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Blacks In government
33rd Annual National Training Conference
Region Eleven
Special Edition Newsletter
November 2011
Presidential Perspective
Special points of
interest:
Greetings Everyone,
USAID Inspiration
Youth Competition
FLAG Program
911 Memorial
Community Service
Inside this issue:
A Retiree’s View
4
What you missed!
6
FLAG Program
8
Mother Africa Speaks
13
What’s next for RXI
16
VP Jones
18
Mrs. Janice Scott
20
It is my pleasure to present to you our second Special Edition Blacks In Government (BIG) National
Training Conference (NTC)
newsletter from Region XI.
Last year’s 2010 NTC edition went over so well that
we decided to do it again.
The purpose of the 2011
NTC newsletter is threefold: to allow Region XI
members to share their experiences; highlight the
benefits received from the
NTC and the impact on their
careers, and why they believe conference attendance
is an investment that pays
dividends many times over
to their agencies who fund
their attendance.
Attendees at this year’s
conference had the opportunity to choose from hosts of
lectures and panel discussions. Many of the NTC
workshops provided
―Continuing Education
Units, (CEU’s).
Also, the NTC agency
forums addressed missionrelated initiatives and diversity and the special
enhancement programs
(SEPs) provided a wealth of
information covering health,
legislation and state and local government issues.
Lastly, this year the NTC
included participation from
the Graduate School USA
featuring ―Take Charge of
Your Career.‖
There were so many
training opportunities that I
cannot name them all in this
short message but the NTC
sessions were all designed to
help the attendees further
their personal and professional development in the
workplace as well as their
local communities.
In this newsletter, you
will read several articles that
capture the essence of the
annual NTC. For example,
you will find an article by
Dr. Patrick Wilson titled:
―Attending BIG National
Training Conferences: An
Open Letter.‖
Get your copy, read and
share it with your coworkers, supervisors, managers, friends and family
members.
Thank you for contributing
and enjoy the 2011 Special
Edition of the BIG NTC!
President
Region Eleven Council
33rd Annual National Training Conference
J. David Reeves
NATIONAL BIG PRESIDENT
“Focused and Leading
from the front”
Page 2
33rd Annual National Training Conference
Can you see us now?
BOSTON MASSACHUSETTES
“This was the scene this year, just in case you missed it! The ambience was nice,
the message was clear, and the entire experience was overwhelming!”
Page 3
Michele T. Peyton
President Region XI Council
A Retiree Stays in Touch at BIG’s National Delegates
Assembly and the 33rd National Training Conference (NTC)
I no longer work as a federal government employee, but attending the 2011 National Delegates
Assembly and the 33rd National Training Conference (NTC) kept me connected to BIG and fuelled my desire
for continuous learning.
The BIG National Delegates Assembly (NDA) is the organization’s annual business meeting. Chapter
delegates from around the United States from eleven regions converged on a 2-day session to vote on critical
matters of the corporation. These dealings included approving minutes, treasurer and audit reports, receiving
accomplishments from the National President and Chair of the Board of Directors (BOD) and attending regional caucuses. I was a part of it all.
Prior to the opening of the official NDA, I attended a pre-caucus session. During the pre-caucus, I was
elected Caucus Chair for Region XI. This responsibility of being caucus chair served as an opportunity to enhance my leadership skills. I was in charge of a group of people who came together to accomplish specific
goals. I utilized parliamentary procedures to keep order, maintain decorum and control the agenda. This experience boosted my knowledge in business-related competencies and skill-set to manage productive meetings.
After pre-caucus and the NDA, the 33rd BIG Annual National Training Conference opened. This was the
―icing on the cake‖ for me. I immersed myself in the wide array of professional development, agency forums
and special enhancement programs. The NTC was a training environment designed for the employed and retired, like me, who continues to seek knowledge, stay abreast of government initiatives, to help others and to
serve their communities.
From my perspective, if a member is a retiree and wants to stay plugged into BIG, make significant
impacts after retirement, the NDA and NTC will fill the bill. For example, I attended the Legislative Breakfast and listened to congressional folks from Boston speak about how important it is to have a voice in legislation and issues impacting government. The budget battle in Congress with its impending cuts to social security, healthcare, retirement pensions and no cost of living increases are matters that affect me as a retiree. I can
voice my opinion about these issues through BIG legislative initiatives and/or directly to my Congresswoman.
My experiences at the NDA and NTC were wonderful opportunities to stay connected to the BIG organization,
its members, network with others and continue to learn. Even travelling to Boston was a learning experience
because it was my first time there. I intend to stay united with BIG; there are a hosts of ways to do so, as a
volunteer, officer or committee chair. I definitely plan to attend future NDA’s and NTC’s. And being a retiree
has its rewards – you get a reduced NTC conference rate. How sweet is that?
33rd Annual National Training Conference
NTC
PRESS CONFERENCE DRAWS
BOSTON MAYOR
The City of Boston’s top brass turned out on Monday, August 21st to welcome
Blacks In Government during the 33rd National Training Conference (NTC). Mayor
Thomas M. Menino extended greetings to the leadership and attendees during the
Press Conference held in the John B. Hynes Convention Center. Gerald R. Reeves,
BIG’s NTC Czar, facilitated the conference with special remarks given by David
Groves, Chair, National Board of Directors and J. David Reeves, National President.
