LINKS PROGRAMMING
The Links, Incorporated has a long tradition of promoting and engaging in educational, civic and inter-cultural activities that enrich the lives of members of the black community at large. The cornerstone of our service is our five programming facets — Services to Youth, The Arts, National Trends and Services, International Trends and Services, and Health and Human Services. Through our facets, we implement programs and initiatives that address the most critical needs of underserved communities.
The Links, Incorporated created its first program facet, Services to Youth, to empower black youth to use their intellect and spirit of achievement to become successful and productive citizens. Through this facet, we implement transformational programs that are responsive to the academic, cultural, career development, and mentoring needs of youth. The Links, Incorporated is committed to leading the way as a champion of change, ensuring that youth are academically successful and engaged in healthy lifestyles.
SERVICES TO YOUTH
The Links support of the arts can be traced to our cultured co-founder Margaret Rosell Hawkins. Her innate artistic talent, discovered at a young age, earned her a four-year scholarship to the Women’s School of Design, later known as the Moore Institute of Art. Her passion for creative expression later led to her appointment as an art teacher, and helped give root to the establishment of The Arts facet in 1964 at the 14th National Assembly. Throughout the nation today, Links chapters partner with museums, symphonies, arts councils, educational institutes and corporations in order to support art programs, especially where there is a focus on artists of color.
THE ARTS
NATIONAL TRENDS
AND SERVICES
The National Trends and Services facet addresses the social inequities that persist in black communities throughout the United States. The Links, Incorporated is committed to raising awareness on economic, health, social justice, and other barriers that affect our quality of life. Our goal is to eliminate disparities in these areas for the betterment of our communities.
The International Trends and Services facet provides services and delivers transformational programs to people of African ancestry globally so that they may have a better quality of life. Programs are designed and developed to service the educational, health, and cultural needs and to help people emerge from poverty. A primary objective of our international work is to enrich the lives of women and their families.
INTERNATIONAL TRENDS
AND SERVICES
HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
The Links, Incorporated established the Health and Human Services facet in response to the chronic health disparities that persist in black communities and result in the decreased life expectancy of African Americans and other people of African ancestry. The goal of this facet is to promote and facilitate programs that support the maintenance of good health and the elimination of chronic health disparities in communities of color.