Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological & Scientific Olympics

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"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched".

 Helen Keller 

The Committee on ACT-SO shall follow these rules: (1) must be properly registered annually with the National Office and follow all directives outlined by the National ACT-SO Program; (2) understand that it is a major project of the NAACP. With ACT-SO, the NAACP is providing an instrument through which African-American youth are encouraged and inspired toward excellence in academic and cultural pursuits while benefiting from the maximum support of their communities; (3) uphold its goal of ACT-SO that affords the same respect for African-American Scholastic and cultural achievement that is given to heroes; and (4) recognizing that ACT-SO conducts annual academic competitions for students in grades nine (9) through twelve (12) in NAACP Branches throughout the country in accordance with the published guidelines of the National Office and oversight of the National Director of ACT-SO Program.

Stay on Top of Your Veteran Benefits - Disabled Vets to See Biggest Raise Since 2012

Military benefits are always changing. Keep up with everything from pay to health care by signing up for a free Military.com membership, which will send all the latest benefits straight to your inbox, as well as give you access to up-to-date pay charts and more.

Veterans with the highest ratings will see an almost $100 bump in disability pay each month starting in 2019, the largest increase since 2012. That 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which kicks in Jan. 1, was made official Monday by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Military retirement, other VA disability benefits, Social Security and federal civilian retirement will see that same increase.

For veterans with a 10 percent disability rating, that bump brings monthly compensation from $136.24 to $140.05 each month, while a veteran entitled to 100 percent disability will go from $2,973.86 to $3,057.13 monthly.

Veterans with a 30 percent disability ranking or higher are entitled to greater amounts if they have dependents. A 100 percent-disabled veteran with spouse and two children will see their monthly payment increase to $3,437.10. Veterans can also get increased payments if they have a child over 18 attending school, or if they have a disabled spouse.

All disability benefits are tax-free.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO:

https://www.military.com/paycheck-chronicles/2018/11/26/its-official-disabled-vets-see-biggest-raise-2012.html?spMailingID=2476250&spUserID=Mjk3OTExNzk2NDES1&spJobID=661079603&spReportId=NjYxMDc5NjAzS0 

Terrence Williams, USAF (Ret) 

Chair 

Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Commi

The Committee on Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs shall: (1) seek to establish a working relationship with those agencies in government, national, state and local, having the responsibility in the affairs of members of the various Armed Services and Veterans and to see that the programs to which they are responsible are administered fairly and justly to members of the minority community; (2) study conditions pertaining to veterans and members of the Military Service and their dependents and/or survivors in the community; (3) serve as a center of information on matters affecting the members of the Active Military, Reserves, State National Guard and Veterans; (4) maintain a repository of materials, information and forms to be used in assisting veterans and/or dependents of veterans and military personnel with their problems; (5) receive and act on all complaints relative to acts of discrimination on account of race, color, creed, or denial of benefits to which they are entitled because of discrimination; (6) prepare a quarterly report on committee activities to be submitted to the Executive Committee of the Unit and the National Director of Armed Services and Veterans Affairs.

The Committee on Communications, Press and Publicity shall: (1) seek to promote media content consistent with fundamental NAACP goals which include the elimination of racial isolation and fear and the furtherance of multiracial and cultural understanding; (2) work to eliminate employment segregation and discrimination in those industries, [comprising the communications arts and sciences] (radio, telephone, television, motion pictures, newspapers, books, related computer communications, business, cable television); (3) seek to ensure Black minority ownership and control of print and electronic media — both hardware and software; (4) monitor local and national media, especially advertising performance; (5) provide the National Office with research and data on those local businesses engaged in communications arts and sciences; (6) seek to ensure that all people have a meaningful right to choose from and have access to a variety of high quality telecommunications goods and services at reasonable cost; (7) endeavor to secure publicity for the work of the Unit and the Association in the local press and on radio, television and other media; (8) attempt to interest persons in charge of local news media on conditions affecting minority groups; (9) seek to counteract derogatory and erroneous statements in local news media about Blacks and other minority groups; (10) be responsible for forwarding to THE CRISIS items covering Unit activities and important local affairs; and (11) act as far as possible as an agency for the promotion and sale of THE CRISIS. No publicity shall be released without first being approved by the President of the Unit.

The Committee on Community Coordination shall enlist the support of other community organizations on issues affecting the interests of African Americans and other communities of color.