City Councilors Charles C. Yancey and Ayanna Pressley, as well as James E. Rooney,
Executive Director of the Hynes Convention Center also presented well wishes to the
press conference participants. Several Boston city media outlets were on hand to
capture the event announcing BIG’s four-day conference. After the press conference,
Mayor Menino hosted a Mayor’s Reception for Blacks In Government at Darryl’s Corner Kitchen in downtown Boston.
Rochelle Bryant
National Communications Chairman
Page 5
33rd Annual National Training Conference
What you missed at the NTC
Ring.‖
If you did not attend the 33rd Opening Plenary Session, you missed a treat. Mr. John
Berry, Director, Office of Personnel Management, thanked BIG on behalf of President
Barack Obama and Mr. Malik Walker. On August 18, 2011, President Obama signed an Executive Order establishing a government-wide initiative to
promote diversity in the workplace. Berry stated, ―This is
the first comprehensive government-wide initiative and
ideas were from every part of the government, inside and
out. This could not have been done without the help of
President J. David Reeves.
Eighteen percent SES is not acceptable—we still
have mountains to climb. Make sure SES’ are training in
diversity and this element will be included in performance
standards. Work with lower level supervisors, so that everyone can and will be held accountable. This is a product
that we all will be proud of and show leading by example;
up, down and across all organizations.‖
The keynote address was given by the Reverend Dr. Jamal
Harris Bryant, Pastor of the Empowerment Temple, Baltimore, Maryland.
After the Call to Order and Posting of Colors; the
Invocation was given by Minister Miniard Culpepper of
Pleasant Hill Baptist Church; and served as the Regional
Counsel, Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Miniard served said, ―BIG is no small thing and can make
a difference in the problems involving our youth of this
country. Think about our young folks who are locked up or
living in poverty. Poverty has no place in our time and age.
To get to where we are today, there are a few shoulders of
giants we stood upon, for instance, Martin Luther King
and Shirley Chisolm.
It is time to pray. J. David Reeves, BIG National
President, is standing on the shoulders of prayers.‖
Quentin Powell (Graduate Student, Longy School of Music), rendered the National Anthem and the Negro National
Anthem; Sandra Glenn performed ―I Will Keep You in
Perfect Peace‖, and Mr. Julius Riddick sang ―Let Freedom
Page 6
David Groves, Chair, BIG Board of Directors, introduced
the Board of Directors, recognized the past board chairs
that were in the audience, and thanked all members of
BIG for attending the conference.
J. David Reeves, BIG National President, introduced
the National Executive Committee, and past presidents of
BIG. Also in attendance were representatives from FEW,
corporate sponsors, Indian Diversity Group, Latino
Brothers and Sisters, Muslim Brother and Sisters and
Federal Agency Pacific.
Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray, Commonwealth
of MA said, ―Boston is glad that BIG is here. The gap
between black and white students is closing; since all
students are ensured to receive a quality education. In
Boston, black and white students have closed the gap in
3rd, 7th, 8th, and 10th grades in English.
Chancellor Keith Motley, University of Massachusetts,
who is also the 8th Chancellor and 1st African American,
was excited to see so many brothers in suits!
He shared, ―years ago, this would not be a standard,
but I’m proud to be here today.‖ He is from Pittsburg and
he has seen growth in Boston. Years ago, in South Boston, his family was not allowed to live in houses there;
but today he says, ―I can choose which aunt’s house I am
going to eat. Boston has achieved ambition, hope and
character. If you get a chance, walk around this quasi
state that has unbroken ties and traditions, this heritage
city has embraced change and a way of life!‖ He believes
in this place, and he, is thankful for the shoulders that he
has stood.
Submitted By:
Sylvia Norris
Region XI
33rd Annual National Training Conference
FMS BIG Chapter Participates in
National Youth Program Competition
RXI Youth Program Oratorical Winners Faith Jackson, Jason Egolum, and Alleyah Miner, took
their talents to a very competitive National Training Conference
On August 25, 2011, Blacks in Government (BIG) held its annual National Youth Program Oratorical and Information Superhighway Competitions at its National Training Conference in Boston, Massachusetts.
Jason Egolum and Faith Jackson, who attend Charles Flowers High School, located in
Springdale, Maryland, represented the FMS-BIG Chapter as well as Region XI, in the Oratorical Competitions. Students were required to give a 4-6 minute oration on the theme
―African American Males in America’s Schools – Endangered or Ignored?‖ Both students
presented outstanding orations. At the conclusion of the competitions, Jason Egolum, competing in the 9th/10th grade level category, was awarded National 2nd place winner. Jason
received a beautiful 2nd place plaque and will be receiving a $600 monetary award.
The FMS-BIG Chapter is very proud of our two students’ accomplishments. They worked
hard and persevered in the preparation, writing, and delivery of their orations. The Chapter
looks forward to continuing to participate in BIG’s oratorical competitions.
Submitted by:
Dorothy Washington
Page 7
33rd Annual National Training Conference
Future Leaders in America’s
Government Program
FLAG Students Showed up and Showed out!
At the 2011 National Training Conference (NTC) in Boston, each Chapter
with a Junior or Senior FLAG Program established was afforded the opportunity to
have their FLAG student(s) participate in the FLAG Program Training Session,
which was held on Wednesday, August 24th. The FLAG Program is a wonderful
program coordinated by Dr. Doris Sartor and is designed around five critical areas
that will prepare our youth for full potential in the government arena. The five critical areas are: Mentorship; Financial Literacy and Leadership Training; Career Training and Education; Pre-professional Career Opportunities; and Scholarship Internships.
