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TO: Blacks In Government Members and Supporters
FROM: Honorable Shirley A. Jones, Esq., National President
SUBJECT: Gratitude is a currency we can mint for ourselves....
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"Gratitude is a currency we can mint for ourselves, and spend without fear of bankruptcy."
Fred De Witt Van Amburgh
Greetings,
As we prepare to sit around the Thanksgiving dinner table reflecting on what we are individually thankful for, I want to take this opportunity to express my personal gratitude to each of you—our BIG members, corporate sponsors, and loyal supporters. Our members are our greatest assets, and we truly could not do what we do without our legion of volunteers who are not only dedicated to equity and excellence for themselves but also committed to making the government serve the American people efficiently, effectively, and equitably.
Similarly, we are so grateful to have the support of our generous corporate sponsors. You play an invaluable role in supporting the services that we provide, from next-level career development training to employee benefits. Lastly, we are grateful for our loyal followers who are not yet members. We appreciate your belief that we can add value to your career and hope to see you soon as a full-fledged member, taking advantage of all member benefits.
Fred De Witt Van Amburgh once said, "None is more impoverished than the one who has no gratitude." Well, I can tell you that I am feeling as rich as the 1% with my gratitude for each of you this Thanksgiving.
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Shirley A. Jones, Esq.
15th National President
Blacks In Government
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A little Thanksgiving Humor....
I am no cook. But I can follow the directions. Which said to let the bird chill in the sink for a few hours.
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December 10, 2024 | 7PM EST
Join the National President for a Live Discussion:
So What is 2025? It's a Game of CHESS with Government Workers as Pawns
Register: https://bignet.org/events
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Questions submitted:
- "Can we create a Project 2025 Document Study group?"
- "How can non union Federal Government employees protect themselves or get protection for their employment?"
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The Blacks In Government National Officer Installation Ceremony
January 11, 2025 | 6PM
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The Blacks In Government National Officer Installation Ceremony will be held January 11, 2025, at 6:00 pm at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis, IN and will be the culmination of a three day leadership meeting with the incoming National Board of Directors and National Executive Committee members.
Room Block Information for In-Person Attendance
If you would like to attend the installation ceremony in person, a limited number of rooms are available at a negotiated rate and can be reserved using this link by December 11, 2024.
The Installation Ceremony will also be available via livestream and details will be shared closer to the date.
Congratulatory Ads for the Installation Program
Regions, chapters, and members are invited to participate in the celebration by purchasing congratulatory ads or having your name included on the patrons list for the installation program. This is a wonderful way to contribute and be recognized in the celebration.
Placing your ad is simple with just two straightforward steps:
1. Complete the first step by submitting your online payment.
2. Finalize the process by uploading your ad and completing the submission application.
Submit your ad for the 2025 Installation Program as soon as possible to guarantee inclusion. Payment and application need to be completed online by Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 11:59 PM EST. Don't miss the deadline!
Questions can be sent to Jozetta.robinson@bignet.org or trek.powell@bignet.org.
Thanks for your continued support of Blacks In Government as we embark upon the 2025 mission of “Building Bridges – Breaking Barriers”!
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President’s Recommended Reading Corner | |
The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together
by Heather McGhee
Submitted by:
Dennis Hansford
Region XI
NOAA Chapter
Regional Representative
The Absolutely Indispensable Man: Ralph Bunche, the United Nations, and the Fight to End Empire
by Kal Raustiala
"I found this book extraordinary in presenting the life and work of Mr. Bunche during his time building and expanding the United Nations. This is a period of history in which I was not well-versed, but I believe it deserves examination by us as a culture."
Submitted by:
Ramika Lawson
Region IX
CVFresno Chapter
Vanishing Half
by Brit Bennett
"Attending the book signing for Ms. Bennett showed how many different people—Black, White, Asian, Hispanic, etc.—young, middle-aged, and old—could relate to this book and took the opportunity to read it. The Vanishing Half is a testament for all Americans."
