Program Goals
Currently, the SCLC seeks to continue to “Redeem the Soul of America” through effecting policy. This is being done through four major program goals: Economic Development, Education, Community Empowerment, and Technology.
1. Economic Development
SCLC believes that the gap between those seeking jobs and jobs available must be eliminated. Currently, there is a shortage of organizations positioned to speak for poor and minority communities on questions of economic development concerns. SCLC will seek to combine research expertise with a high-profile ability to address these concerns publicly.
An important engine for increasing employment opportunities is creating jobs in the Black community and eliminating discrimination in contracting. SCLC has had a leadership role for at least the past decade in the area of equality. We will continue our role as advocates in this area.
Activities will be:
- a. Increase availability of jobs for unemployed or underemployed minority persons
- b. Improve training and preparation of low-income job seekers
- c. Increase the size and number of minority-owned businesses
- d. Expand economic resources available for equality
- e. Expose young people to economic fundamentals and business basics
Education
The problems of Black youth have long been a central concern of SCLC. Within the realm of public education, several issues will continue to be of concern. It is increasingly clear that educational successes and future employment depend in large measure on children receiving strong support outside of school. All children need responsible adults in their lives and social alternatives to gang membership and use of drugs.
Our focus in particular regarding education is to address the problems of low income Black youth, in efforts to improve education for all children. SCLC wants to take a leadership position with respect to securing adequate funding for public schools through accomplishing fundamental reform in the nation’s education finance system. SCLC will take active roles in the everyday work of schools located in inner cities and rural communities by conducting direct services in those schools, which will both improve the level of education provided by those schools and allow SCLC to gain essential access to knowledge that supports policy recommendations.
Activities will be:
- a. Accomplish systematic changes that improve public education including school choices for all parents.
- b. Provide programming leading to improved educational outcomes for students and schools
- c. Develop policies and assist schools to reduce negative impacts of race on educational achievements and the life course
- d. Assure that qualified low-income students have the opportunity to attend college
- e. Improve personal supports for low-income youth, thereby improving educational performance and decreasing participation in violence and substance abuse
Community Empowerment
Historically, one of the most important avenues for members of racial and ethnic minorities to be empowered in America was full participation in our government. Black’s rates of voter registration and turnout are still unacceptably low. SCLC will continue to be an outspoken commentator on voting patterns and political empowerment. Groups operate at a disadvantage when they lack information. SCLC remains well positioned to facilitate coalitions of neighborhood-based organizations for voter education, registration and turnout and to empower itself and other groups with respect to advocacy for policy changes in government by nonviolent direct action, and by initiating a new era of conducting and disseminating analysis of government budgets. We seek to fill this strong demand that presently exists.
Activities will be:
- a. Achieve racial equality in political systems
- b. Increase voter registration and participation through education
- c. Improve responsiveness of local government to concerns of poor and minority communities
- d. Support the placement of more equality in policy-making positions in the public and private sectors
- e. Assist claimants with pursuit of discrimination claims, providing organizational support on class action or impact legislation
Technology
The bridge across the so-called “digital divide” is formed through the union of access and opportunity. SCLC will seek to establish technology centers through its chapter and affiliates base and provide programs for youth and adults that ultimately lead to education and careers in technology.
Activities will be:
- a. Develop programs that provide access to technology for our chapters and constituents
- b. Establish a website that allows for membership recruitment, information distribution, and exposure
- c. Establish programs to develop and expose youth to technology
