National Conference for Community and Justice
Encyclopedia
The National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ) is a national, human relations, non-profit organization
in the United States
. Its mission is to fight bias
, bigotry
, and racism
and promote understanding and respect through advocacy, conflict resolution, and education.
The NCCJ was founded in 1927 as the "National Conference of Christians and Jews", in response to anti-Catholic sentiment being expressed during Al Smith
's run for the Democratic nomination. Its founders included prominent social activists such as Jane Addams
and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Charles Evans Hughes
who dedicated the organization to bringing diverse people together to address interfaith divisions. Several years later, the NCCJ expanded its work to include all issues of social justice including race, class, gender equity, sexual orientation and the rights of people with different abilities.
In the 1990s, the name was changed to the National Conference for Community and Justice to better reflect the breadth and depth of its mission, the growing diversity of the country and the need to be more inclusive.
Their Vision for America is to "make our nation a better place for all of us, not just some of us."
, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes
, and Benjamin N. Cardozo
. The founders were committed to bringing diverse people together to address interfaith divisions, race relations, and social and economic barriers among people of different faiths, cultures, and ethnicities.
The Tolerance Trio, consisting of a Minister, a Rabbi, and a Priest, traveled across America in 1933, calling all people to embrace intergroup understanding. The Trio covered over 9,000 miles, visiting 129 audiences around the country. One year later, President Franklin D. Roosevelt
launched the precursor of Brotherhood/Sisterhood Week, held annually during the third week in February, as its first Honorary Chairman. During the second World War
, the NCCJ religious trio provided spiritual guidance to the armed forces, reaching over eight million enlistees.
In the 1950s, the NCCJ began its award-winning residential youth leadership institutes, including their Anytown program, all of which are still offered across America. In addition to Anytown, programs such as the Brotherhood/Sisterhood Camp, Mini-Town, MetroTown, It's Your Move, Unitown, Building Bridges, Camp Odyssey, and Knowledge and Social Responsibility were formed during this time, helping to spread the NCCJ's message across the country.
President John F. Kennedy
commended the NCCJ in 1961 for doing more than "perhaps any other factor in our national life to provide for harmonious living among our different religious groups." In 1977, the NCCJ led a nationwide series of institutes on the Holocaust, leading to an Act of Congress establishing the National Holocaust Remembrance Week. Nearly a decade later, the organization established the precursor to today's Seminarians Interacting initiative. In 1994, the NCCJ issued a groundbreaking nationwide survey of attitudes on intergroup relations called Taking America's Pulse.
One year later, the NCCJ started a series of nationally telecast National Conversations on Race, Ethnicity, and Culture at the Library of Congress
. Partnering with Aetna, Inc., these Conversations were created to enlighten people about the various cultures that exist within society, to encourage and broaden dialogue among people who have limited interaction with those of different backgrounds, and to create more welcoming environments in the workplace and society at large.
At the White House's request, the organization convened faith leaders and began a long-term racial reconciliation in 1998. Two years later, the NCCJ issued its second nationwide survey of attitudes on intergroup relations, Taking America's Pulse II. Today, the NCCJ's mission, as it has been in the past, is to eliminate all forms of prejudice, bigotry, and discrimination. The organization's programming, research, and public policy efforts are directed at transforming our communities to make them more inclusive and just for all.
, ING
, the MetLife Foundation, Prudential
, Federal Express, and Darden Restaurants
.
, sexism
, antisemitism, heterosexism
, classism
, cissexism, and ableism
. Students examine in-depth prejudice and its byproduct discrimination, enhance their communication skills, and prepare to take their knowledge and skills into their schools and communities to make them more just and inclusive for all.
NCCJ once sponsored a week-long National Brotherhood Week, held generally during the third week of February from the 1940s through the 1980s. Tom Lehrer
mocked the concept in his song of the same name, recorded on That Was the Year That Was
.
Non-profit organization
Nonprofit organization is neither a legal nor technical definition but generally refers to an organization that uses surplus revenues to achieve its goals, rather than distributing them as profit or dividends...
in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Its mission is to fight bias
Bias
Bias is an inclination to present or hold a partial perspective at the expense of alternatives. Bias can come in many forms.-In judgement and decision making:...
, bigotry
Bigotry
A bigot is a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices, especially one exhibiting intolerance, and animosity toward those of differing beliefs...
, and racism
Racism
Racism is the belief that inherent different traits in human racial groups justify discrimination. In the modern English language, the term "racism" is used predominantly as a pejorative epithet. It is applied especially to the practice or advocacy of racial discrimination of a pernicious nature...
and promote understanding and respect through advocacy, conflict resolution, and education.
The NCCJ was founded in 1927 as the "National Conference of Christians and Jews", in response to anti-Catholic sentiment being expressed during Al Smith
Al Smith
Alfred Emanuel Smith. , known in private and public life as Al Smith, was an American statesman who was elected the 42nd Governor of New York three times, and was the Democratic U.S. presidential candidate in 1928...
