Mission

To ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of all rights for all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination.

Purpose

1. Take action with an intentional focus on the NAACP “game-changers to build community

  • Economic sustainability
  • Education
  • Health
  • Public Safety and criminal justice
  • Voting Rights and political representation
  • Expanded youth and young adult engagement
  • Climate justice
  • Housing

2. Advocate/defend/protect the equality of rights for all persons in the Berkshires

3. Advocate for progressive change through the collection of data, dissemination of information, influencing policy, and being timely in our response to major issues of injustice in Berkshires, Massachusetts, and the country.

4. Support and advocate for individuals who experience specific incidents of discrimination.

5. Advocate that systems, structures, and policies be in place to help create equal opportunity for all persons by using legal instruments, written and verbal advocacy, moral authority, and direct action when necessary, to challenge those in positions of power in the community.

Vision 2025 – A picture of what is true for the Branch in 2025.

  1. Our branch has made important contributions and actively supports helping people achieve equal access to employment, food, land, clean air, water, housing, and education.
  2. Key goals have been achieved for the eight NAACP Game Changers.
  3. We are encouraging and supporting participatory research to assist political, social, and environmental movements as a form of community education and resilience.
  4. We have been timely and thoughtful in our response to major issues of injustice in the Berkshires, the region, and the country.
  5. We have been actively engaged, with others, in dismantling systems of oppression, racism, and collective division. Actions including policy, legal, demonstrations, elections, etc.
  6. The level of awareness of equity and inclusiveness within the branch membership has improved significantly
  7. We have an annual balanced budget that is well funded.
  8. We have achieved significant annual membership growth with a focus on people of color and youth, using annual targets.
  9. We have made important and specific contributions to the significant improvement in the economic prosperity of people of color and other marginalized groups.
  10. We regularly offer training within the branch on key topics, e.g. youth leadership, inclusiveness, etc.