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TO: Blacks In Government Members and Supporters
FROM: Honorable Shirley A. Jones, Esq., National President
SUBJECT: Photos from the 45th National Training Institute in Tampa FL.
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Greetings,
I am delighted to announce the availability of photographs from our highly successful 45th Annual National Training Institute (NTI), held in Tampa, FL, from August 12-15, 2024. We have curated numerous galleries containing a wide selection of photos for your viewing pleasure and to help you relive the memories.
To avoid overwhelming you with an extensive array of choices and thousands of images, we will be releasing our primary galleries gradually, over successive days. We begin this year with the National Delegates Assembly (NDA), where we introduce you to our members and BIG’s President-Elect, the Honorable David A. Groves. As the current NDA Chair, he, his staff, and I, conducted the business of BIG, which can be explored further at this link: https://bit.ly/3TzlbKM.
We greatly appreciate your patience and support during the preparation and release of these photographs and please stay tuned. Should you have any inquiries about the images, please contact Mr. Bob Wilson, BIG Photography Chair, at bob.wilson@bignet.org.
Enjoy the memories we’ve captured!
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President’s Recommended Reading Corner | |
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You have the right to vote. If anyone tries to stop you, call the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-687-8683. If you've already voted, remember that democracy takes time. Vote.org explains the process around verifying election results and how your vote is counted.
Click here to read more
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Early Voting
Click here to read more
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Click here to support BIG with your sponsorship and donations. | |
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Standing on the sidelines is not an option.
Join the Project BIG Vote Committee Today!
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Authorized Administrative Leave for Federal Employees to Vote | |
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Thanks to President Biden’s 2021 Executive Order federal employees are entitled to up to four hours of paid administrative leave to go to the polls.The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has reminded agencies that they must provide employees with paid administrative leave for time spent during the workday to vote.
In accordance with the President’s executive order promoting voting access, OPM in 2022 began requiring agencies to provide federal employees up to four hours of administrative leave to vote in federal, state, local, tribal and territorial elections, which can be used both on Election Day and during early voting. Additionally, agencies must provide an additional four hours of paid leave to employees who serve as election judges or observers.
As explained in a reminder memo to agencies by OPM Director Rob Shriver, in the OPM’s March 2022, guidance, agencies should allow employees to use up to four hours of administrative leave for voting in connection with federal general election day and in connection with each election event (including primaries and caucuses) at the federal, state, local, tribal and territorial level.Also, that agencies should allow employees to use up to four hours of administrative leave per leave year to serve as a non-partisan poll worker or non-partisan observer, and that this leave is in addition to any administrative leave an employee uses to vote.
Additionally, Shriver’s memo clarifies that federal employees who serve as poll workers are not required to return compensation or other fees they receive in connection with their service to their employing agency.
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Join Us in Celebrating during the month of October
Dear Members of Blacks In Government,
As we embark on BIG Brand Awareness Month, we have a unique opportunity to elevate our collective voice and showcase the impactful work we do in our communities and beyond. This is not just a time to celebrate our brand, but also to engage, educate, and inspire others about the mission and values that drive Blacks In Government.
We invite each of you to participate actively during this special month and beyond. Here are several ways you can contribute:
1. Share Your Story: Your experiences and insights are invaluable. Consider sharing your journey with others through social media, blog posts, or in-person conversations. Let’s highlight the impact of our work and the importance of representation in government.
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2. Engage on Social Media: Use your platforms to spread awareness about our initiatives, events, and successes. Share posts, use relevant hashtags, and tag our official accounts to help amplify our message. Remember to use our official logo in all your communications and marketing materials. We have one logo that represents the unity and strength of our organization, and it’s essential that we maintain brand consistency. Download BIG's Brand Guide
3. Attend Events: Participate in events and workshops throughout the month. These gatherings not only provide a platform for learning and networking but also allow us to showcase the strength of our community.
4. Invite Others: Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to learn more about Blacks In Government. A simple conversation or invitation to join can broaden our reach and impact.
5. Provide Feedback: Share your thoughts on how we can improve our efforts. Your insights are crucial in shaping our future initiatives and ensuring that we remain relevant and effective.
Together, we can amplify our brand and ensure that our collective voice is heard. Let’s make this Brand Awareness Month a time of engagement, inspiration, and empowerment.
If you have any questions or require further information, please contact the National Communications Chair, Ms. Kristina Price at: communications@bignet.org.
Thank you for your continued commitment to our mission and the communities we serve. We look forward to your active participation!
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Financial Wellness Webinar Lunch and Learn:
Dec 3 - Options for Dealing with Debt
You may register by visiting our events calendar page.
bignet.org/events.
If you have any questions or require further information, please contact the National Corporate Sponsorship Chair, Ms. Lavolya "Summer" Williams.
