Any Jack & Jill members here?

[Anonymous]

I’m curious, what’s the tone for the NOVA JJ chapter?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^^ I think I left out a sentence in my post, which might make it confusing but I think you can get the gist of what I'm saying.

I get what you’re saying. I literally didn’t know any better. We lived in Alexandria and decided when our oldest started school we would move closer to my job and also where the schools had higher rankings. I had no idea she would be the only black kid. I thought it would be diverse like Alexandria. We didn’t even check the demographics. We didn’t even think all white neighbors existed in an area like this. We have considered moving several times, but now she has friends to a certain extent. I’m hesitant to rip her out and this housing market is terrible. My husband has a good commute. I’ve searched everywhere ❤️. Like where does one even go?

We looked at Woodbridge but then you gotta hope for the lottery for the charter schools or do private.

I would love some advice. I’m heart broken everyday. Like she has found some good friends and distanced herself from others—. But I worry about stupid stuff or is it stupid. I always had self esteem issues and I really try to build her up. She is a beautiful girl and that’s not important—my point is she is starting to have crushes and the only options are of white boys. They don’t like her back. It sounds so stupid to some, but I don’t want her growing up feeling less than. Like I’m glad boys don’t notice her, but the message it send her is heartbreaking. If that makes sense. It’s not important, but it does something to little black girls self esteem.

This makes me sad and I really do understand how you feel. I live in DC so I know nothing about VA schools. I hope someone else has some good suggestions for you.

[Anonymous]

.

[Anonymous]

West Springfield/Burke area, diverse and best test scores for Black students

[Anonymous]

Bump

[Anonymous]

There’s a handbook you can find online……

[Anonymous]

It’s the Black KKK

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Years ago, my best friend wanted to join but was told no, because she was biracial. I remember how upset her parents were. This was in the late 50s.

This is how ugly rumors get started. My biracial DC is currently in a J&J chapter now, and our family has had absolutely no problems. There are several other biracial children in my chapter as well.

PP said it was over 60 years ago. No one in their right mind would give this story the time of day. 🙄

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was offered to be sponsored but I'm not sure I want to do this. I mean... the arrogance of some of the J&J members is more than I can stomach... The organization itself does not discriminate based on complexion any longer, but some of the children have been known to exclude and make fun of children with darker complexions. I know for a fact one young girl was being referred to as "Miss Celie."

Really?? That’s nuts. I have a good friend whose son participates and she is the kindest and friendliest person you could ever meet. She lives in North Bethesda. Maybe check out the chapter near there. I can’t imagine her being a member of anything where people are snooty and discriminate. She is not light skinned.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s the Black KKK

Your comprehension skills concern me

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^^ I think I left out a sentence in my post, which might make it confusing but I think you can get the gist of what I'm saying.

I get what you’re saying. I literally didn’t know any better. We lived in Alexandria and decided when our oldest started school we would move closer to my job and also where the schools had higher rankings. I had no idea she would be the only black kid. I thought it would be diverse like Alexandria. We didn’t even check the demographics. We didn’t even think all white neighbors existed in an area like this. We have considered moving several times, but now she has friends to a certain extent. I’m hesitant to rip her out and this housing market is terrible. My husband has a good commute. I’ve searched everywhere ❤️. Like where does one even go?

We looked at Woodbridge but then you gotta hope for the lottery for the charter schools or do private.

I would love some advice. I’m heart broken everyday. Like she has found some good friends and distanced herself from others—. But I worry about stupid stuff or is it stupid. I always had self esteem issues and I really try to build her up. She is a beautiful girl and that’s not important—my point is she is starting to have crushes and the only options are of white boys. They don’t like her back. It sounds so stupid to some, but I don’t want her growing up feeling less than. Like I’m glad boys don’t notice her, but the message it send her is heartbreaking. If that makes sense. It’s not important, but it does something to little black girls self esteem.

JJ member here. I doubt you got rejected because you aren’t old money or whatever— the person who you asked to sponsor you just didn’t think you were a fit for some other reason. Most people who aren’t legacies who require sponsorship and get voted in know most of the people in the chapter already. They are part of that community from other connections — college, neighborhoods, other organizations (eg Links), jobs, sororities, family connections, etc. I have to say, it’s off to me when I meet black people where I can’t find any connection it’s odd to me. It has nothing to do with “status”. If you were someone who didn’t know anyone else in the chapter to which you were seeking membership, you wouldn’t have gotten voted in. The person you approached knew that and didn’t want the job of trying convince a whole bunch people that you would be a great fit when to them you are a stranger. My advice would be to forge relationships with the black community outside of JJ and try again later(or not) but there are lots of other ways for you to meet the parents of the kids you want your kid to be friends with.

[Anonymous]

How does one go about finding a sponsor? I'm in western Maryland and it's near impossible and sadly I don't know anyone who is affiliated.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is Jack & Jill?

An organization for elite, well education, rich light-skinned Black folks that historically discriminated against those of the darker persuasion.

Oh DAMN. Way to hate your own.

[Anonymous]

I grew up doing Jack and Jill in Southern California. I moved out here recently and am considering starting a family. Which chapter in the area would be good? Is it a problem that my husband is white? I want a chill chapter where people aren't trying to one-up each other all the time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here, Thanks for the responses.

We live on the Rockville/Potomac border. We've struggled to find diverse churches that are anywhere close to us. I have learned that Sunday is the most segregated day of the week.

We are members of the National Cathedral and while we love it there it currently doesn't have Sunday school or a youth group (just the nursery which DD has aged out of).


I tried Mocha Moms when DD was a toddler but the women in that MoCo chapter seemed only interested in putting on a show. It seemed VERY superficial. DH and I have money but nothing to prove. The last I heard was that chapter is now defunct.

I guess there isn't a right answer for us. I think that J&J may be too pretentious for me to deal with. What I really want is a diverse group of kids with whom DD shares many of the same experiences. J&J and Mocha Moms are certainly (and intentionally) not diverse but what is?

I guess my search continues. . .

The Montgomery County J&J Chapter is really nice. Not pretentious. The Potomac Chapter is more pretentious.

What is the best way to get in touch with the MoCo chapter?