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The Los Angeles Urban League (South) Youth Community Development Council is dedicated to creating programs available to those less fortunate by utilizing the funds allocated to us. This Committee is responsible for awarding $1,000 in grant funds for community service learning projects to organizations that serve the south Los Angeles Area.

We are looking to fund education/youth programs offering tutorials, job and college prep services, in addition to performing and visual art components. Also, programs meeting the critical needs of the homeless by supplying shelter, healthy food, and employment opportunities.

For more information on how you can apply please contact Candice Black or Juvie Gonzalez at 323-292-8111 between 9:00AM-5:00PM March.4th-March 18th 2010.

More information after the break.

Professor Steven Goldsmith of Harvard focuses a chapter on Neighborhoods@Work in his new book - The Power of Social Innovation: How Civic Entrepreneurs Ignite Community Networks for Good. Attached is an excerpt about the League by Professor Goldsmith.

League President & CEO Blair Taylor visited the KTLA Morning News for Black History Month. Blair discussed National Urban League's 100th Anniversary and the pending 2010 State of Black LA Report with Michaela Pereira, Mark Kriski, Sam Rubin, and Jessica Holmes. Talk also included Obama Administration's focus on supporting holistic neighborhood change models like League's Neighborhoods@Work and the hope that South LA is selected to receive the significant federal funding.

Update: Now watch video from the event above.

On the announcement of her pending retirement, the Los Angeles Urban League and President & CEO Blair Taylor salutes the years of service of Congresswoman Diane Watson to Los Angeles, the state of California. Diane Watson and the League have worked together for the betterment of lives for decades. From her tenure on the Board of Education, to the California State Assembly to her service to the country as a member of Congress and ambassador to Micronesia, Watson has been an exceptional public servant, a trusted ally of the League and a fearless champion of the constituents we serve in the African American community and other minority communities.

In the Winter 2010 Newsletter:

• Head Start Enrollment and Employment Fair
• Neighborhoods@Work takes the National Stage
• Annual Board Luncheon
• Jim Hill Golf Tournament
• Neighborhoods@Work Success Stories

• National Urban League President Marc Morial blogged about the China Delegation for Black Enterprise.
• NUL has also posted pictures on NUL.org and on their Facebook page.  Become a Facebook fan of the Los Angeles Urban League!
• Eurweb has also posted photos from the trip.
• The LA Sentinel has a great article on the delegation’s plans in Beijing.
  

National Urban League and Los Angeles Urban League Host African-American Leaders on Historic Trade & Cultural Mission to China

While sight-seeing and experiencing Chinese culture are indeed part of its weeklong itinerary, an Urban League delegation to the People’s Republic of China will be focused on business, education and urban renewal during a historic cultural and trade mission to Beijing.

The delegation, led by National Urban League President & CEO Marc Morial and Los Angeles Urban League President & CEO Blair Taylor, is composed of prominent African-American leaders from around the country in business, education, civil engagement and government. They will have an unprecedented opportunity to engage with influential Chinese business and community leaders.  

The Los Angeles Urban League is proud to support America I Am, an outstanding exhibition presented by our good friend Tavis Smiley and proudly sponsored by Walmart.

Tavis is offering a $1 discount coupon to customers, friends and supporters of the Los Angeles Urban League. The exhibit is now open at the California African American Museum and the discount coupon valid thru March 31. Please support America I Am.

Click here and print the coupon to get $1 off admission to America I Am.

Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and to celebrate, our own Pamela Bakewell will be at today's Kingdom Day Parade.  The parade runs at 10 AM along King Blvd to Leimert Park in South LA.  Also at Leimart Park, the Young Professionals will be collecting donations for the relief efforts in Haiti.  Please donate.

Update: The deadline to apply to be a redistricting commissioner has been extended to February 16, 2010.

What is Redistricting?

Every ten years, we count every person in the United States through a process called the “Census.” This count gives us a snapshot of how many people there are and where they live.

Once we know how many people live in California, we can divide the population evenly into districts for the State Senate, Assembly, and Board of Equalization. This is called “redistricting.”

Historically, the State Legislature has drawn these district maps. In 2011, a citizens commission will be in charge.

How Will It Work?

In 2008, the voters passed Proposition 11, the Voters First Act. For the first time, a new 14-person commission called the Citizens Redistricting Commission will draw the state district maps.

The California State Auditor will help create the Citizens Redistricting Commission. From December 15, 2009 to February 16, 2010, the Auditor will accept applications from interested citizens to serve on the commission. The 14 commissioners will be selected by December 31, 2010.

Once the commission is formed, it will hold meetings around California to listen to residents describe their communities, neighborhoods and what issues are important to them. The commission will take all this input and draw district maps with an equal number of people in each district. This public hearing period runs from January 1, 2011 to September 15, 2011.

Why Should I Care?

It is important that elected representatives listen to the public’s interests in order to ensure that our votes matter. A critical step is to draw district lines that keep communities intact. The way district lines are drawn affects how politicians represent constituents’ interests. When communities are kept whole, we have a greater ability to hold politicians accountable.

What is the Process and How Do I Apply?

Contact Dannete.Wilkerson@laul.org or call 323.299.9660 ext. 244 to attend application orientations and workshops.