Branch Committees

Armed Services & Veterans Affairs. The Committee on Armed Services and Veterans Affairs shall (1) seek to establish a working relationship with those agencies in national, state, and local government, 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; and (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.

Community Coordination. 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.

Education. 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 that 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.

Finance. 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.

Freedom Fund. The Freedom Fund Committee shall plan and conduct fundraising 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.

Health. 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.

Membership and Life Membership. 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 toward this end.

Political Action. 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.