Naacp
 

Why are you not a member of the NAACP?

What an excellent question!!! I ask people all of the time. The most response I get is that it costs too much and I even hear that they don't see its relevance! What a shame!!!

Unfortunatley though, many of the young adults (ages 25-35) don't belong where I live because of the amount of older people who happen to be stuck in their ways.

I'm a card carrying member for the past 3 years. I live in San Francisco and the chapter out here has yet to send me anything, newsletters or anything else for that matter. Any correspondence has come from the HQ which has only been 2 things, membership renewal and the Crisis magazine. I've contacted my local office several times and I've gotten no response. It makes me angry because I didn't join JUST to carry a card. If they continue to treat people like this, I can see why others may be reluctant to join. Now maybe it's just this particular chapter? I also called the Oakland chapter and no response. What's up?:confused: :confused:

I almost forgot. As far as costs, the basic membership is $25. A student can afford that.

For me, I have other committments that prevent me from becoming a member and participating in the NAACP. I am an active member of the NCNW, Dress for Success volunteer, a fubdraiser and host for the Children's Miracle Network, and a board member of Catholic Charities here in my city. I guess, I could join and just be a "financial" member, but I wouldn't want to shortchange the organization by being half azzed or deadweight.

I don't really know. :confused: I haven't ever looked into becoming a member. I know I have easier access becoming a member of the Urban League.

The way that Alpha Kappa Alpha, at least the chapter I am a member of has me going, I don't think I could give another organization the time. I'm trying to keep the little social life that I have, there are only 7 days in a week, and AKA takes 5 and sometimes 6 days. :eek: I'm glad I'm not the Basileus! :eek:

Re: Naacp
 

HERE'S WHY :

1) Most of my chapter in college were members (because Kwesi Mfume) graduated from Morgan State University) and they never did anything outside of meeting together one night a week.

2) They are REACTIVE and not PROACTIVE when it comes to taking positions on certain issues and situations.

Wonderful question posed by the Professor. I am not, and most likely will not be a registered member of the NAACP. I have and will continue to support many of the programs and/or events, but I do not see the benefit of membership.

I was taught by experience to question everything that comes my way, which is the reason that I often choose the road not taken. What is the purpose of this organization in the year 2002, 2003, and beyond? No, I am not brainwashed to believe that racism is non-existent. Nor do I believe that we (black folks) no longer need activists to fight our struggle. However, I do believe that people have God given talents that they are expected to utilize for the benefit of the common man. My talents happen to be in the business arena, and that is where I choose to specialize. After all, someone has to provide the funding for the large donations organizations such as the NAACP accept so freely.

I have recently found myself contemplating the necessity of these race-based organizations in the current times. Not only the NAACP, but there are organizations for blacks in business, blacks in engineering, blacks in theatre... Well I happen to know that there is plenty of talent inside those closed circles. Why is it that the rest of the world doesn't deserve to know?

Are we (African Americans) actually preserving the Jim Crow laws of yesterday in today's society?

My parents made me a life member of NAACP when I was 5 years old. The very first year they offered the Golden Heritage memberships, my parents bought Golden Heritage memberships for our entire family. In high school, I was president of our NAACP youth council, and at Howard, I was president of the NAACP chapter for 2 years.

Now that I've gotten that out of the way, I'll say this....every last one of "us" should be paid NAACP members - active or not. You may or may not agree with the current direction of the organization. However, the NAACP is able to make an impact based on the size of it's membership. Because the org. has always had a substantial membership, it is able to have a "voice".

Some chapters of NAACP are very active...others are not. In college, my chapter was very active. We worked. We led voter registration drives, held "issues" forums, etc. The point is, though, whether local chapter is or isn't active, please make sure your name is on the membership roster. Because we can only have a "voice" if we stay strong. If you don't think that your local chapter is taking the right approach to handling issues, get involved and make a difference.

i've been a member since 1999

Because I don't see it's relevance in today's society. They need to change their mission and goals to be more relevant to today's soceity. Besides the fact, I haven't really considered becoming a member since high school.

Thank you for freely expressing your views. Now here is my take on the NAACP.

The NAACP exists to address the issue of CIVIL RIGHTS. The message is still the same! Young adults and especially college-educated folk should realize that "freedom is not free!" Many of the successes and opportunities that we celebrate, i.e. jobs, college education, opportunity to eat in any restaurant is a result of many folk that fought and continue to fight against discrimination and segregation.

It is unfortunate that many individuals feel that the NAACP is no longer needed. For your consideration, when an issue of racism or discrimination arise who do you telephone? The NAACP is the only organization that will help those regardless of membership. For example, when black guests at the Adams Mark Hotel in Florida were asked to wear risk bands and advised not to use certain parts of the hotel the NAACP was the first to take up the cause. As a result of the NAACP ban of the franchise and legal action an out of court settlement was reached. One can also sight the case with Denny's Restaurant.

