"A lot of people are worried about the problems of urban America ... National Urban Fellows is finding solutions."
These are the words spoken by our founders in 1969, when the National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors decided to support a program that would, "identify promising young men and women, give them the additional academic training and the on the job experience they needed, and place them where their ethnicity, talent and life experiences would add an important new dimension to urban administration."
Forty years later, over 1100 Alumni have graduated from the National Urban Fellows program, enabling us to fulfill our mission to develop professionals of all ethnic and racial backgrounds, particularly people of color and women, with a commitment to social justice and equity. National Urban Fellows strive from the start, to be leaders and change agents in the public and non profit sectors.
Today, our nation faces many of the same challenges encountered 40 years ago, but also the same opportunities. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, one-third, or 34%, of the United States is comprised of people of color, who are expected to become the majority in 2042, with the nation projected to be 54 percent people of color in 2050. Despite this imminent population shift, people of color and women comprise only 18% of the top leadership positions in the U.S. Congress, local governments; nonprofits and philanthropic organizations, while our public service leadership needs are growing in size and scope.
Just like back in 1969, we see an opening where diversity, talent and life experiences will offer important new dimensions to urban administration. Change in America, demands the representation of people of color and women who will understand and address the country's mounting challenges — challenges that include unemployment, the state of our economy, health care, public education, immigration and the environment. Change demands leaders of color and women who are prepared to create the solutions through the formation of sound, equitable public policy.
As we enter our Anniversary year, we are armed with our 40th Anniversary Diversity Leadership Research findings, which conclude that National Urban Fellows possesses the talent and commitment to achieve effective public service leadership diversity.
And so, we are proud to announce a Call to Action that will change the face of public service leadership. We will mobilize the support of national and community organizations and leaders to join us in promoting the best practices, that will ensure the continued leadership development of people of color and women, who are ready to assume positions of power and who are the leaders for a changing America.
All the best,
Paula Gavin