The Committee on Criminal Justice shall: (1) seek to eliminate harsh and unfair sentencing practices that are responsible for mass incarceration and racial disparities in the prison system, (2) support and seek to increase trust and public safety by advancing effective law enforcement practices, (3) fight for the restoration of the voting rights of formerly incarcerated people and the removal of barriers to employment, (4) elevate the voices of crime victim survivors in order to identify and advance systemic breakdowns existing in the criminal justice system that perpetuate crime, (5) resolve to end the war on drugs for its disproportionate collateral consequences harm communities of color, (6) seek the institution and availability of alternatives to incarceration including education, employment, and mental health services, (7) eliminate zero tolerance policies implemented in our schools which are keeping kids out of the classroom and putting them on a path from the schoolhouse to the jailhouse, (8) investigate programs implemented in our local law enforcement agencies which derail from their main purpose of safety and order to conduct the work of federal agencies for which they do not have the capacity, and (9) seek budget modifications in states where incarceration receives more funding than education.

The Committee on Economic Development shall implement local efforts and support national programs to preserve and expand economic empowerment among African-Americans and other communities of color by: (1) researching and establishing relationships with private and public entities; (2) supporting the work of the National Office in monitoring the progress and activity of private and public entities designated by national programs; and (3) implementing local efforts to promote the growth of business ownership; (4) increasing employment and job creation; and (5) encouraging business development and home ownership.

The Committee on Education shall: (1) seek to eliminate segregation and other discriminatory practices in public education; (2) study local educational conditions affecting minority groups; (3) investigate the public school system and school zoning; (4) familiarize itself with textbook material there from which is racially derogatory; (5) seek to stimulate school attendance; (6) keep informed of school conditions and strive to correct abuses where found; (7) investigate the effects of standardized and high stakes testing practices; (8) teacher certification; (9) promote parental involvement in education; and (10) aim to be a center of popular education on the race question and on the work of the Association.

The Finance Committee shall consist of the President, Treasurer, and at least one other member. It shall study the financial needs of the Unit and shall be responsible for drafting an adequate annual budget.

The Freedom Fund Committee shall plan and conduct fund-raising activities, entertainment and other projects, for local and national purposes within the scope of the Association’s program. It shall work closely with the Finance Committee.

GOTV is about more than mechanics, it is about inspiration and emotion. Your program must touch voters in a way that motivates them to serve their self-interest. A GOTV operation must get your voters to the polls. It must provide a message motivates voters to go to the polls and if necessary, give them a ride to the polls. The goal of GOTV programs is to get the maximum number of your voters to the polls. When planning voter education programs make sure you identify enough voters to have an impactful GOTV effort. Election Day is a one-day operation that is the culmination of the GOTV program. The GOTV program, however, begins weeks before Election Day. The entire plan must be designed with GOTV in mind. Within ten weeks of Election Day you should assign a GOTV Director to begin making final plans and preparations. And within one to two weeks of Election Day the entire campaign operation should be shifted into GOTV activities that are either run by the GOTV Director or someone else assigned specifically for this purpose. GOTV is a very selective program. Like all management tasks, GOTV must apply the limited resources of people, time and money to the fullest advantage. Within the limits of their resources, choices have to be made to allow for the maximum GOTV effort possible. Success depends upon planning, organization and management. Your GOTV programs are designed to reach voters either individually, in targeted precincts or in most cases a combination of both. Because GOTV is very selective, do not plan to assemble a program in every precinct in your district. The more information gathered about individual voters, the more targeted and efficient your GOTV plan can be. The GOTV message is very simple: GO VOTE! You ask, cajole and encourage your voters to go to the polls. Additionally, the get-out the-vote message should tell the voters where the Polls are located and when they are open.

The Health Committee shall: (1) work to promote, protect and maintain the health of African Americans; (2) assess the health needs of the community; (3) advocate for equal access to health education, care, treatment and research for all Americans; (4) sponsor health-related activities such as health forums, fairs and workshops highlighting issues of importance to people of color; and (5) support health initiatives of the Association.

The Committee on Housing shall: (1) study housing conditions in the local community; (2) receive and seek to address complaints of discrimination; (3) oppose all restrictive practices whether public or private; and (4) disseminate information and render such other assistance which may eliminate discrimination in housing.

Since our founding, the NAACP tirelessly supported globally recognized human and civil rights concerns throughout the world. In support of this aim, the NAACP has been involved in multiple international initiatives from 1909 through to the present.

Currently, the NAACP actively engages in advocacy and education before the United States Congress, the Administration, the United Nations and other international bodies, and foreign nations on a plethora of issues. These actions include working with members of the Congress and the Administration and their staff members in the crafting of policy and legislation; testifying and working with the United Nations to develop policies, protocols, covenants, and treaties; drafting and delivering testimony before the United States Congress; and creating and distributing Action Alerts, Issues Briefs and Issue Updates aimed at informing, educating, and engaging NAACP Members and the American public about different issues and how they can be more actively involved in making improvements.

