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Orange Flower

National Programs

For over 60 years, Drifter women have been staunch advocates for causes and actions that enrich the lives of those in their communities. Strategic planning, targeted fundraising, and personal effort have enabled Drifters to accomplish goals and objectives focused on minorities, women and the less fortunate.  The power of Drifters’ advocacy can be seen on the national and local levels.

Drifters Emergency Student Grant (DESG)

The Drifters Emergency Student Grant is a national monetary award granted to a college or university nominated by chapters of The Drifters, Incorporated. The grant in the amount of $10,000 is made available to a selected college or university on biennial (every other year) basis.

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The grant provides the recipient college or university with another tool to offer students who may be experiencing an unexpected short-term financial hardship that cannot be covered by traditional financial resources. The recipient college or university has sole responsibility of administering the grant.

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The Drifters Emergency Student Grant (DESG), formerly called the Revolving Student Loan Fund (RSLF), was established in 1969 with Howard University School of Nursing being the first recipient. Today, over $200,000 has been awarded by The Drifters, Incorporated.

NOW Black Woman

The Now Black Woman Award is the highest and most prestigious honor given to a Drifter.

 

The award is presented during the Annual Drifters National Convention. The Now Black Woman Award is based on a concept initially created by the Norfolk Chapter to typify the versatility, courage and strength of a special kind of woman. In 1972, on a recommendation from the New York Chapter, the Now Black Woman Award was officially adopted by The Drifters, Incorporated as a national award. The Now Black Woman is nominated by her chapter for achievements and service in the following categories:

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  1. Local chapter and community activities

  2. Other national affiliations

  3. Professional affiliations

  4. Personal hobbies and interests                         

 An outside panel of judges, not affiliated with the Drifters organization, makes the final selection. During the award ceremony, a plaque and a 14K gold charm having the image of Queen Nefertiti, the symbol for the Now Black Woman Award, is bestowed on the recipient.

Scholarships

Local

Each local chapter designs their individual scholarship program.  Scholarship applications are sent to the high school guidance departments in early Spring with deadline dates that allow scholarship committees to participate in the awards programs to present the scholarship. Students are judged on grade point average, SAT/ACT scores, academics merit, leadership, financial need and community service.

National

Each year at the Annual Convention, a National scholarship is presented. The recipient is from the local area where the convention is held and selected by the host chapter. The host chapter of the Convention has the full authority in selecting the student recipients. In order for a student to be eligible for the scholarship, he/she must have been accepted and have proof of enrollment in a two- or four-year college/university or certified vocational program.

Voter Registration/Education

Today, our democracy is challenged by gaps in voter participation by age, income and education. These gaps lead to other disparities in involvement with government or public policy and other kinds of civic participation.  Community service organizations, like The National Drifters, Incorporated, are uniquely equipped to address issues of voter participation and to help close participation gaps and strengthen democracy.

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In August 2015 at the 59th National Convention, delegates voted to make voter education and registration an organizational-wide focus of the National Program theme, Strengthen Our Families to Build Better Communities: Save Our Children – Assist Our Seniors. 

 

Registering and helping people vote is one way to further empower the communities we serve. Some of The Drifters’ goals include:

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  • providing high quality resources (such as speakers bureau and marketing materials) for individuals and social service agencies to promote voter participation;

  • building lasting capacity for nonpartisan voter and election engagement;

  • encouraging increased voter participation, especially among voters new to the process and in areas with lower voter turnout;

  • participating in voter education forums and programs to educate communities about the power of the vote; and

  • collaborating with local, regional and national organizations to increase voter education and registration.

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