The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was founded on February 12th, 1909, and remains the largest, oldest, and most commonly known grass-roots civil rights group in the United States. The organization has over 500,000 affiliates and supporters from all over the United States and the world. It fights for equal opportunity, advocates for voting rights, and conducts voter mobilization.
Mission of the NAACP
The NAACP's primary mission is to ensure the civil, political, educational, and economic equality and freedom of all people regardless of gender, color, ethnicity, or age, as well as the abolition of race-based discrimination (NAACP). Although the group was formed to help the struggle of people of color, over the years it has embraced and welcomed all citizens to join its vision and objective towards fighting each and every person’s civil liberties.
Goals of the NAACP
To realize and fulfill the above mission, the organization has some goals touching on different pillars of the community as well as government to help the realization and achievement of its member’s liberties. Equality of all citizens in fundamental aspects of society such as the economy, politics, and education is one of the goals the NAACP aims at improving. Every citizen is liable to be served in all these pillars with integrity and respect as well as their interests being looked for and revered. For example, the group has successfully advocated for political interests such as the anti-lynching laws in most states and the Brown vs. Board of Education case which made education segregation unlawful (Woodley 120).
Removing Discrimination through Legal Democratic Processes
The group is also determined to remove all forms of discrimination through legal democratic processes. Not only does this reflect the integrity of the organization but also its adherence to principles of accountability, fairness, and commitment. Its practices towards impartial treatment of all citizens are done through approved systems such as legal battles in courtrooms, non-violent protests, and lobbying among other means.
Source of Funds
The NAACP requires funds to support its initiatives and drives towards advocating for different civil rights changes across the United States. Therefore, the body has different capital sourcing strategies they employ to keep its objectives alive. Grants and contribution represent the biggest source of funds for the institution. In 2011 alone the body received a total of nearly $20 million in these form of funds (Bert Smith & Co. 3) with contributors ranging from public companies such as AT&T, Boeing, and labor unions as well tied to the movement. Also, contributory funds from members of the organization are another source of finance together with conventions, regional conferences, image awards, and leadership forums and seminars contributing a lot to the organization.
Approaches to Influence Policies
As discussed above, the group employs different strategies to influence policy changes across the greater American nation. It is essential to note that all these strategies are legal democratic processes that are within the grounds of the constitution of the American government as well as solid legal grounds across the globe.
Lobbying
Lobbying the legislative functions of Congress is a consistent effort used by the group to sway lawmakers to act on certain civil matters. Additionally, the group is known to apply face to face lobbying techniques before congressional committee members, individual congressmen, and other relevant staff members. Besides lobbying, the organization is well-known to use the media to advocate for certain changes especially with bills that go against its mission and vision. The group often uses its rich history and reputation to push for ideas through media platforms.
Litigation
Litigation is another widely used approach, especially when fighting against policies on a wider scale. Over the years, the NAACP has been involved in numerous litigation successes in different pillars of society. Although most major success cases took place in the 20th century, they set the tone and were fundamental in shaping contemporary civil liberty rights and freedoms. Brown vs. Board of Education 1954 overturned the Plessy vs. Ferguson decision on “separate but equal” and deemed it unconstitutional (Johnston). Integration in public school was enabled through this ruling and put an end to government-enforced segregation in schools.
Non-violent Protests
Non-violent protests are also a significant part of the organization, particularly at the grassroots community level where it advances its goals and influences further social, political, and economic change. Protests create awareness and help mobilize groups needed to increase and leverage social control in areas that matter most to like groups. Furthermore, the body advocates for change through program implementation initiatives such as the Reginald F. Lewis Youth Entrepreneurial Institute, the Voter Empowerment Program, and the Economic Empowerment Program.
Conclusion
The NAACP has been advancing over the years, and its progress with regards to fundamental policy changes and success cannot be refuted. During the 20th century, the group was significant in the major policy changes along social and educational reforms. It achieved much success in a time that civil liberties were unheard of and ignored. Up until now, the group is still influential towards the fight for enabling an equal society with no race-based discrimination. The fact that the American nation is still faced with racial segregation and discrimination claims, however, shows that although the organization has made significant strides more still needs to be done to realize its mission in full.
Work Cited
Bert Smith & Co.,. National Association for The Advancement of Colored People and Affiliates: Consolidated Financial Statements and Independent Auditors Report Year Ended December 31, 2011 (With Comparative Totals For 2010). Washington D.C: BERT SMITH & CO., 2012. Web. 8 Apr. 2017.
Johnston, Mark. “From Exclusion To Integration: The N.A.A.C.P.’S Legal Campaign Against Educational Segregation”. Chapman University Historical Review 3.1 (2011): n. pag. Print.
NAACP,. “NAACP | What Does NAACP Stand For?”. NAACP. N.p., 2017. Web. 8 Apr. 2017.
Woodley, Jenny. Art For Equality: The NAACP’s Cultural Campaign For Civil Rights. 1st ed. Lexington, Kentucky: University Press of Kentucky, 2014. Print.
