Dallas-Fort Worth Urban League Young Professionals

Needs

As a civil rights organization we desire to further our commitments to the Dallas-Fort Worth Community. Specifically, over the next year we aim to lean into the following areas:

1. EDUCATION & YOUTH

Educational opportunities for young residents inside and outside of the classroom

are crucial for their preparation to be active, engaged community leaders.

2. ECONOMICS

Economic stability creates a freedom to choose for individuals and families to move to or create areas with greater opportunity for themselves and others.

3. HEALTH & QUALITY OF LIFE

Access to adequate healthcare and close proximity to a variety of amenities are important factors in determining where an individual or family call home.

4. CIVIC ENGAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP

Cultivating and amplifying your voice is integral in ensuring representation in local

and national decisions affecting your community.

5. CIVIL RIGHTS & RACIAL JUSTICE

Civil rights and justice must be vigilantly protected and furthered to ensure current and future generations are treated fairly under the law.

To facilitate these goals, the Dallas-Fort Worth Urban League Young Professionals (DFWULYP) hired C-Suite Consulting, a Black woman-led company, to conduct this research. C-Suite Consulting utilized data sets to identify trends, needs, and opportunities in the target areas for programming and partnership comparing localities and identifying gaps or areas of opportunity. During this assessment, C-Suite identified some key areas of need that DFWULYP can address with your assistance and through maximizing the efforts of our programmatic committees:

Public schools in Dallas, Garland, and Irving have performed lower than schools in other metroplex areas. Also, most Dallas-Area students are not considered college-ready upon graduation. Leveraging our Youth Empowerment, Civic Engagement, and Community Outreach committees, we hope to address the educational gap in collaboration with students, parents, educators, policy-makers, and our local community.

Health & Quality of Life

The vast disparity in black maternal morbidity, advocacy, education, and access to adequate care are pressing health needs. Also, there are numerous recreation deserts in the metroplex that limit the ability for residents to engage in physical activity. Our Health and Quality of Life, Civic Engagement, and Community Outreach committees can assist with programming and outreach to these areas to close the recreation gap and increase health literacy and access in the DFW area.

Civic Engagement & Leadership

Voter turnout in Dallas County is historically low during midterm elections. However, the recent change in participation after the 2016 election is a promising sign. DFWULYP has consistently engaged in non-partisan efforts to increase voter engagement, education, activation, and registration, and we anticipate being able to continue these efforts in the upcoming elections.