The FMS-BIG Chapter established our Junior FLAG Program in January.
Doris Ihejirika and Faith Jackson were selected to represent our Chapter at the National FLAG Program Training. The Junior FLAG training sessions presented included topics on (1) Ways to Pay for College, (2) A Healthy Lifestyle (3) FDIC
Money Smart Program and (4) Your Personal Image.
The FMS-BIG Chapter FLAG students expressed what a great learning experience they had and also had the opportunity to meet and network with many other
students from various BIG regions.
Committed and Dedicated Team Players
Submitted By :
Donna Harper
FMS BIG
Page 8
33rd Annual National Training Conference
Attending BIG National Training Conferences: An Open Letter
By Dr. Patrick Wilson, President
Have you ever had to disabuse someone of the notion that the BIG National Training Conference
is an annual party event, a conference just for African Americans, or that it is solely an Equal Employment Opportunity Conference, or the most often used retort, with dwindling resources, your office cannot subtract from the training budget to support this ―special emphasis‖ training? Once? Twice? A
dozen? Well, if so, you are not alone. It is safe to say that a large majority of employees who submit
requests to attend the annual BIG NTC are covertly or overtly faced with these subliminal mind sets of
their managers. But, anyone who has attended the conference knows, this is simply not the case.
Through the NTC, BIG provides OPM approved training, mentoring, and networking opportunities all
in one place to the benefit of members and nonmembers alike of any race. And, this ultimately benefits
the agency as well in its quest to have well-trained employees to accomplish its mission.
This being the case, I provide you with the following explanations and justifications to submit
with your future NTC requests. Perhaps this dual submission will enlighten and encourage your manager to fully fund, partially fund, provide administrative leave, or a combination of the above, in supporting your NTC training request.
- Make sure that the BIG NTC is included on your Individual Development Plan, and linked to your
relevant competencies,
Note that the Office of Personnel Management is a full participant at BIG’s national training conference and recognizes many of the NTC courses as comparable to OPM training.
- The cost of one NTC course is often three times less than a comparable OPM training course, a direct
budget saver in an atmosphere of dwindling resources,
- Remind them that although BIG is a special-emphasis organization; BIG NTC is not a specialemphasis training conference. Everyone can and should attend,
- Note that many operating divisions have engaged in creative approaches to allow their employees to
receive high level training at the BIG NTC by fully funding, partially funding, granting administrative
leave or a combination of the above.
So, future BIG NTC participants, get ready, with renewed management support, to march up to the
NTC doors and enter prepared to receive a learning experience that will not only benefit you but also
your office. This is a win-win scenario if there ever was one.
Submitted by:
Dr. Patrick Wilson
Page 9
33rd Annual National Training Conference
BIG NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE
Easily justified and Money well spent!
As we get back into the swing of things and start thinking about how we will use the
valuable training information received at the BIG National Training Conference (NTC), we
should also consider how we will show those benefits to our agency leadership and colleagues
just as we do with other training that we take. I would like to personally suggest that each of
us consider preparing a trip report and similarly including this information in our individual
development plans to support attendance at future conferences.
My trip report will give my leadership a synopsis of the conference, my activities, lessons
learned from individual sessions, the benefits to my career growth, and how the training and
experience as a whole will help me contribute to the Agency’s mission. It will also illustrate
key linkages to agency priorities. For example, USAID’s Administrator, Rajiv Shah, recently
sent out an Agency Notice on key leadership qualities he believes are essential to our
Agency’s success. So, I’ll be using this as a guide for how I report on how the training and
experience at BIG NTC will allow me to grow in these areas:
Deliver Meaningful Results
Demonstrate Inclusive Leadership
Champion Our USAID Forward Reform Efforts
Engage Broadly and Proactively
Grow and Retain Our Talent
My goal in writing a trip report is basically to illustrate that the investment in sending staff to
the NTC goes beyond just benefiting individuals, but will also benefit the Agency and its priorities. But, even if you don't write a trip report, I hope that you will also consider how you
will individually, either in words or by your actions, show the value you received from attending the BIG National Training Conference.
Submitted by:
Latrisha Swayzer, USAID
Page 10
33rd Annual National Training Conference
Honorable Jacque Ballard Talks “Future”
Hello 2011 NTC Presenters, By now I’m sure you all have arrived back home safely, missing hurricane Irene as she left her impact on Boston on Saturday. I left Saturday morning and arrived back home in
Maryland just as she hit New York. So we passed each other, which I’m glad. Just a note to say ―thank you‖
for a job well done. Our conference was a huge success because of your participation. It was a lot of work
and several things didn’t go as planned but we all survived. I am just getting back to where I am well rested
and can talk about BIG again. I hope you had a great experience at the conference, because ―now‖ I can say
I did. Everyone has fully recovered and we’re ready to get back to work on completing the processes. When
times got rough, many of you gave me hugs, held my hand, put a hand on my shoulder or just gave me encouraging whispers. With that I knew I couldn't give up although there were times I wanted to. But I knew
that I had rose above many rough challenges before and I would survive these also. The Workshops Team is
differently one of a kind. They also had challenges as well and yet they prevailed. I will send you a feedback
evaluation form over the next few weeks. Your feedback is greatly appreciated and of course they will be
assessed as to lessons learned from the experience. Improved processes are always welcomed. There are
many follow up tasks to be done within the next few weeks. We are still inputting data regarding the certifications (CPEs, CLPs & CUEs) into the database.
