Our Programs

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.