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OPM Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (ODEIA) Virtual Employee Resource Group (ERG) Summit - Thursday, September 26, 2024
The Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (ODEIA) is planning its third annual virtual Employee Resource Group (ERG) Summit on Thursday, September 26, 2024 from 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM ET.
The event will feature federal ERG leaders, members and executive sponsors from across government who will share promising practices on how federal affinity groups and ERGs can effectively support employees and agency missions and provide a space for ERG leaders and members to connect and collaborate across agencies. The ERG Summit is open to current federal employees. Please feel free to share this invitation and the attached agenda with your colleagues.
To register for the program, please complete the ERG Summit Attendee Registration<https://fmpconsulting.gov1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bvGGTXIgA1yhIKq>.
Automated captioning services and sign language interpretation will be provided throughout the event. You will have the opportunity to request any reasonable accommodations during registration. Please contact ERG@opm.gov<mailto:ERG@opm.gov> if you need assistance registering for the event.
Space is limited. Please register by 5:00 PM ET on Friday, September 20, 2024. If you encounter issues loading the registration form, please try disconnecting your computer from your VPN.
For questions about this event, please email ERG@opm.gov
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Magic City Chapter Chartering Ceremony! | |
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National President Shirley A. Jones, Esq. and Magic City BIG Chapter President Sparkle Cunningham are pleased to host a Chartering Ceremony in the National President’s hometown of Birmingham, Alabama.
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2024-2025 Darlene Young Leadership Academy (DYLA) Application Period ends October 11, 2024 | |
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Blacks In Government (BIG) announces the 2024-2025 Darlene Young Leadership Academy (DYLA) request for applicants. BIG and the historic Morgan State University have partnered to form a leadership training opportunity to develop professional and personal leadership skills for BIG’s members. The highly interactive training delivered will use dynamic instruction and numerous activities to emphasize leadership traits and discuss leadership issues.
The program objectives are to develop those skills identified by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) as Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs). The course emphasis includes team building, leadership development, reflective peer coaching for leaders,
leadership values and vision, leadership dialogue, and experimental learning teams. It will cover the leadership competencies of leading change, leading people, results-driven, business acumen, and building coalitions/communications. Morgan State University provides continuing education units (CEUs) for successful completion of the program.
Every financial member with two consecutive years of membership in BIG can apply for the Academy. The enclosed attachments describe the selection process criteria, the selection process, and requirements to graduate from the program. Those selected for the training will be notified by email.
The program goals are to help members
1) communicate and listen,
2) coordinate and organize,
3) develop strategic thinking,
4) be enabled and empowered,
5) increase productivity and potential,
6) expand their visioning and imagining;
7) transform into authentic, innovative, proactive, inspirational leaders, and
8) appreciate the importance of responsibility and commitment.
The program orientation and training will take place on December 5-7, 2024, at Morgan State University. The projected graduation date is August 2025.
Learn more
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We are excited to invite you to an exclusive training session titled "Elevate and Organize - Time Strategies for Success," tailored to empower you with essential skills and strategies for achieving success in your professional endeavors.
Date: Monday, October 28
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EST
Register: BIT.LY/BMMBIG
During this session, you will have the opportunity to learn valuable insights and techniques to enhance your time management skills and elevate your organizational abilities. This training aims to equip you with practical tools to optimize your productivity and efficiency, ultimately contributing to your overall success and growth.
We believe that this session will be immensely beneficial to you as a valued member of Blacks In Government, and we encourage you to join us and take advantage of this valuable learning opportunity.
Please mark your calendar for the upcoming training session on Monday, October 28, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM EST. Further details and access information will be shared with you shortly.
We look forward to your active participation and engagement in this training session. Let’s elevate and organize for success!
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49 for 49 Campaign - Changing Lives | | |
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GIVE from the heart
"Each one, reach one" is a proverb exhorting all of us to pay it forward by continuing reaching down to others with a helping hand. And, as members and ambassadors of BIG we can do just that by supporting the growth of BIG's mentoring, training, advocacy and community based efforts through our $49 for 49 (days) in 49 (years active) campaign.
Donate Today!
bignet.org
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Military Child of the Year Nominations Period is Open September 10 - December 2
The nomination period for Operation Homefront's 2025 Military Child of the Year® Award is now open! We have many special events yearly, but this is a team-member favorite!
This award recognizes incredible kids aged 13 to 18 from the different branches of the armed forces.
Open to active duty, retired and guard. We celebrate their achievements in scholarship, volunteerism, leadership, extracurricular activities, and resilience in facing the challenges of military family life.
Do you know an exceptional military child who deserves recognition? Nominate them today at
Military Child of the Year® Award - Operation Homefront
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General Counsel Division, Health and Human Services Section
The Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking applicants for Assistant Attorney General positions in the Health and Human Services Section of the General Counsel Division.