The NAACP continues to fight for civil rights. This volunteer organization of branches is the most powerful of civil right organizations. For those that continue to question the need please reconsider. For those that don't have time for another project, support the cause by becoming a paying member. For those that are disenchanted with a local branch, become active!

I'm a member!!!!!!!!!
 

Re: Re: Naacp
 

Quote:

HERE'S WHY : 2) They are REACTIVE and not PROACTIVE when it comes to taking positions on certain issues and situations.

DITTO. I choose not to join an organization just for the sake of saying I am a member. ;)

How about helping to make the change? The NACP CAN be a PROACTIVE organization if we make it so. It only takes a few.

Because...
 

:confused:

I was a member up until two years ago. I ran out of time, quite honestly. Inspite of what people think, I think it can be a real force in the lives of people today if more younger people would take an active role in it.

Sorry....
 

But the NAACP, is just a waste of time to me. In fact, (I don't mean to step on any toes) but it's just useless to me. I mean what do they do??? I don't see any around here. They are always there when you DON'T need them, and NEVER there when you do. I'm sorry, but the NAACP is just a waste.

Hope I didn't offend anyone......:confused:

Let me just clarify before I get any more trife PMs.....

I personally don't believe in the NAACP, especially in the state it is in today. IN MY OPINION, we (hell, I) can really do without it. It was useful 30-some odd years ago, but in its present state it has outlived its usefulness.

IN MY OPINION I just don't see the sense of paying $3,000 just to see a certificate hanging on the wall. If I am paying that much, PLUS dues, I want to see some proactivity.

Sorry and thanks everyone! :)

oh dear
 

It's amazing that you can say something that would offend so many people so cheerfuly.

Wow.

I don't even personally think you are ENTIRELY wrong, but phrasing counts for a LOT when you type things on the net.

Tsk tsk.

Re: oh dear
 

See now I feel you. And its cool. And I clarified myself better in the second post (I have to edit). Oh Duh never mind :-< But I am only saying what some others on here said and maybe my tone was a little inappropriate in the first post--that i apologize for.

But I am only speaking from my own personal experiences. Many of the encounters I have had with them were quite negative, so basically I was speaking from those---which yes I could have phrased better. But I wasn't trying to make any personal attacks against anyone. And I wasn't trying to say anything negatively about the people who join it....I mean seriously...do you.....who am I to say whether or not someone should join any org.

Once again I apologize for my tone, but not for my beliefs.

Thanks and have a great day everyone! :) :) :) :)

One of the biology professors at my school is the president of NAACP of Valdosta. She is also a member of Alpha Gamma Delta. (she's a white woman) Just thought I'd share.

Thanks AlphaGam!

I have plenty of comments of this ALONE, but hence, that is a whole other thread. :o

I think we are thinking the same thing. :eek: :confused: :o

I'm confused, who's paying $3000 for NAACP or are we alking about something else?

In high school, I was looking into joining the NAACP. I was in a predominantly Caucasian area, (like all my life) and I was just trying to become more helping and conscious of "my people" :rolleyes:

I was doing so much community service that my head spun and kept my grades up, up, up (all in the face of racism and adversity), you know, and I just wanted to join something that I thought would be complementary (did that sound right, please let me know) to me and the few other Blacks in the school (not like they cared).

Now someone got back to me at the end of my senior year (I requested membership, like in my sophomore year, mind you), and tells me I have to pay like $2,600!!!! Yes sir. For membership. I was like :eek: , that's OK dude, I'll pass ;)

THat is insane. I was a junior member in hs and I can tell you that neither I nor anyone I knew paid any amount close to that

I am DEAD serious. That is exactly what they told me. I really wouldn't pull that number out of the air. :eek: I guess it varies from district....I don't know. But I am telling you guys that is what they told me.

We have had some really great conversations about BGLO's and historically black organizations on these boards. I think that if you did a search you'd be surprised as to the variety of ideas you would find on them.

I don't know what organization you attempted to join. NAACP general membership is only $30.00. On a personal note, I strongly suggest that you take a closer look at your views.

If anyone was trying to get $2600 from you, then they were definately bogus!!! The NAACP doesn't run that way. But on another note, it is so important that we keep an organization alive that has fought for and continues to fight for our rights not only as Black people but ALL people of color. The NAACP has clought (is that the right spelling) and we will always need that. The NAACP makes a difference especially in smaller towns and areas where there is no one else! I think that each of us should make it a point to attend a few meetings and programs sponsored by your local chapter and see what is really going on. Then we can see how to change or improve it so that the NAACP remains a viable organization. Our parents, grandparents, and great grandparents worked so hard for us to be where we are today but the sruggle is still here. We have to keep on and the NAACP is who was there from the beginning and will be here until the end!