's run for the Democratic nomination. Its founders included prominent social activists such as Jane Addams
Jane Addams
Jane Addams was a pioneer settlement worker, founder of Hull House in Chicago, public philosopher, sociologist, author, and leader in woman suffrage and world peace...
and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Charles Evans Hughes
Charles Evans Hughes
Charles Evans Hughes, Sr. was an American statesman, lawyer and Republican politician from New York. He served as the 36th Governor of New York , Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States , United States Secretary of State , a judge on the Court of International Justice , and...
who dedicated the organization to bringing diverse people together to address interfaith divisions. Several years later, the NCCJ expanded its work to include all issues of social justice including race, class, gender equity, sexual orientation and the rights of people with different abilities.
In the 1990s, the name was changed to the National Conference for Community and Justice to better reflect the breadth and depth of its mission, the growing diversity of the country and the need to be more inclusive.
Their Vision for America is to "make our nation a better place for all of us, not just some of us."
History
In 1927, The New York Times announced the founding of the National Conference of Christians and Jews by community leaders from different faiths including Jane AddamsJane Addams
Jane Addams was a pioneer settlement worker, founder of Hull House in Chicago, public philosopher, sociologist, author, and leader in woman suffrage and world peace...
, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes
Charles Evans Hughes
Charles Evans Hughes, Sr. was an American statesman, lawyer and Republican politician from New York. He served as the 36th Governor of New York , Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States , United States Secretary of State , a judge on the Court of International Justice , and...
, and Benjamin N. Cardozo
Benjamin N. Cardozo
Benjamin Nathan Cardozo was a well-known American lawyer and associate Supreme Court Justice. Cardozo is remembered for his significant influence on the development of American common law in the 20th century, in addition to his modesty, philosophy, and vivid prose style...
. The founders were committed to bringing diverse people together to address interfaith divisions, race relations, and social and economic barriers among people of different faiths, cultures, and ethnicities.
The Tolerance Trio, consisting of a Minister, a Rabbi, and a Priest, traveled across America in 1933, calling all people to embrace intergroup understanding. The Trio covered over 9,000 miles, visiting 129 audiences around the country. One year later, President Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin Delano Roosevelt , also known by his initials, FDR, was the 32nd President of the United States and a central figure in world events during the mid-20th century, leading the United States during a time of worldwide economic crisis and world war...
launched the precursor of Brotherhood/Sisterhood Week, held annually during the third week in February, as its first Honorary Chairman. During the second World War
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, the NCCJ religious trio provided spiritual guidance to the armed forces, reaching over eight million enlistees.
In the 1950s, the NCCJ began its award-winning residential youth leadership institutes, including their Anytown program, all of which are still offered across America. In addition to Anytown, programs such as the Brotherhood/Sisterhood Camp, Mini-Town, MetroTown, It's Your Move, Unitown, Building Bridges, Camp Odyssey, and Knowledge and Social Responsibility were formed during this time, helping to spread the NCCJ's message across the country.
President John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy
John Fitzgerald "Jack" Kennedy , often referred to by his initials JFK, was the 35th President of the United States, serving from 1961 until his assassination in 1963....
commended the NCCJ in 1961 for doing more than "perhaps any other factor in our national life to provide for harmonious living among our different religious groups." In 1977, the NCCJ led a nationwide series of institutes on the Holocaust, leading to an Act of Congress establishing the National Holocaust Remembrance Week. Nearly a decade later, the organization established the precursor to today's Seminarians Interacting initiative. In 1994, the NCCJ issued a groundbreaking nationwide survey of attitudes on intergroup relations called Taking America's Pulse.
One year later, the NCCJ started a series of nationally telecast National Conversations on Race, Ethnicity, and Culture at the Library of Congress
Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is the research library of the United States Congress, de facto national library of the United States, and the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States. Located in three buildings in Washington, D.C., it is the largest library in the world by shelf space and...
. Partnering with Aetna, Inc., these Conversations were created to enlighten people about the various cultures that exist within society, to encourage and broaden dialogue among people who have limited interaction with those of different backgrounds, and to create more welcoming environments in the workplace and society at large.
At the White House's request, the organization convened faith leaders and began a long-term racial reconciliation in 1998. Two years later, the NCCJ issued its second nationwide survey of attitudes on intergroup relations, Taking America's Pulse II. Today, the NCCJ's mission, as it has been in the past, is to eliminate all forms of prejudice, bigotry, and discrimination. The organization's programming, research, and public policy efforts are directed at transforming our communities to make them more inclusive and just for all.
