NAACP chapter to take part in pilot plan for renewal

The next year will be one of "renewal and rejuvenation" for the local branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

It will be a time to not only bring back old members but encourage new memberships, according to Edward Lewis, president of the NAACP's Tri-State Conference comprised of Idaho, Utah and Nevada.

The Las Vegas branch of the NAACP has been chosen for a renewal strategy pilot plan designed to restructure the offices, Lewis said.

"Las Vegas is the largest branch in the Tri-State," he said of the branch that boasts 2,200 members. "The branches are not utopias. They don't stand alone. They are a part of the national organization. We will appoint a director from the national offices who will manage this office."

The plan states exactly how the Las Vegas branch should operate, Lewis said. "By the rules, bylaws and constitution of the national branch, the renewal plan will get this branch back on track."

Mark Clack, NAACP national field secretary, added: "Rome was not built in a day. Surely this branch can turn itself around."

As a result of the plan, Lewis emphasized that the executive board of the local branch will be able to once again help Las Vegas residents with civil rights issues.

"When people need assistance, they come to the NAACP," he said. "The NAACP is the backbone of this nation for people of color."

The local branch dates back to the early 1940s, according to the West Las Vegas Library's records. Additionally, the branch president at the time, Dr. James McMillan, was present during the historical signing on March 26, 1960, of an agreement that ended segregation policies in Strip and downtown hotel-casinos.

The branch lost its headquarters this year and relocated its executive offices to the Nucleus Plaza on West Owens Avenue near J Street.

Also last year, several members sent complaints to the Baltimore headquarters of the NAACP complaining about the way the Las Vegas branch was being run.

The Rev. James Rogers, president of the local branch since 1995, said the chapter "is blessed to be chosen as the pilot branch.

"It's a rare opportunity," he said.

The new plan means a new start for the local branch, Clack said.

He said the national branch will review quarterly reports and updates on the Las Vegas chapter's progress, Lewis said. Also new committees will be formed, youth mentoring programs formed, voter registration encouraged and membership drives conducted.

"Membership is the lifeblood of the organization," he said.

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