Thinking BIG in 2022
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The prompt for this round of the FEDforum is: What changes would you like to see in the federal workforce in 2022? 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) 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.
Since our founding, BIG’s goals and objectives have 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.
Today, our organization comprises of over 6,000 members throughout eleven regions. We believe 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.
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.
BIG will continue to advocate for our mission and initiatives. We’re here as employee support, a foundation for professional development, and a community resource. BIG 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 from the Blacks In Government is 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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