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Published on September 26th, 2019 | by Guest Contributor

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Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Holds its 7th Biennial “On The Hill” Legislative Summit

Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Holds its 7th Biennial “On The Hill” Legislative Summit, “The Time is Now” to Advocate For Voter Registration; Equity in Education; Gun Violence Prevention and Safety

Mother Members and Teens from 247 Chapters Representing 37 U.S. States Are Coming Together In the Nation’s Capital for Five Consecutive Legislative Advocacy Days, Sept. 25-29

Jack and Jill of America, Inc. (JJOA), an 81-year-old national non-profit organization of mothers with children ages 2-19 who are focused on a mission to develop youth into leaders through cultural, civic and social experiences, will hold its 7th Biennial “On the Hill” Legislative Summit  at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C., Sept. 25 – 29. Mother members and teens from 247 chapters in 37 states will come together in the nation’s capital for “The Time is Now to convene for workshops and discussions, as well as meet with political representatives and legislators to increase awareness of the legislative process, and advocacy in action.

“We have the power to make a difference in our communities and in the lives of children around the country,” said Danielle Brown, National President, Jack and Jill of America, Inc. “We remain steadfast in our mission and we are committed to moving forward on the path from which we have come. Keeping our children as our first priority and developing youth leaders with pride in community stewardship, civic engagement, volunteer service and philanthropic giving is our focus and responsibility.”

Jack and Jill’s “On The Hill” Legislative Summit will provide an educational experience for its participants through a robust legislative advocacy agenda with a variety of sessions emphasizing “The Power of Legislation,” “Social Activism Through Art” and “The Power of Advocacy.” Launching the programming will be “Advocacy in Action” spearheaded by Soapbox Consulting, which will prepare teen advocates for meetings on Thursday, Sept. 26 (7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET) with congressional leaders – U.S. Senators and House of Representatives Members – to discuss three legislative initiatives:  Voter Registration; Equity in Education; and Gun Violence Prevention and Safety.

Reinforcing the organization’s commitment to educate, and in observance of National Voter Registration Day (Tuesday), Jack and Jill is kicking off its partnership with When We All Vote, a national, nonpartisan not-for-profit dedicated to bringing together influential voices, institutions, brands, media companies and organizations from across the country to increase voter registration and turnout, reduce participation gaps among underrepresented communities and change the culture of voting across the country.  The “On The Hill” Legislative Summit will provide participants with online resources, tools and information regarding the voting regulations in their home states.

In addition, Valerie Jarrett, Board Chair for When We All Vote and author of “Finding My Voice: My Journey to the West Wing and the Path Forward,” will lead a fireside conversation during the summit on Saturday, Sept. 28 (3:30-5 p.m. ET), to increase attendees’ awareness of the significance of When We All Vote and the organization’s work  regarding  voting in America.

Jack and Jill will also honor several legislative and community advocates – Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC), and the late Mrs. MaryLee Allen (Former Children’s Defense Fund Policy Director and Manager) – who are staunch supporters of the organization’s mission to nurture future African American leaders. Each honoree will be celebrated for demonstrating a consistent commitment to advocating on issues that directly affect the Black community at the summit’s “Celebrating our Greatness Then and Now” Legislative Reception the evening of Thursday, Sept. 26 (7-11 p.m. ET).

With chapters in most metropolitan areas across the country, including those communities that have experienced high rates of gun violence, Jack and Jill joins the voices of those advocating for policies and practices that would better protect our communities. The organization will hold “The Time is Now: Gun Violence Prevention and Safety Rally” on Saturday, Sept. 28 (1-3 p.m. ET), to educate teens and parents about gun violence prevention and safety.

The rally will be live streamed across YouTube, Twitter and Facebook with watch parties being hosted by JJOA members and the general public all across the country. Participants are encouraged to wear orange, the color for National Gun Violence Awareness, and will lead and spread the conversation on social media using the following hashtags: #jjoth2019 and #jjgoesorange.

