The National office of The Links, Incorporated states that its National Trends and Services facet should provide “for community programs that increase the awareness of issues that affect the quality of life of African Americans. During this biennium, the National Trends and Services facet will address the significant economic and social inequalities that continue to persist among African Americans in the areas of education, income, health, employment, and other social indicators of wellbeing.”
To continue: “The vision of the National Trends and Services facet is to eliminate disparities so as to reduce barriers to services through leadership, education, and service. Our mission is to empower our membership so that we can effectively empower the communities in which we work. Our goals include increasing the number of sustainable, measurable programming; increasing collaboratives, partnerships, and program funding; and extending our existing initiatives to include those that most affect African Americans.”
In keeping with the above-stated National overall vision and mission, the National Trends and Services facet of the San Diego Chapter of The Links, Incorporated are currently committed to the following linkages and signature programs:
Project Alert – A collaboration with other Western Area Chapters. We will organize and implement twelve seminars: To inform African Americans about Alzheimer’s Disease: To encourage early detection and treatment. To identify community resources. To recruit study participants. Diabetes and Heart Health Awareness – The facet will focus on diabetes and heart health awareness through education, advocacy and fundraising. Education – Our goal is to educate our youth on the importance of proper diet, exercise, etc. as regards to the prevention of Type II diabetes and heart disease. Advocacy – We are using our connections, networks and associations to advocate for the health of our youth. Fundraising – We have designed and produced a Diabetes Awareness charm bracelet and are selling them as a fundraiser to benefit junior diabetes research organizations. Additional Program Highlights from the National Office of The Links, Incorporated: General Motors and Safe Kids Partnership. Linkages to Life. The Gift of Life: What African Americans Need to Know About Organ Donations. Hurricane Katrina. Renewal of the “Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments of 2006”. No Child Left Behind Act. The Doris Miller Signature Campaign to obtain the Medal of Honor for Heroism in World War II. Rosa Parks Statue to be placed in Statuary Hall, U.S. Capitol. Heart Truth Campaign. Cardiovascular Disease Grant. Walk for Health and Hunger Walk-A-Thon. Childhood Obesity Initiative.