12th Grade General or Engineering Scholarship
Scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $500 to $1,000 in two categories:
Students must select only ONE scholarship category. Engineering Scholarship: Students who seek to obtain a college degree in an engineering field may select this category. General Scholarship: Students who seek to obtain a college degree in any field of study may select this category. The application period will begin January and ends March
Oratorical Competition
The Oratorical Competition gives students a chance to showcase their oral and written communication skills. The competitions are open to students in grades nine (9) through twelve (12). The competition reflects an increasing need to assist our students with developing and enhancing their oral and written communication skills in order to be competitive in the global workplace. The application period will begin January and ends March 31. Students must win 1st place at the chapter level in order to compete at the region level, then win 1st place at the regional level in order to compete at the national level. Students must disclose prior competition experience.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Student Competition
The STEM competition was expanded to promote science, engineering, and technology (STEM) capabilities at the local and national level. For the youth, the STEM-SC will also serve to advance their social and economic well being in the United States and internationally.
The competition is designed to introduce and encourage students to embrace STEM concepts and professions. The competition project will give students a quality learning experience and challenge them to develop important STEM competences. No prior experience is necessary to participate in the competition. Students must work with a subject matter expert (SME) as a mentor.
Students must win 1st place at the chapter level in order to compete at the region level, then win 1st place at the regional level in order to compete at the national level. Students must disclose prior competition experience.
The Chapter participates in various community service events throughout the region. From Adopt a Teen for the Holidays to Feds Food To Feed at both Silver and Platinum levels.
Members volunteer for the When Adults Read With Children Everybody Wins! program. Members visit local Washington D.C. schools during their lunch hour and during this " Power Hour" members mentor students in reading.
On August 12, 2001, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) granted permission to establish a chapter of Blacks In Government (BIG) at the USCG Headquarters in Washington, D.C. On September 5, 2001, a small group of personnel at USCG Headquarters met to consider establishing a BIG chapter. Mrs. Loverna Miller chaired the meeting. Mr. Rawle O. King, President, Region XI Council (BIG) and Mr. J. David Reeves, Director, Region X l Council (BIG) were in attendance along with 18 USCG personnel. Mrs. Miller kicked off the meeting by explaining the purpose of the meeting and Mr. Rawle O. King gave a background brief on how the BIG organization was started and what it stood for today. It was voted to establish a chapter and the appropriate paperwork was submitted. Effective, November 17, 2001, the USCG Chapter of BIG was notified that the National Board of Directors of BIG authorized the chartering of the chapter in accordance with the BIG National Constitution. The chapter is located within the jurisdiction of Region XI. The official issuance of the chapter occured at the 2002 National Training Conference in Atlanta, GA. Worthy of noting, the chapter started with 12 original members and in less than five months grew to 61 members. In 2008, the Coast Guard Chapter Headquarters changed its name to the Coast Guard Chapter. The founding members are: Ms. Loverna Miller, (G-WP), Mr. Vernon Graham (G-MRP-3), Ms. Christina Campbell (G-CPA), Ms. Valeria Smith CGPC(adm-3, . Sandra Davis-Johnson(G-MRP) , Ms. Lashawn Leitzsey (G-D), -Ms.. Tina Calvert (G-HE) , Mr. Larry Houston (G-HE), Ms.. Phyllis Dula (G-WPM), Ms. Latasha Thompson (G-D)
Ms. Nette Moment (G-S), Mr. Jerry Jones HSC (EEO)
The Program & Plans Committee is responsible for providing members a fundamental support
network, leveraging lucrative capital ventures, motivation, training to support career change goals, and providing an opportunity for members to affect global change through community outreach efforts.
Finance Committee; Vacant
The Finance committee is responsible for the financial accountability of the chapter. This committee will be responsible for, but not limited to, determining the cost of the chapter's
programs and reporting to the chapter membership the feasibility of implementing these programs. Assist the Program and Planning Chair in working with local community and businesses to obtain special rates and discounts on chapter events, discounts and special rates on products and services through possible sponsorship.
By Laws & Resolutions Committee; Christina Campbell and Darren Hill, Chairs
This committee is lead on updating the bylaws.
Members: Kristina Williams, Gail Jackson, Mary Cunningham
Community Outreach Activities Subcommittee; Norman Cunninghman
This committee is responsible for developing outreach activities for the chapter's participation, such as the annual thanksgiving and Christmas giveaways, school supply and coat drives ;includes working with the P&P in establishing a budget. The Community Outreach Activities committee is dedicated to supporting the efforts of community activities.
Hospitality Subcommittee; Vacant
This committee is responsible for providing gestures of support to members during periods of
illnesses, bereavement, celebrations, and refreshments for official chapter affairs. Recognize members birthdays, anniversaries and any special occasion during general membership meetings.
Awards Subcommittee; Vacant
This committee is responsible for developing the nominating, review and selection criteria for awards to
be presented to chapter members. Each year the Chapter will present awards in the following categories: Outstanding Community Service, Leadership, and Presidential. Serve as coordinator for the chapter annual holiday awards program.
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Fundraising Subcommittee; Vacant
This committee is responsible for developing and coordinating fundraising
activities.
Communications and Public Relations; Kristina Williams, Chair
This committee is responsible for distributing BIG information to members, developing and
printing of all published documents of the chapter and shall be responsible for all contacts with the media. The primary purpose of this committee is to assure public exposure of the chapter. The committee will also disseminate information via the CG BIG webpage. This committee is responsible for maintaining the chapter's website and updating routinely to ensure the most current information is accessible by Chapter members.
Membership Committee; Mary Cunningham, Chair
This committee is responsible for recruiting and retaining chapter members. The Membership Committee shall develop and implement membership activities which will be directed to employees to join the chapter and project the philosophy, goals and objectives of the organization, at least one membership drive annually.
Audit Committee; Vacant
The Audit Committee shall be responsible for performing audits on the Chapter financial records and treasurer reports.
Scholarship Committee; Gail Jackson, Chair
This committee is responsible for awarding scholarships to local high school students annually.
Oratorical and STEM Committee; Mishieka Thomas, Chair
Members: Michael Burt and Kristina Williams
This is a subcommittee under the scholarship committee. This committee is responsible for conducting the oratorical and STEM Competition annually.
EEO/Affirmative Action; Larry Houston
This committee is responsible for keeping the members informed on new EEO/Affirmative Action legislation
or cases under review. Attend/Participate in Region XI EEO Meetings and review regional reports.
Parliamentarian, (Vacant)
Spiritual Life Committee, Rev. Dr. Joanne Ward
Nomination Committee, TBD
Election Committee: TBD
The Region XI Representative is responsible for attending and representing the Chapter at regional meetings, which are held the on the 2nd Saturday or every month. The regional rep will have the responsibility of voting on behalf of the Chapter if necessary. The rep shall provide a verbal or written report to membership. The chapter has three regional reps.
2020 Primary Regional Reps: Penny Collins, William Speight and Kristina Williams
The National Delegates Assembly is one of the most critical forums of Blacks In Government. Local chapter delegates, who represent their respective chapter members, become the operating arm of this organization when in session. Chapter Delegates represent chapter members during Delegates
Assembly. Delegates shall participate in the Regional Caucus nomination process, shall consider for approval the Annual Audit and Treasurer's Reports, shall consider for approval the Proposed Amendments to the National Constitution and proposed Resolutions, shall ratify previous actions by the National Board of Directors and National Executive Committee including suspension or revocation of chapter charters, All Delegates are elected by
their chapters. Primary Delegates vote on all business issues including elections. Alternate Delegates serve in the absence of the primary.
