NULITES

Introduction

At its Annual Conference in 1990, the National Urban League introduced its “Youth Conference, the National Urban League Incentives to Excel & Succeed (NULITES)”. This renewed effort to service young people, would focus on providing opportunities for youth from economically and socially challenged backgrounds and diverse culture

The History of NULITES Program & Summit

• Founded (1989) on the premise that young people are our most valuable resource, the National Urban League Incentives To Excel & Succeed (N.U.L.I.T.E.S.) is the oldest youth initiative of the National Urban League.
• Start up mone was provided by Shell Oil and the Lily Foundation to start the first chapter in Houston, Texas in the fall of 1989 to host the 1st NULITES Youth Summit in the summer of 1990 in NYC.
• NULITES is designed to reflect the positive aspects of youth in today’s society while providing opportunities for personal and leadership development.
• NULITES Chapters are sponsored by local Urban League affiliates and have their own youth officers who develop, implement and execute activities with guidance from adult advisors
• The main purpose of NULITES is to poromote and maintain high standards of well-being, academic excellence and character and leadership qualities.

Since its inception, NULITES has grown from an annual conference for young people to a highly effective youth leadership network and developmental program that directly serve some 8,000 youth. Focusing on preparing young people to be self-sufficient, competent and contributing members of society and their communities through exposure to individuals and programs that promote character development, enhance critical thinking, problem solving and decision making skills, the NULITES Youth Summit is considered one of the country’s premiere youth leadership forums.

 The National Urban League Incentives to Excel & Succeed (NULITES) is the longest running youth leadership initiative administered at NUL. NULITES is based on 7 Principles that guide young people into becoming successful adults. (7 Principles of NULITES - STRIVE for excellence at home, school and in my community; WORK within my neighborhood to further its development; RESPECT my mind and body as well as the minds and bodies of others; CELEBRATE my heritage and culture as well as those of others; CREATE a better future for my family, other people and myself; CARE for the world’s people and environment; PROMOTE a universal spirit of cooperation and peace.)

 

The NULITES Chapters & National Youth Leadership Summit promote these standards by:

• Providing a foundation that enhances and supports the academic and social development of its young people
• Helps young people recoginize that academic achievement and their social development matters;
• Directly engages youth in the commitment to pursue excellence and achievement;
• Provides opportunities for youth to grow and develop physically, mentally and socially as well as spiritually;
• Connects a young person to at least one caring adult who can provide emotional support and access to information and resources;
• Allows youth to have active roles in policy and program decision-making, which develops attributes for leadership and civic participation;
• Provides youth with a healthy knowledge of and respect for one’s own culture and those of others.

 

Youth Leadership Development at the National Urban League moving forward

Currently the National Urban League is developing a research based, outcome driven approach in the following areas of development for our young people:

Social and Emotional Development – Cultural competency, self-efficacy, positive personal and community identity, investment in pro-social behaviors and attitudes, person responsibility, respect for diversity.

Health Living – improved health/nutrition, healthy decision making, physical activity level, and reduced high-risk behavior

Post Secondary Success – more difficult course taking, taking appropriate tests and exams, application to five or more colleges and universities, knowledge of career options and pathways, preparation for career or business opportunity, plan for advancement.

Leadership Skills – team work, peer leadership, conflict resolution, peer education, design program and activities, participate in leadership roles.

 

This is a work in progress. Please check back in the future for more information.