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.
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. GCLI created the award-winning Project Apples
The goal of The Arts facet is to increase and expand art activity throughout black communities. The Links, Incorporated creates and supports art-related educational opportunities for minority youth as well as presents and supports performances by youth and accomplished professional artists in an array of disciplines. In the GCLI, members have partnered with Alachua County Schools and the University of Florida creating Artist Not: Enriched.
The National Trends and Services facet is tasked with eliminating disparities by reducing barriers to resources through advocacy, education, and service. Our chapters are empowered to raise their voices and transform the communities in which they work. Currently, National Trends and Services serves as a catalyst for change, promoting individual and community empowerment. In the GCLI, members created the Bullying is No Joke Initiative along with Get-out-the-Vote campaigns.
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 of our global community. In the GCLI, members created To Haiti with Love and Just for You program focusing on women and children.
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. The GCLI continues to promote Linkages to Life, Walking with the Links, Heart Health Month, and Links In Pink.