The NAACP believes strongly that future leaders must be developed today, and such development is ongoing in the Youth & College Division, created in 1936.  Today there are more than 30,000 young people representing 600 Youth Councils, High School Chapters and College Chapters actively involved in the fight for civil rights. The NAACP has one of the largest organized groups of young people of any secular organization in the country.

MISSION
The mission of the NAACP Youth & College Division shall be to inform youth of the problems affecting African Americans and other racial and ethnic minorities; to advance the economic, education, social and political status of African Americans and other racial and ethnic minorities and their harmonious cooperation with other peoples; to stimulate an appreciation of the African Diaspora and other people of color’s contribution to civilization; and to develop an intelligent, militant effective youth leadership.

VISION
Developing a New Generation of Leadership

Objectives:

• Leadership and Activism Training

• Proactive Political and Community Activism

• Maintenance of existing Youth Units

• Public awareness of the necessity of youth involvement

• To be the leaders and trendsetters in the area of youth leadership and civil rights training

ISSUES
Students have always been at the forefront of most major social movements. From the Civil Rights Movement of the 60's to the anti-apartheid movement of the 1980's to the Save the Voting Rights Act campaign of the 21st century. Student activism has forced society and the world to change. NAACP Youth Councils, High School Chapters and College Chapters all across America are engaged in social justice activism addressing issues at the local, state and national level. The primary focus issues for the Division are the following:

• Education

• Health

• Economic Development

• Juvenile Justice

• Voter Empowerment

For information, contact the Alexandria, VA NAACP Youth Council at naacpalexyouth@hotmail.com
Youth Council Advisors: Markevia Bell and Jennifer Lightfoot