Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP announces the following changes to NAACP operations in response to the public health crisis:
In light of the growing spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we have made the decision to close all NAACP National Offices until at least April 30. Our concern and priority has always been the health and safety of our employees and, accordingly, all National Office staff members are working remotely during this time.
CONTACTING NATIONAL OFFICE
Despite the temporary change, the National Office is prepared to meet the needs of our units, and we remain available by telephone and /or email. We have developed an operational plan to ensure that we are fully able to respond both effectively and efficiently to all of your questions. We will provide you with regular updates as we closely monitor this evolving situation.
MEETINGS AND GATHERINGS
With regards to meetings and gatherings organized or sponsored by NAACP units, we are asking that you follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local government entities and refrain from gathering in person until at least April 30. This request extends to NAACP general membership and executive committee meetings, meetings of other unit committees, state conference quarterly meetings, Freedom Fund events, ACT-SO events, and any other gathering organized or sponsored by NAACP units.
Branches should conduct meetings via teleconference or other electronic means, please be sure to adhere to the guidelines provided by Roberts Rules of Order. Dates, times of the meeting must be provided to all members and copious minutes must be taken to document the meeting. Click here for more information on hosting a meeting via teleconference.
FREEDOM FUND EVENTS
For those who have already begun securing sponsorships and ticket sales in advance of your Freedom Fund Dinner, it is our recommendation that you provide your supporters with the opportunity to:
· convert their 501(c)4 sponsorship or ticket purchase into a general support contribution for the organization, which would be appreciated during this period of great need, or
· receive a credit towards your rescheduled dinner in the future.
Note: Language should be included in all correspondences that contributions to 501(c)4 organizations are not tax-deductible.
RESOLUTIONS
All units should hold an official meeting with minutes, via video-conference (Zoom, Skype, etc…) or telephone conference call specifically dedicated to this year’s resolutions. Unit President and Secretary signed hard copies must be received by the President and CEO’s office no later than June 1, 2020, 5:30 pm Eastern Time). This has been extended from our original date of May 1, 2020. Further guidance and suggestions will be forthcoming.
ELECTIONS
The National Board of Directors, through its Executive Committee, has suspended all NAACP rules requiring in-person meetings for any purpose and will allow for alternative settings to conduct business during this time. Deadline to qualify for elected positions has moved from April 1 to May 1. Guidelines regarding Unit Branch Elections will be distributed in a separate email and webinar training on Units Elections will begin March 28, 2020.
Likewise, elections for youth units will take place at times to be determined in the fall of 2020.
MEMBERSHIPS
Additionally, we are suspending the rule providing that membership becomes effective at the time the unit receives its share of the membership fee from the National Office. Membership in the NAACP for purposes of the 2020 Branch election cycle will be effective on the date the membership is received by the Branch or in the National Office (including online).
CIVIL RIGHTS ADVOCACY TRAINING INSTITUTE (CRATI)
We have made the difficult decision to cancel the upcoming Civil Rights Advocacy Training Institutes (CRATI). We know how important this training is to the advocacy work of the NAACP and we will soon provide information on an alternative to ensure that those needs are met.
111th NATIONAL CONVENTION
With directive changing by the hour, it’s too early to make a change on our National Convention, currently planned for July 25 to July 29 in Boston, MA. This meeting is under review based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local government guidelines. We will provide any updates in the coming weeks.
During this period of national health concern, please heed the warnings of the CDC and other government authorities and take all necessary precautions to ensure that you and your family remain healthy and safe.