NAACP Lincoln Branch Strategic Plan 2012 (Rev. 2/7/12) Our Mission The NAACP Lincoln Branch is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to eliminate discrimination and prejudice regardless of race, gender, class, sexual orientation, and faith. We work to ensure the social, economic, educational, and political equality of all persons through democratic processes. Our Vision The NAACP Lincoln Branch works for and envisions an America where all citizens have equal rights, equality of opportunities, and the scourges of racial hatred and discrimination are banished. Organizational Description The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is a charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the largest and the oldest civil rights organization in our nation. Its birth was rooted in the disenfranchisement of African Americans and people of color. The multiracial group of founders sought to find enfranchisement for those oppressed persons. The Lincoln Branch NAACP is an official chartered branch of the NAACP. Since its founding in 1918, the Lincoln Branch NAACP has played an unparalleled role in improving the lives of those who are socially, politically and economically disenfranchised in Lincoln and its surrounding communities. Toward these ends, Lincoln Branch NAACP has always strived to identify, monitor and prioritize our communities needs, then partner with like-minded individuals and organizations to meet those needs. Lincoln Branch NAACP continues to pursue strategic alliances with businesses, non-governmental organizations, and persons of all races who share its goals. The Lincoln Branch NAACP has always been open to members of the Lincoln and surrounding communities regardless of their political affiliation, race, gender, class, sexual orientation, or faith. As membership and volunteerism are vital to the sustainability of the Lincoln Branch NAACP and the important role it plays, you are encouraged to take an active part by joining us in making a positive change in our community and in America so that all people can have the freedoms our nation promises. Executive Summary While building on our legacy of achievement, the Lincoln Branch NAACP is continually adapting to meet the challenges of the 21 st century. We are on an irreversible path of progress with a leadership dedicated to developing and promoting civil rights and encouraging community 1
service. We are committed to reorganizing our branch with the infusion of younger energetic members. We hope this change in our demographic profile will more closely align the Lincoln Branch NAACP with the needs of the Lincoln and surrounding communities. In addition these changes yield greater insights and energy needed to address the erosion of civil rights through the introduction of laws (local, state or federal) that erect barriers and impose burdens on disenfranchised groups. The Lincoln Branch NAACP is also committed to ensuring that its members and the community are aware of issues involving disparities in the educational achievement of children of color, disparities in voter participation, and discrimination and inappropriate profiling based on race, gender, class, sexual orientation, and faith in our community. The Lincoln Branch is also committed to helping find lasting solutions to these issues. We have re-charted the Lincoln Youth Chapter, which is comprised of Lincoln area high school students. We look forward to working with this chapter and providing assistance to assure its success. The Lincoln Branch is also committed to continuing to provide college scholarships to students as funds allow. We have also chartered a University of Nebraska College chapter, which is comprised of Lincoln area college students. We welcome the opportunity to work with these young leaders who endeavor to make college and community life a positive and engaging experience that fulfills the NAACP mission. We are continuing to build bridges to freedom, equality, and justice with members, partners, and supporters. The Lincoln Branch NAACP looks forward to a bright future. Organizational Goals and Strategies Engagement, reorganization, education, membership, and improved communications are among the core areas identified for accelerated and intensified advocacy. Engagement We are striving for a Branch that is fully aware of and engaged in issues of civil, social and human rights using all available resources at its disposal. To this end we plan to: 1. Use traditional and digital media to inform and engage current and prospective members, and others through NAACP meetings, events, and advocacy. 2. Become engaged in local projects such as the downtown renewal projects. Determine how to get women and minority business involved and represented in the Haymarket project. 3. Monitor and assess federal, state, and local efforts/laws that destroy, limit or stifle the prosperity of the poor and middle class, especially people of color. 2
4. Continue with existing partnerships and create new partnerships/alliances with community groups and businesses. a. Join others to ensure that proposed laws do not infringe on our civil rights. - Voter ID Bill LB 239: Work toward its defeat. - Child Welfare Reform: Work toward revamping the current system. Reorganization 1. Strengthen our committee structure by streamlining committees and duties to become more effective, while meeting national mandates. Education 1. College and Youth Chapters: Ensure that the college and youth chapters are fully engaged and well trained in current issues and formulate a smooth transition of its members to the next level of service in order to sustain a viable branch that addresses local, state, and national needs. Toward this end we plan to: a. Conduct joint meetings that address common needs. For example, we will have the college and youth chapters attend the Branch general meetings for the next few months starting on January 19, 2012. b. Find creative ways to help with the financial needs of the youth and college chapters. c. Assist with getting members to state, regional, and national meetings and training. 2. Freedom Fund Banquet: a. Evaluate to ensure that maximum mileage is gained toward restoring/building relationships and memberships, as well as promoting the Branch s mission and goals. b. Restructure banquet for efficiency and effectiveness. c. Select chair and committee (plan due by April 30, 2012, date/place selection by February 1, 2012). Membership Build a committed and adequate membership that will carry out the needs of the Branch and is fully engaged in community activities while fostering active stewardship and youth leadership. 1. Create a committee to develop strategies to alter the demographic profile of the organization. 2. Create membership strategies to attract more persons in their mid-20 s to 40 s. 3. Create membership materials and web content to show the benefits of membership. 4. Increase the number of NAACP Life Memberships by at least 3 per year. 3
5. Increase the overall membership by 50 by 2014. 6. Commit the Branch to participating in state, regional, and national meetings and training. Who: Officers and membership When: Yearly 7. Plan membership events that are both informational and social to give members opportunities to socialize and network. Communication Employ the latest communication tools and techniques to increase the Branch's visibility in the Lincoln and surrounding communities and online. 1. Create an effective dynamic web-site. Who: Colin Ramsay/Ann Gradwohl 2. Interface social media with the website. Who: Bennie Shobe 3. Increase our media and public relations efforts: a. Create a committee or appoint a PR person. b. Develop a brochure. c. Publish a newsletter (including an electronic version) twice a year. Include in it a donation letter with two levels: one for large donors and one for members and other interested person. d. Include community leaders and partner organizations in the mailing lists for newsletters, event announcements, and invitations. e. Make a video presentation about NAACP Lincoln Branch. f. Create a PayPal account for online payment of dues and donations. Who: Dewayne Mays and Larry Williams Implement a Community Movie Night to foster increased involvement of members and the community. For example: 1) Not in Our Town (Gonzales), 2) Ethnic Notions (Ramsay), 3) Race, the Power of an Illusion (3 parts) (Christie)Who: Ramsay When: Begin February 2012 4. Implement outreach with other community groups that are interested in projects relevant to the mission of the Lincoln Branch NAACP. (For example, Nebraskans for Civic Reform, Nebraska Appleseed, Omaha NAACP, and others.) 4
5. Conduct community listening sessions to gain a better understanding of community/youth needs and seek to provide solutions to community problems. 6. Conduct quarterly forums to provide information for community enrichment. a. The Nebraska Child Welfare System and the disproportionate number of people of color in it. Who:??? When: February 2012 5