The Labor and Industry Committee shall seek ways to improve the economic status of minority groups by: (1) working to eliminate discriminatory employment practices in industry and government, wage differentials based on race, unequal opportunities for training, promotion and unfair dismissals; (2) encouraging greater participation in the trade union movement; (3) working to end discriminatory practices in labor unions; (4) securing the enactment of state and federal fair employment practices legislation; and (5) working for improved opportunities in vocational and apprenticeship training.

 “There is no substitute for the work of the Dayton Unit NAACP, no other resource as capable of fulfilling the needs of our residents, and no other totally reliable, honest broker between government/business and the people which is better equipped or more vigilant than the Dayton Unit NAACP. It is a privilege to chair the Legal Redress Committee, and we stand ready to assist  on any and all issues. We are anxious to serve." 

~Atty. Gary J. Leppla

The Legal Redress Committee shall: (1) investigate all cases reported to it; (2) supervise all litigation in which the Unit is interested; and (3) keep the National Office and the Branch informed on the progress of every case. It shall not give general legal advice.

The Membership Committee shall: (1) work throughout the year to maintain and increase the membership of the Association; (2) be responsible for planning and organizing the annual membership campaign; (3) be responsible on a continuous basis for soliciting new members and for securing renewals; and (4) initiate all possible means to obtain Life Members and sponsor a continuing program towards this end.

The Political Action Committee shall: (1) seek to increase registration and voting; (2) work for the enactment of municipal, state and federal legislation designed to improve the educational, political and economic status of minority groups; (3) seek the repeal of racially discriminatory legislation; (4) work to improve the administration of justice; (5) work to secure equal enforcement of the law; and (6) keep the National Office and the Unit informed of all proposed legislation which affects minority groups. The Committee shall be nonpartisan and shall not endorse candidates for public office. 

The Religious Affairs Committee shall include ministerial and lay religious leaders who are members of the Unit. It shall: (1) promote an educational program designed to give moral and ethical interpretation to the civil rights struggle; (2) interpret the work of the Association to organized religious groups of all faiths; (3) enlist the support of such organized religious groups for membership, fundraising, and the struggle for equality and full civil rights; and (4) provide resource assistance for religious education and social action activities, associated with the improvement of race relations.

The Dayton Unit NAACP Scholarship Program provides scholarships for tuition, books, required fees and educational expenses for undergraduate study at any accredited university or college. This prestigious award is presented to high school graduates who maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher and demonstrate, marked leadership and academic abilities, and demonstrate a commitment to making a difference in the community. Also, the high school students must be a member of the NAACP in Montgomery County. 

General Eligibility Requirements:

• Applicant must be a graduating high school senior
• Applicant must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Applicant must be active in the community
• Applicant must be a member of the NAACP in Montgomery County
• Applicant must sign the application and have a parent/guardian signature on the application
• Applicant must obtain a copy of the 2019 fourth quarter nine weeks’ grade report from high school counselor.
• Applicant must list the universities, and or colleges you plan to attend
• Applicant must attach a recommendation form from a principal, counselor or teacher.
• Applicant must answer the essay question. How did your extracurricular activities/ civic and community involvement make you a better student and citizen? (The answer must be typed in font type “Times New Roman” and font size “12” and be approximately 100 words)
• Applicant must complete the essay, impact statement and the scholarship application in order to be considered for this scholarship. 

Scholarship Essays:

Applicant must complete the essays in order to be considered for this scholarship. The essay must be typed in font type “Times New Roman” and font size “12”.

1) How did your extracurricular activities/ civic and community involvement make you a better student and citizen? (The answer must be approximately 100 words) All applicants must answer this question.

2) To be considered for the Derrick L. Foward, M.C.E. Visionary Leadership Scholarship, you must type an essay to the following questions: “If you were an entrepreneur, what would be the vision statement of your company, and why? This must also include a business plan. These questions should spark the entrepreneurial spirit that is harnessed deep within the soul. Students need to consider becoming an entrepreneur so they are in a better positon to solve todays problems and be independent and not dependent on others.

Applications must be postmarked by Monday, October 10, 2019. Faxed and late applications will not be accepted. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. For more information or questions please contact (937) 258-8694.

Completed applications, essay, grade report, and letter of recommendation form must be mailed to: 

Dayton Unit NAACP

Attn: Willie A. Terrell, Jr., Chairperson

Gooding, Williamson & Foward Visionary Leadership Scholarship

1528 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Way

Dayton, Ohio 45402

The Committee on Young Adult shall consist of Branch members twenty-one (21) – forty (40) years of age. It shall be the function of the Committee to: (1) support all branch activities; (2) stimulate interest through advocacy training and solicit membership of twenty-one (21) – forty (40) years of age; (3) create a mentorship program (Branch to Young Adults and Young Adults to Youth Units) to serve as a support bridge from Youth and College to Branch participation; (4) provide networking and social opportunities for young adults in the local community; and (5) encourage the participation of young adults in all activities and leadership within the Branch.