As stated, we realized that we were being a little aggressive in implementing many of our new
processes and of course several were not executed because of unforeseen issues. We estimate there were
close to 3,000 attendees at this year’s conference, so that tells you how many certificates we have to issue
and there were 150 approved presenters. We are still finalizing our books. Many of you have asked for copies of your evaluation forms or at least a copy of the summary evaluation. Once completed and approved, I
will be glad to send to you since I’m not sure if I will have access to the actual evaluation forms again. That
won’t happen until after November’s close-out meeting. Additionally, some attendees have asked for your
handouts or contact information. I will formulate a process for that and discuss with you soon. Finally, as
one of our new initiatives we were trying to execute the ―Above and Beyond‖ Award for the presenters.
This award was offered by one of our Corporate Sponsors and it is intended to be awarded to 12 of our top
presenters as voted by the attendees of the workshops. However, the response was very low because either it
was not disseminated timely or it was misunderstood. To make up for that, we still plan to do it electronically, by sending out to all the attendees and have them to vote for their top presenters. Maybe now that everyone is back and has time to reflect on their training experience, this could be a good time for that.
We plan to make that happen very soon. At this time, I just wanted to thank you for all that you do for BIG
and will continue to do. I personally appreciated each one of you. For my new presenters thank you for taking a chance on BIG this year and for my returning presenters, thank you for your continued support. I am
already looking forward to next year and hope that you will join me in Detroit to go through it all over
again. If I can be of further assistance, please feel free to call me or email and remember ―Who loves you‖?
Stay tuned for more BIG Stuff!
Submitted by:
Hon. Jacque Ballard
Blacks In Government, Chairman NTC Training Workshops
Page 11
33rd Annual National Training Conference
Volunteers Needed!
Lorraine Townsend, Region XI, Washington Navy Yard Chapter is currently
the Workshops Facilitators Coordinator for the Blacks In Government (BIG) Annual National Training Conference (NTC). Workshops offer training opportunities to enhance the performance of government employees at all levels in a variety
of careers and positions. As the Workshops Facilitator Coordinator I solicit volunteers prior to and/or onsite of the conference to provide professional assistance
and support to the workshop presenters and customer service to the conference
attendees. BIG refers to the workshop facilitator as the Presenter.
All workshops are in need of a facilitator/presenter assistant to introduce the
Presenter if asked; provide household rules especially in reference to the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) sign-in form and evaluations; disseminate
workshop evaluation and sign-in form/s; collect evaluation forms and return to
workshops; control the CPE sign-in form and return to Workshops Facilitator Coordinator or designee; and assist Presenter as needed such as disseminating material; Xeroxing; and always provide professional customer service to all presenters and attendees. In addition, you will enhance your leadership skills through
presentation and oral communication when you volunteer to be a Facilitator/
Presenter Assistant at the NTC. Also, you can get in on the ground floor when you
complete the Facilitator Registration form with workshop selections and provide
to Facilitator Coordinator Lorraine Townsend for confirmation. If you are interested serving as a Workshop Facilitator, contact me for details.
Lorraine Townsend
BIG Washington Navy Yard Chapter
Page 12
Mother Africa Opening for Business: The African Initiative Forum
A Blacks In Government (BIG) Event
Tuesday, 23, August, 2011 was not just a day, time, or moment, it was an event.
For the first time, BIG convened and extended her hand to our brothers and sisters on the African continent, at the National Training Conference
(NTC), held in Boston, Massachusetts, at the John B. Haynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center.
In doing so, BIG recognized the potential to demystify Africa, address technical barriers to U.S.-Africa entrepreneurial link-ups, expand U.S.Africa business partnerships, and most important, offer unique opportunities for BIG members to discover a new frontier of business. In short, the
African Initiative Forum provided alternative avenues to exploring and navigating their unique leadership skills and abilities.
The forum’s opening, African traditional, Islamic and Christian invocations, followed by the excellent and melodious Page Academy African
Drumming Ensemble moved the audience to great expectations. The audience was not disappointed.
Dr. Jemadari Kamara, keynote speaker, took the audience on a historical journey that everyone enjoyed and refused to disembark when he completed his outstanding presentation. Special Guest Speaker Boston City Councilor Charles C. Yancey opened eyes, minds and hearts with his perspectives of Boston’s past, present and future.
The first panel asked, ―What you need to know about Africa but were afraid to ask‖ and panelists Ms. Elizabeth Sichinga, Zambia Special Projects,
Ms. Emily Sikazwe, Zambia 60-60-60-projects, Ms. Angela Chester-Johnson, the Senegal Project Mr. Niyi Taiwo, Nigeria prospective, and Dr.
Joyce Hope Scott, Associate Professor, Wheelock College, and moderator Mr. E. Dovi Abbey, Founder/Owner, The Travel Village, answered with
cogent, informative, and motivational presentations that attacked the negative stigma surrounding going to or doing business in Africa. In so doing,
the panelist returned a question to the audience. Major U.S., Chinese, Indian corporations, rich tourists, and many other business/social travelers are
in Africa, why not you?
