Advocates for Equal Opportunity, Dismantling Systemic Discrimination
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The inaugural prompt for the FEDforum is: Introduce your organization to the federal community. This week, hear from the Blacks In Government (BIG).
Blacks In Government (BIG) was organized in 1975 and incorporated as a non-profit organization under the District of Columbia jurisdiction in 1976. BIG was conceived at the Department of Health, Education and Welfare (DHEW) by Black Federal employees at the Parklawn Building in Rockville, Maryland. Initially, the umbrella organization would address only the problems at the Federal level. However, it was soon determined that state, county, and municipal Black employees faced the same employment problems.
BIG believes that Blacks in Government should be afforded the recourse to address adverse situations without fear of reprisal/retaliation, to empower and unite Blacks in all segment of government and to advocate for equal employment and general welfare of Blacks.
BIG’s Goals and Objectives are centered on addressing systemic racism:
Be an advocate of equal opportunity.
Eliminate practices of racism and racial discrimination.
Develop and promote programs to enhance ethnic pride and educational opportunities.
Establish a mechanism for the gathering and dissemination of information.
Provide a nonpartisan platform on major issues of local, regional, and national significance affecting Blacks in government.
Some of BIG’s National Initiatives and Programs are:
BIG’s NOW Generation focus programming for young professionals of BIG under the age of 40 looking to enhance their success and become leaders in the workplace.
Darlene Young Leadership Academy a developmental program designed to develop future public service leaders through providing assessment, experiential learning and individual development activities and opportunities.
Future Leaders in America’s Government programs exposed pre-college students to careers in government and develop future leaders.
National Training Institute provides training that will enlighten civil servants about the issues that affect the public they serve. The training supports professional development and self- improvement that can lead to career advancement and upward mobility.
Science, Technology, Engineering, Math Academy provides academic and social support to high school students, so they have the competencies to become successful STEM professionals.
Training in Communications Academy is aimed at helping young people acquire the communication skills they need for success in the workplace and in life.
TOP TEN REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN BIG!
BIG WORKS FOR YOU
BIG is the only organization dedicated to the interests of the African American public servant.
BIG IS AN ADVOCATE
BIG speaks out on issues affecting the government workplace. BIG testified before the Congress on legislation reforming the EEO process, racial discrimination in government, and affirmative employment. BIG also spoke out on the disparate rate of discharge of African Americans from the federal service, the national performance review, and downsizing.
BIG IS AN EMPLOYEE SUPPORT GROUP
If you have a problem on the job, our BIG chapter can be an excellent resource for help and counsel.
BIG IS A PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION
Every year BIG sponsors a national training institute which brings together national leaders and experts from around the country to address Black government workers.
BIG IS A COMMUNITY RESOURCE
Your BIG chapter can be a strong force in the community helping to fight such community problems as drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, AIDS, illiteracy, and voter registration.
BIG IS NETWORKING
By becoming a member of BIG, you are becoming a part of an organization that includes workers from all levels of government and all areas of the public workforce.
BIG IS A CHANCE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
We can accomplish together what you cannot do alone. With BIG you can work toward your goals with people with similar goals.
BIG KEEPS YOU INFORMED
BIG keeps you up to date with the latest developments affecting the African American government employee.
BIG RECOGNIZES YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS
Each year BIG gives out awards to those who have contributed to the goals and objectives of the organization.
BIG IS AN OPPORTUNITY
BIG is the chance you have been waiting for to step up and take your place in the loop. To be a part of the fast-moving events that affect your world as a government employee, you need an organization like BIG that can speak for you and through which you can voice your views. If you are concerned about equity, excellence, and opportunity in government, consider BIG.
For more details on National Blacks In Government, Inc. visit our website at www.bignet.org.
The column part of the FEDforum, an initiative to unite voices across the federal community. The FEDforum is a space for federal employee groups to share their organizations’ initiatives and activities with the FEDmanager audience.
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