[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.

There is a long list of all white social organizations in this country so don't expect black people to care about your feeling slighted. When all those doors open up, then you'll have a legitimate reason to complain.

[Anonymous]

Whites aren't excluded from J&J, but some whites feel uncomfortable being a minority so I'm not sure there would ever be a rush to join.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Whites aren't excluded from J&J, but some whites feel uncomfortable being a minority so I'm not sure there would ever be a rush to join.

That is, if anyone were to ever sponsor them in the first place.

[Anonymous]

There are white moms in my chapter. They feel perfectly comfortable - after all, their children are black and so are their husbands. We all hang out outside of chapter events as well, so these are genuine friendships.