The national program operates though four program areas: Services to Youth, The Arts, National Trends and Services, and International Trends and Services. All of the chapters plan and implement programs under these areas and members give of their talents and time in service to mankind. We also give liberally of our finances in support of such organizations as the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Meharry Medical College, National Merit Scholarships, Black Women's Agenda, West Irving Black Arts Council, Tran Africa, A Better Chance, The United Negro College Fund, the National Urban League, National Alliance of Black School Educators, Museum of African American History and many other contributions.

The Portsmouth Chapter is committed to serving the Portsmouth community through its national programs. We have responded to existing needs in the community; for instance, voter registration, providing bus transportation for students when legislation passed for integration of schools, sponsored self-esteem workshops, test-taking skills seminars, art activities and bringing to the community national leaders to speak at our biennial lecture-luncheons.

We began the year by promoting good health. All national and international chapters implement "Walking Fete" each fourth Saturday in September. We invite other organizations int he community to walk with us. TIdewater Cluster, composed of Portsmouth, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Hampton, and Newport News walked together for three years.

Highlights of the Program Areas during the past 50 years are:

• Working and providing activites for children and youth - visiting museums in Portsmouth, Richmond, and Hampton University. Developing an appreciation for works of Paul Robeson, John Biggers, and Jacob Lawrence.
• Supportive to TAM's Orchestra (their European Tour) and presenting them at our Lecture Luncheon.
• Collected Black dolls for African children.
• Contributions to African Water Wells.
• Sponsored the opening reception for Paul Robeson "Portrait of Artist" in conjuction with Courthouse Galleries.
• Took students to see a local production of "Annie"
• Presented a program with local cellists.
• Presented Art work of high school student at National Assembly Auction
• Art Exhibit with Portsmouth Public Schools at Art Atrium
• Presented enrichment activities and mentored students at S.H. Clarke - an award was given at the Eastern Area.
• Blood Pressure Screening during "Walking Fete"
• With cooperation from Social Services, sponsored free Mammogram Screening.
• Workshop on Breat Cancer Detection
• Workshop for "Latch-Key" students, supplied computers and training for students and parents, tutored and worked with 4th and 5th graders at Emily Spong Elementary School.
• Tutored with other volunteer in the Jeremoah Project
• Provided Summer Technology Training Program for High School Students with cooperation form Elizabeth City State University.
• Sponsored a YMCA Basketball Team
• Awarded Scholarship to high school students
• Culminated activity with 5th graders - a trip and tour Washington, DC
• Tidewater Cluster of Links - Opening of Nordstrom
• Life Membership with the NAACp in 1954 and receives the Golden Heritage Award for a second Life Membership in 1999.