WHAT IS THE OPPORTUNITY COMPACT?

The Opportunity Compact is a comprehensive set of principles and policy recommendations set forth by the National Urban League (NUL) designed to empower all Americans to be full participants in the economic and social mainstream of this nation. In pursuit of this end, NUL 1) identifies principles that reflect the values inherent in the American dream; 2) examines the conditions that have separated a significant portion of the American population - particularly the poor and disadvantaged residents of urban communities — from accessing that dream; 3) proposes, for honest evaluation and discussion, several policy recommendations intended to bridge the gap between conceptualization and realization of the American dream.

The Opportunity Compact is the culmination of extensive research and policy analysis by the National Urban League Policy Institute (NULPI) and is based upon the input of dozens of policy experts from academia, public policy think tanks, non-profit service and advocacy organizations, the business sector, and the Urban League movement. Among other things, the NULPI hosted a series of roundtable discussions and obtained feedback and recommendations from numerous experts concerning the development of a coherent and comprehensive plan for empowering the nation’s urban communities.As the foundation for such a plan, NUL has clearly identified four cornerstones that reflect the values represented by the American dream: (1) The Opportunity to Thrive (Children), (2) The Opportunity to Earn (Jobs), (3) The Opportunity to Own (Housing) and (4) The Opportunity to Prosper (Entrepreneurship). These cornerstones are supported by a list of ten policy priorities.

WHO ARE THE ENTITIES INVOLVED?

The words opportunity and compact, as defined above, offer a concise and self-explanatory description of what The Opportunity Compact represents – an agreement between interested parties to take actions that will improve the chances for advancement and progress of those living in America’s cities. The diversity of talents, experiences, ideas and interests represented in the
population of the United States is the greatest asset this country possesses. As such, NUL believes that the collaborative efforts of private citizens, national, state and local governments, community-based service providers and the business community will expand opportunities for advancement and progress among the poor, disadvantaged and underserved. The policy recommendations offered in this report are not a laundry list of things for the federal government to perform on behalf of a select group of citizens. Rather, there is a role for all parties – public and private - to play as we together seek to strengthen our nation by maximizing the potential of all our citizens.

WHAT IS THE DESIRED OUTCOME?

The National Urban League embarked upon the task of developing The Opportunity Compact with the goal of drawing upon the strength of NUL’s ninety-seven year history as the nation’s oldest and largest community-based movement for social and economic empowerment to reassert the organization as a proactive and effective agent in the development of public policy. This document serves as a vehicle through which to assert specific principles and policy recommendations as the foundation for a plan of action to
address the challenges faced by those in urban communities throughout the country. As such, this document is also intended to elicit serious responses from the 2008 presidential candidates, legislators, the private sector, the public and other community-based organizations with the ultimate objective of putting in place a comprehensive plan for advancing the promise of America’s cities. By generating new ideas, initiating productive partnerships and fostering collaboration, The Opportunity Compact seeks to expand access to the incentives and rewards that act as the driving force behind what makes this country great – personal responsibility, initiative and hard work.

CORNERSTONES & GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF THE OPPORTUNITY COMPACT

There are four cornerstones to The Opportunity Compact:

Opportunity to Thrive (Children)

• Every child in America deserves to live a life free of poverty that includes a safe home environment, adequate nutrition, and affordable quality health care.

• Every child in America deserves a quality education that will prepare
them to compete in an increasingly global marketplace.

Opportunity to Earn (Jobs)

• Every willing adult in America should have a job that allows them to earn a decent wage and provide a reasonable standard of living for themselves and their families.

• Every adult in America should have equal access to the resources that enhance employability and job mobility, including postsecondary education and other investments in human capital.

Opportunity to Own (Housing)

• Every adult in America should have access to the financial security that comes from owning a home.

Opportunity to Prosper (Entrepreneurship)

• Every individual in America who possesses entrepreneurial vision, ingenuity, drive and desire should have access to the resources needed to establish and grow a viable business enterprise.

Click here to view The Opportunity Compact