world of the NAACP, The

Dear Fellow Members,

As you know, the Board of Directors has decided on increased membership fees and new categories for "Life" memberships, effective March 1, 1999. This is our first increase in 15 years. It is modest and keeps the membership affordable.

The new fee schedule follows below.

1. Adult (21 and older), $30.00 a year for membership and a subscription to The New Crisis magazine.

2. Young adult (18 to 21) $15.00 a year for membership and a subscription to The New Crisis magazine.

3. Youth (through 17) $10.00 a year for membership.

The additional revenues from the new fees will enable us to better carry out our programs in civil rights, voter registration, anti-discrimination, economic empowerment, and youth development. Deriving more of our revenue from members will also help to keep the NAACP independent of special interest groups whose agendas do not always match our own.

A special attraction is that the young adult and adult fees include a year's subscription to The New Crisis, the oldest black-owned magazine in continuous circulation. This dynamic magazine, first published in 1910, links our 2,200 branches in 50 states and six foreign countries, and helps us arrive at a common view of the world that we address with our association initiatives.

Here s how the annual membership fees are spent. From the adult annual membership of $30.00: 39.6 percent, or $11.90, goes to the originating branch; .83 percent, or 25 cents, goes to the originating state conference; 20 percent, or $6.00, goes to The New Crisis magazine; 9 percent, or $2.70, goes for fixed costs, and: 30.5 percent, or $9.15, goes to the national office.

From the young adult annual membership of $15.00: 32 percent, or $4.80, goes to the originating unit; 40 percent, or $6.00, goes to The New Crisis magazine; 18 percent, or $2.70, goes to fixed processing costs, and; 10 percent, or $1.50, goes to the national office

From the youth annual membership of $10.00: 30 percent, or $3.00, goes to the originating youth unit; 30 percent, or $3.00, goes to the national office; 27 percent, or $2.70, goes to fixed processing costs, and; 13 percent, or $1.30, goes to the State Youth and College Division

Our fees have to rise because costs have risen. In 1990, revenues from membership were 25 percent of the combined income of the NAACP and the Special Contributions Fund. By 1997, revenues from membership dropped to only 14 percent. During that same period, our costs increased. For example, postage costs increased 45.5 percent-from 22 cents in 1985 to 32 cents today. In January, first class postage will increase to 33 cents.

The board also created new names and categories for what heretofore were called "Life memberships." The new categories are:

These categories are progressive. For example, you must hold a Silver Life Membership before obtaining a Diamond Life Membership. These life membership categories carry a 10-year subscription to The New Crisis.

Proceeds from these memberships are divided 60/40, with the larger share retained by the national office. The new categories, like the new fees, go into effect on March 1, 1999.

Membership is the life-blood of the NAACP Your generosity as a member ensures our association's independence and ability to act speedily and confidently, no matter what. This is how we keep the flames of freedom burning bright by remaining focused on our 90-year-old goals and staying fiscally sound. In the words of Martin Delaney,: "Our elevation must be the result of selfefforts and work of our own hands. No other human power can accomplish it. But if we determine it shall be so, it will be so. "

Yours in common purpose,

Julian Bond

NAACP Board Chairman

Copyright Crisis Publishing Company, Incorporated Dec 1998
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