National Urban League

Organization Description

Founded in 1910 and headquartered in New York City, the National Urban League spearheads the efforts of its local affiliates through the development of programs, public policy research and advocacy, enableing African Americans to secure economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights. There are currently more than 100 local affiliates in 36 states and the District of Columbia, providing direct services that impact and improve the lives of more than 2 million people nationwide.

The National Urban League employs a five-point approach to provide economic empowerment, educational opportunities and the guarantee of civil rights for African Americans:

• Education and Youth Empowerment ensures the education of all children by providing access to early childhood literacy, after-care programs and college scholarships.
• Economic Empowerment invests in the financial literacy and employability of adults through job training, homeownership and entrepreneurship.
• Health and Quality of Life Empowerment promotes community wellness through a focus on prevention, including fitness, healthy eating and access to affordable healthcare.
• Civic Engagement and Leadership Empowerment encourages all people to take an active role to improve quality of life through participation in community service projects and public policy initiatives.
• Civil Rights and Racial Justice Empowerment guarantees equal participation in all facets of American society through proactive public policies and community-based programs.