Transition
Since its founding in 1927, the NCCJ has operated within a national unitary model of regional chapters in as many as 60 cities in 22 states. In 2005, the NCCJ moved from a unitary structure of governance to independent, autonomous regions to better respond to the dynamic environment of change faced by most non-profits today.Corporate partners
NCCJ has effective networking skills which have enable them to secure partnerships with several corporations to help further its initiatives. Partners have included AetnaAetna
Aetna, Inc. is an American health insurance company, providing a range of traditional and consumer directed health care insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmaceutical, dental, behavioral health, group life, long-term care, and disability plans, and medical management...
, ING
ING Group
The ING Group is a global financial institution offering retail banking, direct banking, commercial banking, investment banking, asset management, and insurance services. ING is the Dutch member of the Inter-Alpha Group of Banks, a cooperative consortium of 11 prominent European banks...
, the MetLife Foundation, Prudential
Prudential
-Companies:* Prudential plc, a United Kingdom-based financial services company* Prudential Financial, a United States-based financial products and services company** Prudential Securities, financial services arm of Prudential Financial-Buildings:...
, Federal Express, and Darden Restaurants
Darden Restaurants
Darden Restaurants, Inc. is a multi-brand restaurant operator headquartered in an unincorporated area in Orange County, Florida, near Orlando. The firm owns several casual dining restaurant chains, most notably Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, and Red Lobster...
.
Programs and events
Through its adult and youth programming, the NCCJ works with students, teachers, clergy, corporate, and civic leaders to facilitate workshops, develop curriculum, convene race relations and inter-religious dialogues, and provide consulting on challenges related to bias, bigotry, and racism.Anytown
Anytown is the NCCJ's premiere youth program, and has existed for over 50 years in America. Many similar programs (in name and content) emerged across the country, including Metrotown and Unitown. Anytown is designed to educate, liberate, and empower youth participants (ages 14–18) to become effective, responsible leaders and community builders in a global society. Anytown brings together a diverse group of students and counselors to learn to identify the many "isms" in our society, including racismRacism
Racism is the belief that inherent different traits in human racial groups justify discrimination. In the modern English language, the term "racism" is used predominantly as a pejorative epithet. It is applied especially to the practice or advocacy of racial discrimination of a pernicious nature...
, sexism
Sexism
Sexism, also known as gender discrimination or sex discrimination, is the application of the belief or attitude that there are characteristics implicit to one's gender that indirectly affect one's abilities in unrelated areas...
, antisemitism, heterosexism
Heterosexism
Heterosexism is a system of attitudes, bias, and discrimination in favor of opposite-sex sexuality and relationships. It can include the presumption that everyone is heterosexual or that opposite-sex attractions and relationships are the only norm and therefore superior...
, classism
Classism
Classism is prejudice or discrimination on the basis of social class. It includes individual attitudes and behaviors, systems of policies and practices that are set up to benefit the upper classes at the expense of the lower classes...
, cissexism, and ableism
Ableism
Ableism is a form of discrimination or social prejudice against people with disabilities. It is known by many names, including disability discrimination, physicalism, handicapism, and disability oppression...
. Students examine in-depth prejudice and its byproduct discrimination, enhance their communication skills, and prepare to take their knowledge and skills into their schools and communities to make them more just and inclusive for all.
Walk as One
Walk as One, a community walk-a-thon held in the fall, is currently NCCJ's biggest public event. Each walk-a-thon is held in a major urban area, and serves to spotlight NCCJ's efforts in each community in which it serves. Preceding, during, and following the walk-a-thon itself is a one to two hour open air gathering which involves area vendors, music performances, side entertainment and non-profits.NCCJ once sponsored a week-long National Brotherhood Week, held generally during the third week of February from the 1940s through the 1980s. Tom Lehrer
Tom Lehrer
Thomas Andrew "Tom" Lehrer is an American singer-songwriter, satirist, pianist, mathematician and polymath. He has lectured on mathematics and musical theater...
mocked the concept in his song of the same name, recorded on That Was the Year That Was
That Was the Year That Was
That Was the Year That Was is a live album recorded at the hungry i in San Francisco, containing performances by Tom Lehrer of satiric topical songs he originally wrote for the NBC television series That Was The Week That Was, known informally as TW3...
.
External links
- National Conference for Community and Justice of Metropolitan St. Louis (NCCJSTL)
- National Conference for Community and Justice
- Members of the National Federation for Just Communities
- "Aims to harmonize national groups" New York Times (December 11, 1927)
- Washington Post; July 19, 1964; http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost_historical/access/181131972.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&date=Jul+19%2C+1964&author=&pub=The+Washington+Post%2C+Times+Herald++(1959-1973)&edition=&startpage=A2&desc=6-Man+Committee+To+Succeed+Webster"Lewis Webster Jones, president of the National Conference of Christians and Jews since 1958, will retire from the post next June. He will be succeeded by a six-man committee"]
- Tom LehrerTom LehrerThomas Andrew "Tom" Lehrer is an American singer-songwriter, satirist, pianist, mathematician and polymath. He has lectured on mathematics and musical theater...
; Video performance of song titled "National Brotherhood Week"