Our Programs and Services
The Urban League of Philadelphia advances African-Americans into the economic and social mainstream through programs and services under our new strategic plan, Connect 360. Through Connect 360, we're focusing on the ABC’s – Advocacy & Policy, Business Diversity and Talent and Community & Economic Development. Under this strategy, you’ll see even more how we are uniquely positioned to be the connector between the circle of civic organizations, emerging businesses, think tanks and public policy makers seeking to improve the well-being of African Americans throughout the region.
Advocacy & Policy With the respect and connections the Urban League of Philadelphia has developed over the years, we play an important convening role for public, private sector and community leaders to acknowledge the role of African Americans in the Philadelphia region’s economy and address barriers to entry. We will maintain a high profile in advocacy and public policy issues by providing accurate information and offering tangible solutions. To build a common knowledge base among key public and private decision makers, we will do the following:
- Update and release the State of Black Philadelphia on a quadrennial basis, with annual “report cards” and “action agenda” regarding progress and needs.
- Present ProVocations, a quarterly series of public discussions with engaging experts and speakers on threaded topics raised in the State of Black Philadelphia.
- Work with the members of our Affinity Groups - the Urban League Guild of Philadelphia and the Urban League Young Professionals to inspire and advance positive change in public policy and private sector practices affecting African Americans.
Business & Talent Diversity
While Philadelphia is a diverse city, its corporate management is not. This is problematic on several levels. In a global marketplace, businesses capable of understanding different cultures, beliefs and backgrounds from an insider’s perspective will have a competitive advantage over those with a more unilateral world view and perspective. Academic journals report that highly skilled knowledge workers are mobile and gravitate to regions and companies they perceive as diverse and inclusive, as these are markers for acceptance and celebration of new ideas and ways of thinking that make for a preferred work environment. Moreover, the lack of diversity throughout companies denies local African Americans the opportunity to achieve economic success that leads to community advancement.
We are well positioned to address this problem given our strong connections to area employers, long association with employment training and development within the African American community and core competencies. We will advance workplace success through such programs as:
- Urban Professional Connection, a fee for service program where mid-career professionals can receive quality career coaching and professional development.
- Urban Leadership Forum, a program that has offered unparallel leadership development to men and women in the Greater Philadelphia area since 1988. Alumni include Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter, Philadelphia City Councilwoman at-Large Blondell Reynolds Brown and Pennsylvania State Sen. Vincent Hughes.
- Urban League Career Center, an array of services are available for job seekers, whether they are unemployed and looking for work or currently have a job, but are seeking to advance their career. We hold recruitment sessions for some of the area's leading companies as well as various training programs and career consultations. Our Urban League Employment Network provided an opportunity to post your resume online and view job postings throughout the country.
Community & Economic Development
Engagement is the action through which the Urban League fulfills its mission. Through a broad range of programs and activities, the Urban League empowers people with the tools to be successful financially and academically while working to improve communities and change lives. From adolescents, to college students, to young professionals and seasoned executives, the Urban League nurtures leadership skills; promotes networking at all levels; fosters understanding of civic issues most affecting African Americans and a sense of commitment to the community that will help both the individual and the community.
We will continue to pursue economic equality through the following community and economic development programs:
- CCIS (Child Care Information Services) , a program that helps with what is often a roadblock for work parents - finding quality and affordable childcare. We've provided subsidy payments and services for more than 13,280 children.
- Urban League Entrepreneurship Center (ULEC), since our opening in November 2008, we've worked with more than 100 minority business owners, helping them gain the skills and resources needed to grow their business.
- Housing Counseling, as the economy continues to experiences ups and down, we've been working to offer homeowners guidance to protect their homes from foreclosure. We also provide people interested in becoming homeowners with information, resources and services to help them become responsible homeowners.
- Youth Leadership Society, understanding that the future depends on the success of our youth, we will work to provide young adults with opportunities to pursue higher education and professional and leadership development through college scholarships, internships and financial literacy programs.
|
