Dear Friend of the NAACP Brooklyn Branch:

As we enter the New Year with relief at a new beginning and reservations about the uncertain landscape of our state and nation, we are grateful to be a part of such an important time in our history.  On the cusp of a substantial change in the definition of the “American Dream,” we have the opportunity to actually “be the change we seek.”

During 2009, the NAACP Brooklyn Branch has had its share of achievements. We were selected the #1 Branch by the NAACP for outstanding programmatic activities as the recipient of the Thalheimer Award; increased our membership by 35%; and assisted with the NAACP Centennial Convention, held here in New York City , which by all measures was a tremendous success!

We've worked hard to address some of the issues facing our community but 2010 is a critical year and we are on tap to continue our progress forward.  One of our biggest endeavors this year will be out “Yes We Count” initiative. The NAACP has made the commitment to have our communities informed on the importance of being counted by becoming partners with the US Census Bureau .  In the effort to have all of our people counted, we will host events with designated US Census Specialists, elected officials and other organizations to get out and into the communities.

As we witness high unemployment rates and continued layoffs, we will continue to concentrate on the economic and physical health of our communities and focus on our recovery from the devastation of the worst recession of our time.

To achieve our capabilities it will require us to rededicate ourselves to use our talents to reach out and work collectively toward our shared goals. The National Office has commenced a "Life Membership Initiative" to award the branches with the best enrollment numbers.  To remain #1 we must continue to recruit, reclaim and retain our members.  We must remember that “Membership is the Lifeblood of the NAACP” and “Membership is Power.”

As we enter 2010, I am excited by all of the possibilities a new year brings.  I am grateful for all the accomplishments we've attained together. And I am confident we will continue to meet and raise the standards set before us.  I look forward to our continuing effort to recruit members, mobilize, organize and strengthen our branch.

Together we can make a difference!