The Position: The Health and Human Services Section is currently seeking one or more lawyers with a strong interest in public service and looking for challenging and meaningful work to assist the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and other work as assigned by management.
ODHS is one of the largest agencies in Oregon state government with responsibility for administering programs serving some of Oregon’s most vulnerable citizens to ensure people are safe, secure, and living as independently as possible. Attorneys in the Health and Human Services Section representing ODHS regularly advise on programs serving citizens who are aged, physically disabled, have an intellectual or developmental disability, or are victims of natural disasters, as well as programs that provide medical assistance, public assistance, or vocational rehabilitation services to those seeking to better support themselves and their families. Representation also includes support and appearance in administrative hearings involving regulation of long-term care facilities ranging from nursing homes to in-home care settings and the regulation of the individuals providing those services.
ODHS programs have complex and engaging federal and state regulatory schemes. Attorneys providing ODHS’ legal services must be solution oriented, able to give cutting edge legal advice and bring creative legal approaches and fresh thinking to each new project, all consistent with DOJ policies and legal positions.
The Section: The Health and Human Services Section includes attorneys who are subject matter experts on public benefit programs including Medicaid; Public Health (we were at the center for COVID-19 related work and relief efforts); Protected Health Information; Forensic Psychiatric Care issues for both adults and juveniles, Elder Abuse and investigations; Regulatory Compliance as well as cutting edge regulated programs such as marijuana and psilocybin use. Some of the attorneys in the section are recognized as national leaders in their fields.
Department of Justice: Working for DOJ, the state’s largest law firm, offers opportunities and benefits often not available in the private sector. Our work is varied and interesting, and while fast paced, working in the public sector permits attorneys to have a healthy work-life balance. The position is primarily based in Salem with opportunities to work in our Portland office as well as remotely on a hybrid schedule.
Professional Development: DOJ supports the professional development of its attorneys. We provide frequent in-house, Oregon State Bar accredited, continuing legal education seminars conducted by DOJ colleagues on topics within their practices and expertise. In addition, DOJ occasionally hosts seminars conducted by outside organizations, including the National Association of Attorneys General (of which Oregon Attorney General Rosenblum is the current President). Finally, DOJ attorneys receive the benefit of DOJ’s membership in Practicing Law Institute, a national organization offering accredited, high quality continuing legal education seminars across a variety of subject matter areas.
Qualifications: An ideal candidate must have excellent analytical writing and research skills, and the ability to clearly and concisely communicate legal advice to clients. Preferably, a candidate would have experience in administrative law and administrative hearings. Also desired is the ability to quickly learn new areas of law and to understand and focus on the needs of the client. In this position, you would participate in policy discussions with the agency to understand its legal needs, provide written legal advice upon request, draft and review contracts, draft and review administrative rules, and monitor new legislation. Work would also include representing the state in administrative hearings and other work as assigned by management. More specific requirements and desired qualification are below.
Questions regarding this position should be directed to Jeffrey Wahl, Attorney-in-Charge, Health and Human Services Section, at (503) 947-4540.
In an ongoing effort to attract and retain diverse candidates, we are hopeful you’ll share our recruitment with members of your association, organization, or section members. I am available by phone or email if you have questions.
Assistant Attorney General (Health and Human Services Section)
Closes September 30, 2024 at 11:58 p.m.
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United States Senate Youth Program | |
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The 63rd annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) Washington Week will take place March 1 – 8, 2025.
The upcoming program will be an immersive learning experience about the three branches of government and those who lead it. Each delegate will also receive the $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship in the name of the United States Senate, with encouragement to continue coursework in history, government and political science. If in person, all expenses for travel, room and board are covered by the program.
The mission of this 62-year-old Senate sponsored program is to encourage America’s brightest young leaders to pursue careers in public service. Begun in 1962 by Senate Resolution 324, the USSYP provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience for students to learn about the history and procedures of the Senate and meet and interact with the highest-level elected and appointed officials in the federal government. The Hearst Foundations have fully funded and administered the program since inception, no government funds are utilized.
Please help us spread the word to high school juniors and seniors in that it is time to apply. Deadlines vary state by state and are listed at this link.
Click here for our national press announcement and Official 2025 Program Brochure.
The USSYP website is a rich source of information for principals, teachers and students, giving in-depth information about this prestigious program and helping qualified students apply directly at: www.ussenateyouth.org.
Please do not hesitate to reach out at any time if the Senate Youth Program can provide additional information. Thank you!
Rayne Guilford and Caroline Berver
Program Director Program Liaison
(703) 749-0447 (703) 909-2905
Rguliford@hearstfdn.org Cberver@hearstfdn.org
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Click here if you missed the last issue of the BIG INSIDER | |
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