Founded in 1910, the National Urban League (NUL) is the oldest and largest community based organization dedicated to empowering minorities, specifically African Americans. The NUL focuses on securing economic self-reliance, civil rights, and quality of life issues. In addition, they encourage individuals to pursue active roles and leadership in the area of public policy, education and youth empowerment. The NUL has over 100 affiliates throughout the United States.

Panasonic has a long history of involvement with the national office located in New York City and several affiliates throughout the U.S.

At the national level, Panasonic, for several years, provided plasma display panels, projectors, DVC Pro-line camcorders and VCR's for use during the National Urban League's Annual Conference. The plasma displays were placed throughout the convention center so that conference attendees could view events and live interviews of key participants.

For the past 15 years, a significant outreach effort is the annual reception hosted in conjunction with the New Jersey Council of Urban Leagues during the annual conference. One of the most sought after invitations, the event which follows the official conference opening and address by the NUL's President and CEO, draws over 700 guests including board members, senior staff, NUL young professionals, affiliate CEO's, guild members and corporate and not-for-profit leadership.

In addition, the company participates in the annual Equal Opportunity Day (EOD) dinner in New York City. In 2003, during the EOD, Panasonic was inducted into the "Million Dollar Hall of Fame" in recognition of our contributions ($1M +) over the years, both cash and in-kind donations.

Several Panasonic senior executives have volunteered with the National Urban League in a variety of key positions. These positions include former treasurer, National Urban League board of trustees; co-chair Urban League of Hudson County Annual Equal Opportunity Day Dinner; board chair and board member, Urban League of Hudson County.

At the local level, Panasonic initiated with Youth for Understanding (YFU) International, a cultural exchange program for minority students from Hudson County New Jersey. The Urban League of Hudson County administers the program with support from YFU. To date, 15 students from Hudson County have spent six weeks during the summer in Japan with a host family. Panasonic covers all expenses for the trip with a donation to YFU. In addition, 15 students from the Washington, DC, Los Angeles, CA, Pittsburgh, PA, and Detroit, MI. Urban Leagues have also participated in the partnership and traveled to Japan under the auspices of YFU with funding provided by Panasonic.