AMEN SISTER - I feel my feet getting light.

"Freedom is not Free"

Well,
After reading everyone's posts, last week I joined the NAACP!:D I was informed that we do not have a local branch herei n my area, but at least I am a supporter on the national level. And yep, it was just $30 (The price of a movie for two people plus snack :D ). The life membership ( adult) was only $750, payable in 10 installments of $75. They do have a youth life membership of $400, payable in 8 installments of $50. I'm sorry Starlight that someone tried to okey-doke you out of some money in the name of the NAACP, because it really is affordable. :) Shame on that person:o !!!!

thanks everyone....
 

for dropping the knowledge....I guess. :)

Professor, you needn't be so hostile. I was told by A MEMBER OF THE NAACP that I had to pay $2,600 for membership. This is what she (them) TOLD me. LIKE I SAID, I didn't and wouldn't pull that number out of the air. Listen, others on this message board, have shared my views also. I even apologized for my earlier tone. Why don't you direct some of your comments to them?


Thanks for the clarification anyway folks. :)

I'm sorry that you feel my comments are hostile! I only suggest that you explore your culture and become more aware of the struggle. Often, with age comes knowledge and you strike me to be very young.

More hostility....
 

but its cool though. I am (for the most part) aware of the so-called struggle, but I am NOT going to let that stop me from accomplishing any of my set goals.

I never said there wasn't a struggle. Professor, I live in one of the most racially-divided states of the US. Do you really think that I am not aware of this "struggle"?

You see, I don't think you are understanding me clearly. I never once said there wasn't a need for historically Black organizations to help prepetuate the understanding of Black culture and wealth, in fact I applaud quite a FEW.

My thing is though, why join an organization, that (from my experiences) has very little proactivity?

I believe your question was something to the effect of, :Why aren't you a member of the NAACP?

My answer is and has been, (FROM MY EXPERIENCE)

1.) the lack of proactivity
2.) total irrelevance to today's society

So believe me, I will continue to support every organization (TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY) that I SEE, does right for Black people. (minorities as a whole) and if you are a card-carrying member, was, will be, whatever that's wonderful. But you won't see me sending in my $25-$30 whatever anytime soon.

keep living and best of luck in all your future endeavors.

yours in the struggle,
the hostile professor :D

Re: More hostility....
 

Honestly I tried to refrain from going here but I think there is something a little bit strange and slightly twisted about an African American woman proclaiming that the NAACP is not proactive but in the same breath can go on to a message board for the Kappa Alpha Order and promclaim loudly her love for the organization and members of an organization who's history is questionable at best. What is really going on ???????????

This is just bothering the mess out of me. :mad: :mad:



:

Re: More hostility....
 

So called struggle?:confused:

Re: Re: More hostility....
 

Oh yeah well, sucks how life is like that, doesn't it? You aren't angry with me, are you? I don't know. I hope not. Are you mad with me because I've seen more proactivity and experienced more cordiality with members of the Kappa Alpha Order than with my own Black people? Yeah, its just enough to get you steaming, ain't it? :mad:

Many (NOT ALL) orgs (predominantly Caucasian or African-American) .....(no disrespect to Greeks at all, much love to you all) has had a questionable past.


Yours in this so-called struggle,
StarLightGirl




:mad: :mad:

Re: Re: Re: More hostility....
 

I understand that you have had some interesting experiences with minorities. I can really understand how you may feel. I was one of the few Blacks in HS that gained popularity among Whites and perhaps felt less acceptance by my own people. To this end, I encourage you to take on the real issue. To me the issue that you have is really that you don't feel supported by your own race and thus you identify more with non-Blacks. I encourage you to seriously consider my comments and welcome the debate as opposed to describing comments that don't support your opinion as "Hostile."

Re: Re: Re: Re: More hostility....
 

Wow Prof.....you kinda hit the nail right on the head! Thanks! But I really just want to apologize for calling you hostile. This is your board, I'm a guest, and I was wayyyy out of line for calling you that :( I got upset where I shouldn't have and I'm sorry.

But as far as the hostile comments, I wasn't directing them to those who disagreed with me, I was directing them to those uppity-azz Negroes who were PMing me with trife notes and those same fools who came up on the board trying to shoot me down, when I saw five other people who shared the same views with me.

But you are right, I do identify more with non-Blacks. They have been and continue to be so much more supportive of me than Blacks. In fact, Blacks don't even stick together and love EACH OTHER. That is why we are in the sad state we are in today and will never accomplish what we set out (and need) to do. But that's for another thread ;)


Thanks a lot! and Happy Passover! :)
StarLightGirl