About Our Collective Commitment to Community
We envision a Columbus where systemic inequities are eradicated, and all residents have the opportunity to thrive. Our slate intends to lead with a transformative agenda that empowers our communities, holds institutions accountable, and fosters a culture of collaboration and advocacy. Our vision is grounded in the principles of justice, equity, and inclusivity, ensuring that the Columbus NAACP remains a powerful force for positive change.
“I would like to be known as a person who is concerned about freedom and equality and justice and prosperity for all people.” - Rosa Parks
Our Vision
We are committed to leading the Columbus NAACP with integrity, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of justice. Our vision is one of empowerment and progress, where the NAACP stands at the forefront of transformative change, with a membership full of thought leaders and change agents advocating for a community that is just, equitable, and thriving for all.
NAACP Legacy
The NAACP legacy is long and our work will be consistent with that longstanding agenda: to build Black political, social, and economic power to end racial injustice.
10-Point Plan for
Progress and Empowerment
01
Economic Empowerment & Sustainability
-
Support Black-Owned Businesses: Establish a Black Business Support Fund to provide grants and resources for local entrepreneurs. Partner with financial institutions to offer microloans and mentorship programs for start-ups.
-
Close the Racial Wealth Gap: Advocate for policies that address structural barriers to wealth, such as discriminatory lending practices and unequal access to capital. Promote community reinvestment initiatives and fair housing practices to build economic resilience.
02
Educational Equity & Youth Development
-
End the School-to-Prison Pipeline: Campaign for the elimination of zero-tolerance policies and reduce the role of law enforcement in schools. Advocate for restorative justice practices and equitable disciplinary measures.
-
Youth Leadership Programs: Develop a Civic and Leadership Development Academy to mentor and train young leaders in advocacy, civic engagement, and public service. Create partnerships with schools and community organizations to provide internships and educational opportunities.
03
Healthcare Access & Wellbeing
-
Address Health Disparities: Advocate for policies that expand access to quality healthcare, mental health services, and reproductive health care for marginalized communities. Push for telehealth services and trauma counseling tailored to the needs of Black residents.
-
Promote Healthy Lifestyles: Launch community health initiatives focusing on nutrition, physical activity, and preventive care. Partner with local health organizations to provide screenings and educational workshops.
04
Public Safety & Criminal Justice Reform
-
Police Accountability: Advocate for independent oversight of law enforcement and the implementation of community review boards with disciplinary authority, fully funded through the city budget. Push for transparency in police operations and policies. Ensure problematic officers are identified through a thorough review of past uses of force. Advocate for criminal charges for officers who violate the law. Demand a culture of good policing and respect for the constitutional rights of all people, especially Black people and all people of color.
-
End Mass Incarceration: Support initiatives that reduce incarceration rates through diversion programs, sentencing reform, and expanded re-entry services. Advocate for the closure of private prisons and the decriminalization of low-level offenses.
-
Legal Protection and Advocacy: Develop a sophisticated and quick-response legal redress committee invoking the spirit of legal advocacy necessary to protect the interests of Black people and all people of color.
05
Voting Rights & Political Representation
-
Protect Voting Rights: Fight against voter suppression and support policies that expand access to the ballot, such as early voting, same-day registration, and protection against discriminatory voter ID laws.
-
Civic Engagement: Create a Civic Boot Camp program to educate and empower residents about their rights and the electoral process. Encourage political participation and leadership among young adults and underrepresented communities.
06
Affordable Housing & Community Revitalization
-
Combat Gentrification: Advocate for policies that protect residents from displacement and promote affordable housing development. Support initiatives that provide financial assistance for homeownership and rental support.
-
Equitable Development: Partner with city officials and developers to ensure that community benefits agreements are in place for new developments, including affordable housing, job creation, and infrastructure improvements.
07
Environmental Justice & Sustainability
-
Address Environmental Racism: Advocate for clean air and water policies that prioritize communities disproportionately affected by pollution and environmental hazards. Support initiatives that promote sustainable urban development and green spaces.
-
Climate Action: Develop community programs to increase awareness and participation in environmental sustainability efforts, including renewable energy projects and community gardening.
08
Workforce Development & Job Creation
-
Job Training Programs: Partner with local businesses and educational institutions to create job training and certification programs in high-demand fields. Focus on industries that offer living wages and opportunities for advancement.
-
Economic Justice: Advocate for fair labor practices, including raising the minimum wage, ensuring pay equity, and protecting workers' rights. Promote policies that support worker-owned cooperatives and local hiring initiatives.
09
Racial Justice & Social Advocacy
-
Advocate for Reparative Justice: Support legislative efforts to study and develop reparation proposals for African Americans. Engage the community in discussions about racial justice and reconciliation.
-
Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch initiatives that raise awareness about systemic racism and its impact on the community. Collaborate with local media and educational institutions to promote historical and cultural education.
10
Organizational Strength & Community Collaboration
-
Strengthen NAACP Membership: Expand outreach efforts to increase membership and engagement within the NAACP, particularly among young adults and emerging leaders. Develop a robust volunteer and leadership pipeline.
-
Community Partnerships: Build strong alliances with other civil rights organizations, faith communities, and grassroots movements to coordinate efforts and amplify impact. Foster a collaborative approach to tackling systemic issues and advocating for change.
Strategic Goals
-
Mobilize the Community: Engage residents through town halls, community forums, and digital platforms to gather input and build support for the NAACP’s initiatives.
-
Measure Success: Implement a system for tracking progress on key objectives, ensuring accountability, and making data-driven decisions to adjust strategies as needed.
-
Sustainability and Growth: Secure funding through grants, partnerships, and fundraising campaigns to support the long-term sustainability of NAACP programs and initiatives.