During the first panel presentations, the forum’s audience welcomed the appearance of National BIG President, J. David Reeves. President Reeves
took to the podium and lifted the spirits of the audience even higher than it already was. His words of encouragement, support, motivation for the
African Initiative was heartwarming, as well as inspirational. President Reeves, about to leave with applause still ringing throughout the ballroom,
was asked to stay for a special presentation. Whereupon, Ms. Emily Sikazwe, Director, Zambian Women for Change, presented to President Reeves
and BIG, a beautiful Zambian clothe, ―In support, recognition, and partnership with Zambians in promoting the principles of women rights, liberty,
and equality for all.‖
―Technical Barriers to U.S.-Africa Small/Medium Entrepreneurs Link-ups‖ panelists Ms. Nora Ehrlich, Assistant Director, Trade, Field Operations,
Boston Field Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Dr. Patrick Wilson, Administrator, BIG Africa Partnerships Secretariat (BAPS) and
moderator, Dr. Craig Fedchock, Animal Plant and Health Inspections Services (APHIS)/USDA, covered ―fears‖ to successful import/exports. The
questions: What is the impact of U.S. Regulations/Standards when exporting/importing between U.S. and African countries, as well as regionally
between African countries? And, why do importers/exporters fear the United States Customs & Border Protection, United States Department of
Agriculture or United States Food and Drug Administration when it comes to agricultural products? At the conclusion of this panel, the technical
barrier fears and questions were alleviated or answered by practical information provided on U.S. regulatory/standards do’s and don’ts for successful import/export.
The final panel, ―Expanding U.S.-Africa Trade & Business Partnerships‖, with Mr. Bernardo Lourenco, Special Assistant to the Commercial Attaché, Embassy of Angola, Ms. Emily Sikazwe, Zambia Women for Change, Ms. Elizabeth Sichinga, Zambia YWCA, Mr. Kern Tyler, Director of
the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Zambia and moderator Dr. Patrick Wilson brought the days program full circle. The question, ―Why Not Africa?!‖ was answered via expert testimony by the panelists. It was explained that Mother Land Africa is preparing, fast becoming ―export ready‖ to
meet any/all regulations/standards, making the entrepreneurial opportunities for BIG NTC attendees available, and extending warm open hands
from Angola, Nigeria, Senegal and Zambia to all attendees seeking to partner, invest, buy, sell or simply vacation on the continent by bathing in the
inviting climate, enjoying the salubrious breezes and warm smiles of your African brothers and sisters.
P. Charles Wilson
Administrator
BIG-Africa Partnerships Secretariat
President, Parklawn Chapter
Words of Thanks
A common saying in Ghana questions the wisdom of having a nut but no stone to crack it. Committee members of
the African Initiative Forum (Ms. Charlene Lee, Messrs. Palmer T. Doiley, Daniel Corria, Dovi Abbey, Niyi Taiwo
and Dr. Patrick Wilson) promoting the idea of an African Initiative had the nut and with stones from many, crack it,
they did! Of the many contributors, the African initiative Committee would like to particularly acknowledge and sincerely thank:
-Blacks In Government, its board of directors, presidents, past and present, officers and all its members for
their steadfast commitment.
-The Embassies of Angola, Senegal, Nigeria and Zambia for their generous support.
-The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority and its staff for their much appreciated dedication to the
success of the BIG 2011 National Training Conference.
-Our distinguished guest speakers for their invaluable insights.
-Our panelists and moderators who have set aside their many duties to come and serve with us for the cause
of Africa.
-The MacDonald Show.
-Zambia Blog Talk Radio.
-All the attendees of the African Initiative Forum
Media Advisory: The Forum was live streamed on www.ustream.tv on Tuesday Aug. 23, 2011, from 11 a.m. to 5
p.m. EST. by MacDonald Longwe and Douglas Level, of the MacDonald Show.
33rd Annual National Training Conference
Thank You!
A huge thank you to the Communication and Public Relations Volunteer Team! Because of
their commitment and dedication, we successfully published the “Daily Update” each day and effectively communicated not only with conferees, but those who were not able to attend the conference.
We were also able to capture the heart of the conference on film and video, so a BIG thank
you goes out to the Photography Team! I salute all BIG National Training Conference committee
volunteers and look forward to seeing each and every one of you next year in Detroit!
Janice Boss
DeVonne Collins
Stanley Cornelius
Kenneth Cowan
Raymond Eldridge
Damian Hill
Sylvia Norris
Loretta Johnson
Shirley Slaton
James Somerville
Glenn Smith
Rohan Jones
Vern Howard
Rafael Jackson
Calvin Stevens
Shirley Suggs
Minister Haile K. Lindsay
Veronica Godfrey-Robinson Octavia Gorham-Greenhill
Elma Coleman-Williams
Dr. Vera McKethan
Rochelle Bryant
Chairman, National Communications and Public Relations
Page 15
AN INTERESTING YEAR
Visionaries for Region Eleven
“Who’s stepping up?”
Michele Peyton (left) serves as President of the largest Blacks In Government Region in the country. 1st VicePresident Shirley Jones (right) has confirmed the nomination to run for the top office in the upcoming
election. Both have been actively involved in the improvement and growth of Blacks In Government. All
qualified members are given the opportunity to be considered for four positions in the upcoming election.
Region Eleven is comprised of over 50
chapters around the Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas. The region is comprised of over 250,000 Federal Employees living or working in the region daily. It will be
interesting to see who steps up to lead the organization into 2012, and where the vision of
the organization will take us. During the December 2011 elections, members must choose a
candidate that is fully prepared to answer the
mail when the time comes.
