National Urban League Incentives To Excel & Succeed

NULITES is the National Urban League Incentives To Excel & Succeed nationwide youth initiative. Launched in 1989, it is the longest ongoing National Urban League youth initiative. Founded on the premise that young people are our most valuable resource, NULITES is designed to reflect the positive aspects of youth in today's society while providing opportunities for personal and leadership development.

To participate in NULITES, students must belong to a NULITES chapter. NULITES chapters are sponsored by local Urban League affiliates and have their own youth officers who develop, implement and execute activities with guidance from adult advisors. There are currently 57 official NULITES chapters in 26 states, including the District of Columbia.

The main purpose of NULITES is to promote and maintain high standards of well being, educational, character and leadership qualities. This is accomplished through its program goals, structure and required educational seminars and community service projects. Through NULITES the Urban League is able to carry out a vital component of the Campaign for African American Achievement, which is to provide caring and supportive adults in the lives of our urban youth who are in need of support.

Participating youths are asked to uphold the Seven NULITES principles, which were created to teach young people the attributes that engender success. NULITES principles reinforce the positive development of youth as well as encompass all levels of the human experience.

NULITES PRINCIPLES

STRIVE for excellence at home, school and in my community.

WORK within my neighborhood to further its development.

RESPECT my mind and body as well as the mind and bodies of others.

CELEBRATE my heritage and culture as well as those of others.

CREATE a better future for my family, other people and myself.

CARE for the world's people and environment.

PROMOTE a universal spirit of cooperation and peace.

NULITES Program Goals

The principles of NULITES are reinforced and implemented through set goals. Participation in a NULITES chapter should provide urban youth from culturally diverse backgrounds with:

• Opportunities for their academic, personal and social development
• Assist young people in developing long-term goals and strategies to fulfill them, which will lead to productive adult life experiences
• Groom future leaders by developing communication and decision making skills as well as civic responsibility
• Involve youth in active and sustained community service projects, that they develop and execute themselves to improve the conditions of their neighborhoods

NULITERS students participate in weekly or monthly activities that develop leadership skills, have access to tutoring/mentoring, and participate in community activities that encourage civic engagement.