The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded February 12, 1909 by a group of earnest and compromising men and women, black and white together, who believed in the democratic process to ensure opportunity for all. The NAACP is the oldest, largest, and strongest civil rights organization in the United States. Formed in New York City, the NAACP now covers all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Japan, and Germany. The NAACP is a network of more than 2,200 branches divided into seven regions and managed and governed by a National Board of Directors.

The NAACP believes strongly that future leaders must be developed today, and such development is ongoing in the Youth & College Division, created in 1936. Today there are more than 400 Youth Councils and College Chapters actively involved in voter registration. The organization has one of the largest organized groups of young people of any secular organization in the country. Some 67,000 youth are involved with the NAACP through its Youth Councils and College Division. Its objectives are to inspire, motivate, and create interest in civic activities; provide young people with an understanding of pertinent issues; develop organizational skills for implementation of community related activities; and encourage active participation in these activities.

NAACP Youth Units participate in social justice advocacy by addressing local issues as well as a National Agenda made up of issues including:

Criminal and Juvenile Justice

Economic Development

Education

Health

Voter Empowerment

Youth Units address the National Agenda by organizing Town Hall Meetings, Issue and Mobilization Rallies, and Direct Action Campaigns around specific issues and legislation effecting young people in their state and local community.

The Washington and Lee University NAACP chapter was chartered in February 2002 in Lexington, Virginia. Under the direction of its founder, President Kisha N. Barnes, this branch of young people are attempting to establish a new era of individuals dedicated to the empowerment and protection of the rights of minorities in the Lexington/Rockbridge County area and across the nation.

Membership is the "lifeblood" of the NAACP. Throughout the history of our Association, millions of people have committed to the struggle for civil rights by joining the NAACP. These Freedom Fighters have fueled our past success. But you are the foundation upon which the NAACP's future will be build. We encourage all to join us in promoting civil and social justice.