A clear and measurable strategic plan
must be in place to show members where the
organization is going and how it can help our
members reach their objectives. In many organizations African Americans make up a small
Page 16
percentage of the leadership in the Federal
Government system, partly because we have
no clear plan of action, mentorship process,
or collective effort to assist us with the
growth process. It will be a challenge to the
leaders of region eleven to find the answers
and articulate them in a manner that allows
members the opportunity to end “lip service”
and advance professionally. Life is short and
change takes time, but one thing for sure, we
can and will get there, one BIG Member at a
time…
- They
Who will take BIG to the next level?
33rd Annual National Training Conference
Ambassador Barry Wells inspires
at USAID Agency Forum
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
joined several other agencies on the first day of the BIG National
Training Conference (NTC) conducting forums for agency employees and others interested in hearing more about the important
work they do. And, according to one of its agency officials,
USAID's work ranks #25 in importance for national security as
determined by the National Security Council. The agency's work
includes its "Feed the Future" initiative as well as efforts to reduce
child mortality and mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDs and
to build opportunities around the globe.
The USAID agency forum, spearheaded by USAID BIG
Chapter President Lawrence Williams and other Chapter members,
included a motivational speech by Ambassador Barry Wells, who
now serves as the agency's Director of Civil Rights and Diversity. Mr. Williams also moderated
an interesting panel discussion on the agency's programs and recruitment efforts. The panelists
were Ambassador Wells, HR Deputy Assistant Administrator Deborah Kennedy-Iraheta, and Office of Security Director Randy Streufert.
In an inspirational address to the audience Ambassador Wells provided useful tips for
developing a successful career path. The Ambassador's tips centered around being prepared
and he used each letter of the word "prepare" to drive home his points. He encouraged attendees to choose work that they are passionate about, to be risk takers, and to be ethical.
He said that employees should always have pride in the contributions they make to the
work and in so doing commit to doing their best. And, he said that employees should in fact be
assertive. He noted that being assertive doesn't necessarily mean the same as being aggressive
but rather it means controlling your own destiny and not giving yourself over to difficult times.
Ambassador Wells also talked about the need for resilience. He said that employees must have
the ability to bounce back because everybody has a bad day. Lastly, he concluded his points
with a focus on excellence, noting that whatever you do be as good at it as you possibly can.
“Employees should
always have pride in the
contributions they make
to work and commit to
doing their best”
HR Deputy Assistant Administrator Deborah Kennedy-Iraheta and Office of Security Director Randy Streufert also provided important insights about the agency's programs and individually shared tips about their experiences at the agency. Ms. Kennedy-Iraheta spoke of the
passion she developed for the work of the agency during her long tenure as a career civil servant, having started at USAID right out of high school as a GS-3. And, Mr. Streufert, also a career civil servant, consistently pointed to the importance of mentoring to an employee's development and ultimate success.
Agency forums are an integral part of the NTC and continued into the second day of the conference. Additional agencies conducting forums were: the Coast Guard, Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Health and Human Services, Interior, Justice, Labor, Navy, and State, as well
as the Environmental Protection Agency, Forest Service, General Services Administration, Marshals Service, and Veterans Administration.
Shirley A. Jones, Esq.
RXIC 1st Vice President
Page 18
There is plenty of strength in numbers!
33rd Annual National Training Conference
Doing BIG things at the National level!
Mr. Daryl Banks
“All about Business”
“I’ve seen several
people in this
position over the years
and it looks like we
finally got it right,
Darryl get’s things
done”
Back in the day, or
as some call it ―old
school,‖ it seems that people would just be honest
with you about what the
expectations were and
what you needed to do to
get the job done.
It’s rare to find
people in with the values
from the old school, and
the emphasis is on ―being
liked‖ as some would say.
When you compare the two types of leadership styles, the best one
is the one that gets the job
down under any circumstance. It’s not about being
liked, but getting the job
Page 19
done, and doing it right.
When BIG Headquarters
needed a good ―old school‖
leader to reach our objectives at the national level,
Region Eleven offered up
Darryl Banks, our 2nd Vice
-President, to serve at the
national level.
The goal is to execute the plan of the National President at the highest level. Darryl Banks took
on the challenge and was
elected to serve at the top
tier of the organization, a
place where he could make
a real difference in policy
and amongst the members
of our organization. When
a member was asked about
the results, he stated ―I’ve
seen several people in this
position over the years and
it looks like we finally got
it right, Darryl get’s things
done.‖ Mr. Darryl Banks is
our newly elected National
2nd Vice President! Congrats
Darryl we know you will do
us proud!
33rd Annual National Training Conference
911
Memorial
The Regional Council President, Michele Peyton, Dr. Hezekiah Braxton, President, BIG-Pentagon
Chapter and Annette Jennings, BIG-Pentagon attend the ceremony at the Pentagon Memorial on September 11, 2011 in remembrance of the 184 lost at the Pentagon and on American Airlines Flight 77 on September 11, 2001. Abraham Scott (pictured below 2nd from left) a life member of BIG, and his family
were among the special guests honored at the event. Janice Scott, a former BIG member at the BIGPentagon Chapter, was a wife, sister, mother, and grandmother.
In loving memory of Mrs. Janice M. Scott
Navy and Political Officials pause for moments of reflection...
