Programming is the heart and essence of Jack and Jill. It is through local programming efforts that children will be
exposed to cultural enrichment and challenged to try new activities, acquire social skills and learn more about their African-American heritage. They can be
encouraged to accept different leadership positions and hold office at the local
and regional levels as they move through the teen group. Through the local
chapter, they will make friends that last a lifetime.
The children’s annual program schedule for each grade group should include at least one activity centered on the national theme and/or the national programmatic thrust for the year. The programming requirements
of Jack and Jill of America, including but not limited to: social, recreational, cultural, educational, civic, community service, health issues, legislative, leadership development and financial literacy.
Community Service is a pillar of Jack and Jill of America. We encourage our children to volunteer and we recognize them through the Jack and Jill of America Youth Volunteer Service Program. Each year, Jack
and Jill children/teens submit verification that they conducted at least 25 hours
of volunteer service hours in the community. We expect our children to be lifelong community servants. It is very
important that children and teens bond together to perform community service
as a group during the program year.
Annual Chapter-Wide Programming
Jack & Jill Day
Carole Robertson Day
Carole Robertson was the Birmingham Chapter of Jack and Jill Teen President when she was killed on the Sunday morning of September 15, 1963, in the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama along with three other young girls: Denise McNair (11), Addie Mae Collins (14), and Cynthia Wesley (14). At the time of her death, Carole was only 14 years of age and was at the church to prepare for a civil rights march with other youth.
Per a resolution adopted at a National Convention, all chapters of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. are committed to honoring Carole in September of each year with an activity that highlights the goals of human rights, civil rights, and racial harmony.
Black Family Day
National Black Family Day came about in May 1987 when William Gray III, Congressman from Pennsylvania, spoke with conviction when he entered a tribute to JJOA into the Congressional Record on May 5, 1987 as the organization embarked upon a Black Family Day of Celebration. Activities were to focus on the needs of children worldwide with special attention to the needs of children in Africa through our partnership with Africare.
Over time we have broadened our scope to focus on aspects of family and the cultural heritage of families for African Americans. Activities are planned around the family. Activities should promote the solidarity of the family by with events such as: family dinners, family worship, family communication, workshops, community service to children without families or support non-traditional families such as foster care homes, workshops on the need for black adoptions etc.