Submitted by:
Joni V Jones
Region VII
BIG-GKC CHAPTER
Lifetime member/KCMO
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Click here to support BIG with your sponsorship and donations. | |
Nominations open for the 2025 Sammies! | |
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Nominations for the 2025 Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals are open through Friday, December 13, 2024.
Spotlighting the often unseen and underappreciated work of the federal workforce has never been more critical. Earlier this year, we recognized our 2024 Sammies honorees and their service to our nation. The evening was beautifully captured by The New Yorker’s Casey Cep, and the piece further underscores the importance of the Sammies’ mission.
Key Dates and Resources:
Download Flyer
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BIG offers its members and non-members various services and programs.
Learn more at: https://bignet.org/advocacy/scholarships
Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund
Take Advantage of this BIG Member Benefit!
The season is open to apply for the BIG/FEEA Merit based college scholarships. Application deadline is March 13, 2025 at 3:00pm EDT.
Take Advantage of this BIG Member Benefit!
THE APPLICATION PERIOD IS CLOSED FOR THE BIG/FEEA MERIT BASED COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
Eligible students are:
· Children or step-children of federal employees. Student may be a high school senior or already in college and must be under age 25 and unmarried. (Grandchildren are eligible for BIG-sponsored scholarships only)
· Spouses of federal employees
· Federal employees
All students must:
· Have an unweighted, cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher;
· Be in or entering a degree-granting program at an accredited institution;
· Be a full-time student (only feds may be part-time), and;
· Federal employee sponsors must have at least 3 years of service by the application deadline.
Visit feea.org/scholarships for complete program information, downloadable program instructions, and a link to the application.
Scholarship amounts are $1000.
APPLICATION CLOSES March 13, 2025.
Any questions, feel free to contact the National Programs and Planning Chair, Director Adrianne M. Callahan at Adrianne.callahan@bignet.org
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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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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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Student Fellowship Summer Opportunity: Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Intelligence and Cybersecurity Diversity Fellowship (ICDF) Program
Are your students looking for a summer job? Do you know students who are interested in working with the Federal Government? DHS has the perfect solution for you and your students!
We ask for your assistance in sharing this information with students majoring in STEM fields related to Intelligence and/or Cybersecurity who attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutes (MSIs).
There will be a virtual Recruitment Roundtable that serves as an information session about this amazing opportunity.
In this program, students may receive:
· A paid fellowship with potential eligibility for tuition assistance
· First-hand, practical experience in Intelligence and Cybersecurity disciplines
· Participation in high-priority challenge projects
· Training in core and technical competencies
· Advice and support from mentors
· Networking opportunities
Please join us on December 5, 2024, at 1:00 PM EDT
Click here to register: ICDF December 5, 2024 Recruitment Roundtable
For more information about the ICDF program, please visit ICDF Program or contact ICDF@hq.dhs.gov for any questions.
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Leadership position with National Institutes of Health (NIH)
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is recruiting for the position of Director, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). A description of the position, qualification requirements, and application procedures are posted on the NIH Executive Careers website at: Director, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH. This vacancy is being advertised as open to all sources and applications must be received by Thursday, December 19, 2024, 11:59 PM (ET).
Questions regarding application procedures should be addressed to Will Hennings at: SeniorRe@od.nih.gov or by calling 301-402-7227. Thanks in advance for sharing this opportunity among your respective groups/organizations.
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Greetings BIG Members and Supporters, 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
If you have any questions, require further information or would like to share an event of program, 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.
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By registering for any Blacks In Government (BIG) events or programs using your email address, you are consenting to receive email communications from our organization. These communications may include event updates, program information, promotional offers, and other relevant content. You have the option to unsubscribe from these emails at any time by clicking the "unsubscribe" link provided in the email. We respect your privacy and will not share your email address with any third parties.
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