NATIONAL ASSISTANCE LEAGUE HQ

National Assistance League® is a California-based nonprofit dedicated to building effective chapters nationwide. The purpose of the national organization is to provide education, inspiration, support and the overarching structure empowering nearly 22,000 member volunteers in 120 chapters to effectively execute philanthropic programs meeting needs in their respective communities. Assistance League is unique in that each chapter is locally governed and operated by member volunteers.

National Assistance League delivers on its mission of transforming the lives of children through community programs by equipping local chapters and their members through annual conferences, professional development, on-site training and a library of chapter management resources to support organizational structure and governance.

Assistance League is a collaborarion of National Assistance League nand chartered chapters united in identiy through shared mission, vision, branding, minimum standards while leveraging the collective power of all. Assistance League is committeed to encouraging the passion of the member volunteer.

Our shared mission and vision and our Bylaws and policies collectively guide the affiliate chapters, yet inspire each of the 120 chapters to meet specific local needs. Chapters design, fund, and effectively execute philanthropic programs customized for their communities.

Our Strategic Plan directs us to:
• Establish, develop and maintain effective chapters.
• Enhance services and technology to chapters.
• Inspire and educate chapter leaders and members.
• Continue to adapt and grow to strengthen our position as the leading all-volunteer nonprofit.

National Assistance League supports member volunteers in all stages, phases, and locations through:
• Professional development for chapter leadership.
• Introducing new modes for fundraising and marketing.
• Providing technical support to enhance chapters’ web presence and social media communication with members, donors and the public.
• Expanding opportunities to incorporate best practices for organizational structure and governance.
• Providing oversight and compliance review for the 120 chapters in 26 states.
• Encouraging communication between chapters to share ideas and celebrate successes.

Our strongest asset is the nearly 22,000 dedicated member volunteers across the nation who have impacted the lives of more than 1.6 million people, volunteering more than 3.5 million service hours and receiving over $57.9 million in donations during fiscal year 2017-2018. During 2018-2019, the average chapter return to their communities was %, well above the Better Business Bureau guideline of 65% for effective nonprofits.

All chapters implement our signature program, Operation School Bell® and additional customized philanthropic programs to meet community needs. Chapters fund programs through thrift shop proceeds, grants, donations and special events specific to each chapter. Chapters do not receive funding from the national organization.

National Assistance League’s engaged, all-volunteer Board of Directors, knowledgeable and dedicated national committees (composed of member volunteers from local chapters), and a professional six-member staff:
• Promote effective volunteerism through education, support and leadership development.
• Authorize, establish and organize local chapters as well as subordinate organizations (auxiliaries) for chapters.
• Provide administrative, legal and operational guidance.
• Determine and maintain standards for chapters.
• Coordinate the efforts of chapters.
• Acquaint the public with the purposes and activities of the organization.

Assistance League’s signature program, Operation School Bell, annually clothes more than 331,000 children. Based on community needs, individual chapter’s programs provide: clothing, student hygiene kits, eye and hearing screening, access to dental centers, food, school supplies, and tutoring in reading and math. For example, infants are supplied with handmade blankets, clothing, and needed supplies; military families are aided with diapers, furniture, educational supplies and clothing; seniors are visited, served lunch, and given groceries. Assistance League chapters serve populations including children, students, families and seniors. Chapter ongoing program and community needs assessments uncover new opportunities to serve our communities.

As with many member-based nonprofit organizations, National Assistance League is actively working to address the issue of declining membership. We are exploring new and improved ways to support our nationwide current membership, gain new membership in expanding demographic groups and exploring opportunities to enhance organizational governance and structure. Some of the ways we are working on these issues include:
• Implementing a National Advisory Council composed of nonprofit industry leaders.
• Studying trends in nonprofit membership-based organizations to learn new practices in volunteer membership growth models.
. Strengthening our strategic plan goals and strategies to address membership retention and growth.