Teens from JJOA, March for Our Lives and Black Lives Matter will share their stories of social activism, talk about their personal stories of gun violence, why they were moved to act, and encourage rally participants to write their Congressional leaders to support legislation targeted at reducing gun violence. Confirmed speakers include: Nupol Kiazolu, Naomi Wadler, Benjamin Crump,  James Clark, Bria Smith,  Tyah RobertsKemba Smith, Bakari Sellers, and For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics authors and veteran political strategists Donna Brazile, Yolanda Caraway, Leah Daughtry and Minyon Moore.

Jack and Jill will examine the social, political and economic changes that took place during critical times in history and those continuing today as it closes out the 7th Biennial “On The Hill” Legislative Summit with a “Soulful Sunday Brunch & Legislative Awards Program” on Sunday, Sept. 29 (8-11 a.m. ET). Commemorating 55 years of the Civil Rights Act, the Selma to Montgomery March and the Congressional Black Caucus, the organization also continues to reflect on the life of Jack and Jill member Carole Robertson, who 56 years ago was one of four little girls tragically killed in the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama.  Every September, all Jack and Jill chapters also celebrate Carole Robertson Day to ensure youth never forget the sacrifices made by those who fought for equal rights for Black people.

A brief event agenda of the 7th Biennial “On The Hill” Legislative Summit is listed below. All events are located at the Washington Hilton unless otherwise noted.

Wednesday, Sept. 25

7-9 p.m. ET:                 President’s Welcome and Dessert Reception, “Welcome to Chocolate City”

Thursday, Sept. 26

7:30-10 a.m. ET:           “Advocacy in Action” Breakfast and On The Hill Advocacy Briefing

10:30 a.m. -5 p.m. ET:   Congressional Meetings, “Jack and Jill Goes On The Hill,” Capitol Hill

7-11 p.m. ET:                On The Hill Legislative Awards & Reception, “Celebrating our Greatness”

Friday, Sept. 27

7:30-10 a.m. ET:           “The Power of Legislation” Breakfast

10-11 a.m. ET:              “Snap to Action” – Advocacy Workshop

12-4 p.m. ET:                “It’s a Different World: An HBCU Experience,” Howard University Tour and HBCU Symposium

10-11:30 p.m. ET:         Teen Rally Poster Workshop, “Social Activism Through Art”

Saturday, Sept. 28

7:30-9:00 a.m. ET:        “The Power of Advocacy: You Have the Power” Breakfast

9:15-10:30 a.m. ET:       Town Hall Meeting, “Get Up! Stand Up!”

1-3 p.m. ET:                 “The Time is Now: Gun Violence Prevention and Safety Rally”

3:30-5 p.m. ET:             “A Fireside Chat with Valerie Jarrett” with Valerie Jarrett

8-11 p.m. ET:                “Walk It Like You Talk It” Teen Dance

Sunday, Sept. 29

8-11 a.m. ET:                “Soulful Sunday Brunch & Legislative Awards Program”

For more information about Jack and Jill of America, Inc., please visit www.jackandjillinc.org and engage  in online conversation using #jjoth2019 and #jjgoesorange on Facebook (@jackandjillinc) and Twitter (@JackandJillInc).

ABOUT JACK AND JILL OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED:

Jack and Jill of America, Inc. is an organization founded in 1938 with the mission of stimulating the growth and development of children through educational, cultural, civic, recreational, health and social programs inspired by mothers. Through its more than 245 chapters organized in seven regions across the United States, the organization consists of more than 40,000 family members which includes, mother members, fathers and children ages 2 through 19. Jack and Jill Chapters also support non-profit organizations through its philanthropic arm, the Jack and Jill of America Foundation, among the first foundations established by African-American families in the United States. Since its founding in 1968, the Foundation has granted millions of dollars to worthy causes supporting children and families.


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