About Us

The Washington, D.C. Chapter of Jack and Jill of America

On March 16, 1940, Elinor McGuire, Lillian B. Perry, Lillian C. Bailey, and others formed the Washington, D.C. Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, the third Jack and Jill chapter after Philadelphia and New York City.   They established this chapter based upon the philosophy of Jack and Jill founder Marion Stubbs Thomas:  “Our purpose was to bring together children of our friends, giving them the opportunity not only to form friendship, but to play together, to learn together through cultural activities and to grow and develop into good citizens.”  The Washington, D.C. Chapter is indebted to Elinor McGuire and all the founding members for providing a firm foundation from which we enrich the lives of not only our children but all children in our community.

Today, the Washington, D.C. chapter represents more than 140 moms and more than 200 children.  Our chapter is rich in tradition, history, pride and diversity, and remains focused on the children when planning civic, social, cultural, education, and recreational activities.  We are challenged and inspired by the mothers who came before us concerned about the impact of segregation and opportunities not afforded their children. They came together as friends who literally worked together, lived together and played together.  Even though societal challenges are different today because more opportunities are available to our children today, Jack and Jill remains an important part of our lives and this community because its philosophy is universal and timeless: Jack and Jill is about the children.