About Us

THE HISTORY OF THE WEST CHESTER, PA BRANCH OF THE NAACP

In the spring of 1919...

a decade after the founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) on April 5th, a group of 88 men and women gathered in West Chester, Pennsylvania for the purpose of establishing a local branch. (NAACP). The West Chester branch, established in April of 1919, has a rich history & relationship with the Charles A. Melton Arts & Education Center, formerly known as the West Chester Community Center.

As World War I came to an end one of the branch's first priority was to form a committee, to meet and interview local political leaders, to advocate that returning veterans "be remembered when patronage was to be distributed."

MEMBERS MakE a Difference

Members are the lifeblood of our organization. Each and every NAACP member makes a difference to the complex, ongoing work of advancing racial equity. We have driven the hardest-fought wins for civil rights and social justice — with you by our side, we can accelerate the next milestones for Black Americans.

Your active involvement will strengthen our resolve and make our branch stronger. Please take a moment to learn more about our committees, then use our Standing Committee Form to join the committee that speaks directly

to your heart.

Authorized Committees of the NAACP

The purpose and aims of Authorized Committees of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People shall be to improve the political, educational, social, and economic status of African-Americans and other racial and ethnic minorities; to eliminate racial prejudice; to keep the public aware of the adverse effects of discrimination; and to take lawful action to secure the elimination of racial discrimination; to seek legislation and policies at the local level or at other levels if requested by the State/State-Area Conference or National Office which advance the programs and policies of the Association; and to oppose legislation and policies which are adverse to the programs and policies of the Association consistent with the efforts of the national organization and in conformity with the Articles of Incorporation of the Association, its Constitution and Bylaws, and as directed by the Board of Directors.

(Bylaws - For Units, Article II, 1-i)

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Committees help plan, implement, and elevate every unit's work to end race-based discrimination. To document activities and inform the rest of the unit, committee leadership will use the linked guide to prepare and submit their required monthly reports.

Guide for NAACP Committee Written Reports

West Chester Standing Committees

(1) ACT-SO Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics

(2) Armed Services & Veteran's Affairs

(3) Communications

(4) Community Coordination

(5) Criminal Justice

(6) Economic Development

(7) Education

(8 ) Environmental and Climate Justice

(9) Finance - (below)

(10) Freedom Fund - (below)

(11) Health

(12) Housing

(13) Labor and Industry

(14) Legal Redress - (below)

(15) Membership & Life Membership

(16 ) Political Action

(17) Prison Branch

(18) Religious Affairs

(19) Women In NAACP (WIN)

(20) Young Adult- WCUPA - Chapter

(21) Youth Works

The committee descriptions are provided to help you make an informed choice. Once you identify the committee you want to join please complete and submit the Membership Committee Form Join this multigenerational network of activists dismantling structural racism by using your power to take action on the most pressing issues of our time. Bring your talent, gifts and ideas to the table. Serve with your fellow branch members, in the fight for equality, equity and justice. Not a member of the branch?

Join us - branch #2292 Today.

Standing_Committees Description (pdf)Download

Finance Committee

Freedom Fund Committee

Finance Committee consists of the President, Treasurer, and at least one (1) other member.*

The committee studies the financial needs of the Branch and is responsible for drafting an adequate annual budget.

(*As stated in the bylaws)

Freedom Fund Committee

The Freedom Fund Committee plans and conducts fund-raising activities, entertainment and other projects, for local and national NAACP purposes within the scope of the NAACP's programs. It works closely with the Finance Committee.

Legal Redress Committee

Freedom Fund Committee

Legal Redress Committee

The Legal Redress Committee: (1) investigates all cases reported to it; (2) supervises all litigation in which the Branch is interested; and (3) keeps the National NAACP and the Branch informed on the progress of every case. The committee does not provide general legal advice.

About us

THE HISTORY OF THE WEST CHESTER, PA BRANCH OF THE NAACP

In the spring of 1919...

Get to know us.

MEMBERS MakE a Difference

Authorized Committees of the NAACP

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

West Chester Standing Committees

Finance Committee

Freedom Fund Committee

Freedom Fund Committee

Freedom Fund Committee

Freedom Fund Committee

Freedom Fund Committee

Legal Redress Committee

Freedom Fund Committee

Legal Redress Committee

RESOLUTIONS LIBRARY