National Youth and College Divison
80 Years
1936 - 2016
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded February 12, 1909 by a group men and women, black and white together, who believed in the democratic process to ensure opportunity for all. The NAACP is the oldest, largest, and strongest civil rights organization in the United States. Formed in New York City, the NAACP now covers all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Japan, and Germany.
The NAACP National Board of Directors passed a resolution formally creating the Youth and College Division in March 1936. Under the guidance of Ms. Juanita E. Jackson, Special Assistant to the Secretary, a National Youth Program was created for youth members of the NAACP. This program provided national activities for youth that were supported by monthly meetings discussing local needs of the community. The major national youth activities were demonstrations against lynching and seminars and group discussions on the inequalities in public education.
Today there are more than 500 Youth Councils and College Chapters actively involved in voter registration. The organization has one of the largest organized groups of young people of any secular organization in the country. Some 67,000 youth are involved with the NAACP through its Youth Councils and College Division. Its objectives are to inspire, motivate, and create interest in civic activities; provide young people with an understanding of pertinent issues; develop organizational skills for implementation of community related activities; and encourage active participation in these activities.
NAACP Youth Units participate in social justice advocacy by addressing local issues as well as a National Agenda made up of issues including:
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Criminal and Juvenile Justice
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Economic Development
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Education
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Health
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Voter Empowerment
Youth Units address the National Agenda by organizing Town Hall Meetings, Issue and Mobilization Rallies, and Direct Action Campaigns around specific issues and legislation effecting young people in their state and local community.