Community Agency Project Paper

Decision for community agency

For my project, I wanted to learn more about the Urban League of Winston Salem. My
interest in this organization stemmed from its reputation as a stalwart advocate for the
economically disadvantaged. Thus, I was excited about the opportunity to learn more about the
organization from both a historical and structural standpoint. Furthermore, the Urban League is
engaged in a number of programs on the forefront of revitalization of employment for the local
city. These efforts are directly in line with perennial mission of the organization as well as the
vision of the leadership for the organization.
Initial Impressions of Urban league
Through a very fortunate situation, I was able to interview the director of the Urban
League for Winston-Salem and the south eastern region, Keith Grandberry. He literally walked
up beside me one evening while I was downtown, and after starting a conversation with him I
was able to schedule an interview for the following week. The interview took place at the main
facility located in downtown Winston-Salem. Upon arriving at the Urban League, my first
impression was that the staff was very friendly. The office assistant at the front desk offered me
a seat and water when I arrived even prior to me stating that I was there to meet with Mr.
Grandberry. There were several fliers with information on membership and other available
programs for the community that were immediately accessible upon walking into the facility.
For example, I picked up information on foreclosure prevention services and applications to
register for resume building and leadership seminars. Most of the staff offices were located just
to the left of the lobby area. And to the right, there was an on-site JobLinks program along with
individual offices of job placement coordinators. Additionally, there is an upstairs area where a
large conference room across from where Mr. Grandberrys office is located.
Interview with Mr. Grandberry
To begin the interview, I asked Mr. Grandberry about what motivated him to become part
of and eventually director of the Urban League. He told me about how he grew up in a small
town in NC and was fortunate to get a college degree and meet some amazing individuals. He
also advised me that where he came from opportunities for economic advancement were scarce,
so he had to decide whether he wanted to remain in that situation or leave in search of a better
situation. Mr. Grandberry also explained about how he was fortunate to meet and be mentored
by Ralph Mitchell, who was the director of the Center for Creative Leadership while in college.
Mr. Mitchell took Mr. Grandberry with him to a number of business conferences around the
United States where he met the then director of the Urban League who was looking for a
replacement. Mr. Grandberry expressed that the mission of the Urban League and its positive
impact on the community were the primary reasons for his accepting the role of director in the
organization.
Mission and History
The mission of the Urban League according to Mr. Grandberry is to empower and
advocate for a diverse community, to promote socioeconomic and parity through education,
training, and civic engagement. He described the history of the organization as beginning in
1910 with a similar mission in mind, but primarily for the advancement of economically
disadvantaged blacks. The local chapter of the Urban League was founded here in Winston-
Salem in 1953 and chartered as an affiliate of the National Urban League in 1955. According to
Mr. Grandberry, there are a number of chartered Urban League affiliates throughout the United
States and their headquarter office is stationed in New York.
Organizational Structure
The organizational structure of the Urban League is particularly interesting in light of
their vision for the community. The Urban League itself is a non-profit organization, and each
affiliate operates as an independent entity in charge of its own funding and community outreach
programming within their specific area. In relation to the core of their values, I see this structure
as symbolic of the goal for economic self-empowerment that the organization seeks to ascribe to
others. The long term success and viability of the organization is directly related to its ability to
communicate its value to the greater community. Thus the more effective the Urban League is in
finding new ways to help the community, the more funding they receive through grants and
private donations. Mr. Grandberry explained that although his position comes with great
satisfaction in helping others, his greatest source of frustration was in constantly having to seek
additional income streams as a non-profit organization. He stated that there is a constant
pressure to be innovative in the services offered to the community, especially as the dynamics of
people utilizing the services have changed since the last recession.
Clientele Served
The clientele served at the Urban League is very diverse. Although the origins of the
Urban League began as an advocate for the black community, recent years have demonstrated
that economic misfortune has no color or societal barriers. Mr. Grandberry explained that there
are individuals of all walks of life now utilizing services at the Urban League. Thus, their
programming has become more diverse to provide assistance to individuals ranging from
recently release ex-offenders to community business owners. These services have no age limit
and the Urban League seeks to help any individual in need of career or job-related services.
Programming and Personnel
The multitude of programs and services provided by the Urban League are offered in
direct benefit to individuals in the community with no cost or insurance required. Some of the
programs that are offered focus on financial literacy, small business ownership, entrepreneurial
workshops, business development, and leadership seminars. Additionally, individuals can apply
to become a member of the Urban League which is gives them access to private workshops,
conferences, and seminars outside of what is available to the general public.
A particularly program of interest to me is the youth summer employment and leadership
initiative. This program began in 2011, was developed and currently directed by Erika Martin.
During my interview with Mr. Grandberry, he also brought in Ms. Martin so that I could speak
further with her about the youth initiative. Currently, there are 88 high school age students
involved with the program here in Winston. The program is funded through a grant which
provides each student with a minimum wage pay as they intern at different work sites throughout
Winston Salem for the summer. Correspondingly, there is a youth leadership program that is
ongoing throughout the year that students must participate in to be eligible for the summer
employment program.
I asked Ms. Martin about her motivation for initiating this program with the Urban
League and she stated a similar desire to pursue economic empowerment for the younger
generation. She stated that after graduating with her degree in business she wanted to teach
those same skills that she learned into teenagers in preparation for world of work. I further
inquired to Mr. Grandberry about the educational backgrounds of the staff at the Urban League.
He stated that most of the personnel including himself graduated from college with a degree in
business or human services. And, everyone working at the Urban League has an equally strong
desire to help people in need.
Conclusion
From my experience conducting this interview and everything Ive learned about the
Urban League thus far, I was very impressed to see such a strong organization working towards
economic empowerment of all people. Everything from the organizational structure to its
personnel speaks to the necessity of the program in providing needed services to the community.