Page 20
33rd Annual National Training Conference
Equal Employment Opportunity
“How to navigate through the EEO process
without and Attorney”
Knowing the process is the no.1 key factor! At this year’s 2011 National
Training Conference, Ms. Melodee Brooks Stith, an electrifying instructor,
taught the importance of getting your facts, putting them in order, and writing
them down before navigating through the EEO process.
If you have a case, it must be filed within 45 days once you become aware
that a discriminatory act has been committed against you. To file, you must
contact an EEO Counselor or an EEO office, start a file, and document the date.
You must be clear, concise and specific when stating the issue. You must investigate—prepare, research, tell the complete story, and provide supporting
documentation.
As you prepare for the Agency’s rebuttal always remember that there
are opportunities for resolution prior to investigation and after. During the
hearing process and Final Decision, remember the burdens of proof are on you!
You have a right to representation at any time during the process, and if the final decision is not favorable, you have a right to appeal.
If you want a ―win-win‖ situation in your resolution process, visit classes,
such as the EEO classes that were presented at the 2011 National Training Conference. And, don’t stop there, continue to seek information through BIG.
Submitted by:
Octavia Gorham-Greenhill
Energy Chapter
BIG Region XI
Page 21
33rd Annual National Training Conference
Community Service Outreach &
Sharpe Health School Join Forces
On August 20, 2011 Region XI Blacks In Government Community Service and Outreach
Committee members joined Muriel Bowers, Council Member for Ward 4, Kamili Anderson State
Board of Education Representative for Ward 4, employees from the U. S. Department of the Interior, Council Member Bowers staff members, and teachers from Sharpe Health School for the 2011
DC Public Schools Annual Beautification Day event at Sharpe Health School. Savetria Francis is
the school principal. Volunteers assisted with planting and weeding the gardens. Brenda Woods,
Program Manager Educational Partnerships Program U.S. Department of the Interior served as the
Site Manager for the event. Ms. Woods serves on the Region XI Blacks In Government Community
Service and Outreach Committee and is also an officer with the Department of the Interior Blacks
In Government Chapter. The Region XI Blacks In Government Community Service and Outreach
Committee members participated in the event included Rosmary Hill Committee Chair, Claudia
Silvers and Diane Himes.
Actively Engaged Outreach Committee!
The Sharpe Health School is one of the U.S. Department of the Interior’s partner schools. The school is
one of the Nation’s public schools with a special education program that provide instructional and therapeutic
services for students from ages 3 through 21 with physical disabilities and/or multiple disabilities from all Wards
of the District of Columbia.
Page 22
33rd Annual National Training Conference
Department of Interior host 3rd
Town Hall Forum
Department of the Interior – BIG Chapter hosted its 3rd Town Hall Forum, August
23, 2011, Boston, MA. Immediately following the U.S. Department of the Interior
agency forum at the NTC, Boston MA, the
DOI-BIG Chapter followed with its 3rd
Town Hall Forum opened to all DOI employees. Prior to hosting this important
Forum, DOI-BIG hosted a
Juneteenth Event: ―State of African Americans in the U.S. Department of the Interior‖, Sidney Yates Auditorium. Congressman Danny K. Davis, Reverend Ronald V. Myers, M.D.,
and BIG leaders addressed the
audience.
In preparation of the Forum, DOI-BIG Chapter issued a
department wide invitation to all
employees to participate in this historic
event. The purpose of the Town Hall was
to give DOI’s African American employees an opportunity to come together and
communicate on how we can collectively
overcome the challenges of: promotions,
recruitment, retention, career development,
detail assignments, selection for SES slots
and other leadership training programs.
Participants exchanged ideas, gathered data
and provided actions to address DOI’s current vision and goals for diversity. DOIBIG Chapter recognizes that hosting a
Town Hall Forum at the NTC is the best
time of year.
On average, African Americans attend the NTC
more so collectively compared to other similar
conferences.
As a result, DOI-BIG capitalized on the
opportunity to host their Forum for the last three
years. The Town Hall offers DOI employees an
enormous opportunity to address Secretary’s
Kenneth Salazar’s vision for diversity and to
examine collectively how we need
to move the agenda forward. DOIBIG Chapter believes that meeting
with employees national wide on
common issues helps build a strong
foundation for addressing critical
issues impacting DOI’s Black employees.
Interior continues to lag all Executive Branches in the hiring and
promotion of African Americans.
On June 10, 2011, the OPM Federal
Equal Opportunity Recruitment Program Report
for FY10 was released to Congress showed the
Black workforce at Interior 5.6% compared to
5.7% the year before.
Overall, the Forum resulted in proactive
steps the Chapter will take in working with Secretary Salazar’s Administration and Congress.
The Chapter plans to host its 4th Town Hall Forum at the NTC, Detroit, Michigan. Imagine,
next year if BIG held a national Town Hall Forum, Detroit, Michigan, ending with a powerful
platform for Congress and the White House to
address, what a national statement we could
make.
