The Opportunity Compact:
Urban League Blueprint for
Economic Equality is a comprehensive set of principles and policy recommendations designed to empower all Americans to be full participants in the economic and social mainstream of this nation. The Compact outlines the main recommendations of the National Urban League in four major areas (the Opportunity to Thrive, to Earn, to Own and to Prosper), and provides research that supports these recommendations. Read the Compact Now!
The Akron Urban League is a non-profit social service agency, National Urban League affiliate, and United Way affiliate, which seeks to improve the economic, cultural, social, educational, and recreational conditions affecting all citizens of Summit County, particularly African Americans, other minorities, and those most in need. As an affiliate of the National Urban League, it reaches nationwide audiences and partnerships with the other 114 affiliates making it a strong proponent for programs that can be replicated across the country.
Since its founding in 1925, the agency has sought to eliminate racial and other types of discrimination and to achieve parity for African Americans and other disadvantaged persons in every phase of life. These goals are addressed through the following:
1. Direct Servicesare provided to individuals and families in the areas of education, parenting, computer and business training, youth leadership, food/resource assistance, and many more areas.
2.Researchis conducted to study social and economic issues essential to the formulation of policies at the local and national levels and to enlarge the body of literature about Black America. This information is sent to the national organization and published annually in the journal, “The State of Black America.”
3. Advocacyis achieved for African Americans, other minorities and for the poor by speaking out on public policy issues that impact these groups.
4. Building Bridgesof understanding between racial, ethnic, and cultural groups is extremely important. The staff and board are interracial and promote diversity and collaborative efforts with other agencies to help build stronger communities.