Submitted by
Kim Lambert
DOI Chapter President
Page 23
33rd Annual National Training Conference
Congratulations
Darlene H. Young
2011 Leadership Academy Graduates!
Team 1
Team 2
Coach, Ms. Peggy Wilson
Ms. Donna Cobbah – V
Ms. Mary Dunn – XI
Mr. Charles (CJ) Garris – XI
Ms. Denise A. McRae-Nimmons – II
Ms. Sylvia Norris – XI
Ms. Nichelle Rogers – VIII
Ms. Dale E, Scott - III
Team 3
Coach M. Jonny Barideaux
Ms. Wendy Dolberry—II
Mr. Johnnie Duggans—IV
Ms. Debrah Ford—XI
Ms. Joann Knox—IX
Ms. Terri A. Lewis—VI
Ms. Marcia Pitt-Ridgill—III
Ms. Beverly Spencer—IX
Coach Ms. Maxella Thomas
Ms. Halemia Jones—IX
Ms. Shereice Hunter—II
Mr. Columbus Johnson-IX
Ms. Shirley Suggs—XI
Ms. Lawanda Young—XI
Ms. Alma Garlington
Senior Coach
Dr. Vera McKethan
National Program and Planning Committee
Dr. Doris Sartor
Immediate Past DYLA Coordinator, Presiding
Ms. Darlene H. Young
Presiding
Immediate Past National BIG President
DYLA Coordinator & Trailblazer
Page 24
33rd Annual National Training Conference
Darlene Young
Leadership Academy
A graduates viewpoint!
=======================================================================================
I expected and anticipated a great learning experience from the Darlene Young Leadership Academy
(DYLA). My expectations were met, and in some areas, my expectations were exceeded. My experience
equaled my level of activity and effort. This eight month leadership program is results driven. The effort exerted dictates the output. There were times when I was unsure if I would complete the program, however, the
doubt subsided as I continued my required learning activities.
Program Requirements
Leadership Development Plan
Shadowing Assignment
Executive Interviews
Reading/Writing Assignments
Program Impact Papers
30 Day Development Assignment
True Colors
Team Projects
I enjoyed two wonderful shadowing assignments at my government agency with 1) the Managing Director and 2) the Chief, Financial Officer. Both of these agency officials were deliberate in my learning experience. I was fully aware of our scheduled meetings and the personal time I would spend with each. The personal time spent with each was especially meaningful to me because we were able to talk in detail about specific work and/or career-related issues.
The True Colors Personality Assessment provides insights about yourself and others. This knowledge
can be a lifelong tool. The four personality colors are: Orange-Adventurous, Gold-Responsible, BlueHarmonious, and Green-Curious. My dominant colors are green and orange with introverted tendencies. This
information is helpful when I act as a risk-taker or in a reserve manner.
The DYLA leadership program is a partnership between BIG National and the Graduate School.
Therefore, all work assignments are reviewed by your DYLA coach and the Graduate School staff. This program provides a supportive environment where you learn, develop and strengthen skills of your choosing. The
Darlene Young Leadership Academy is a worthwhile adventure!
Shirley S. Suggs
President, FCC Benjamin Hooks Chapter
Region XI, Chair, Legislative Committee
Page 25
33rd Annual National Training Conference
Regional Fun!
“oh no, I am not
selling anymore
shirts, you had plenty
of time...how do you
like my hair?”
Fundraiser Chairman Marion Allen plans here next event
“Who’s
missing their form
4?” I gotta go visit
that chapter!”
Gerald Reed, looks over documents at the Delegates Assembly
Page 26
33rd Annual National Training Conference
Blacks In Government &
Combined Federal Campaign
The 2011 Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area
(CFCNCA) officially kicked off its campaign on September 21, 2011. The
theme of the 2011 campaign is “Celebrating 50 Years of Caring, Serving and
Giving.” Region XI Council has been a member of the campaign since 2008.
Our CFC code is 159123. Again we ask that you consider donating to Region XI Council this year.
Region XI Council has been caring, serving and giving in a BIG way. We
use CFC funding for our Youth Program, Oratorical contest and information
Superhighway Student Competition (ISSC); training and EEO resources.
We can be found on page 25 in the 2011 Catalog of Caring. Seek us out and
when your CFC key worker comes around, fill out your form with 159123. I
thank you in advance.
View Link!
http://bigrxi.org/data/listserve/LS294102242.pdf
Michele Peyton
President, Region Eleven Council
Page 27
33rd Annual National Training Conference
Thanks
Region eleven!
Billy J. Hill, MBA, MPA, MS Ed, MS OM
Communications Chairman
There are many organizations in
our region, that are determined to
“make a difference” in their respective areas of expertise. Blacks In
Government has continually worked
to improve the lives of our customers
and our members. Sure, we’ve gone
through some tough times, but so has
everyone else.
The goal of the Communications
Committee was to open the lines of
communications in our region, publicize our events and accomplishments,
and keep the lines of communications
open for our members. Collectively,
we have found away to keep our
members engaged and aware of the
events within the Region. Although
our organizational year is
coming to a close, I would like
to thank those that have taken
the step forward, one more
time, to be members of our
Communications Committee.
The fact that we are
spread out across the region,
makes communications challenging, but you found a way
to help us get through the
tough times and reach our
objectives. Blacks In Government is a better place to serve
because of you! To our members, we have a lot of work left
to do, and there are other professionals out there looking for
organizations (like BIG) to
serve as their advocate. You all
have been fantastic this year!
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Billy J. Hill
RXI Communications Chair
RXI Communications Committee
Sylvia Norris
Pat Wilson Wainie Youn Janice Boss
Gerald Kyler
Stanley Cornelius Calvin Kearns
Joseph Somerville Raymond Eldridge
Paula E. Davis
Page 28