Meeting Dates

General Membership

Nebraska Chapter of Blacks In Government is currently holding its regular monthly meetings on the 3rd Thursday of each month.

Location: Scooters, 40th and Ames Street, Omaha, NE

Meetings are scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m.

National Constitution of Blacks in Government

We believe that Blacks in government should have the opportunity for full, complete and equitable access to jobs, education, advancement, housing and health services, and that they must have recourse in adverse situations without discrimination because of race.

We further believe that Blacks should unite in order to obtain and secure the rights and privileges of full citizenship participation. It is necessary to develop a mechanism for inclusion, growth and power for all present and future Black employees in Federal, State and local governments.

Therefore, we, the members of Blacks In Government ® (BIG), in order to act as an advocate for the employment and general welfare of Blacks employed in Federal, State and local governments and to establish a national network of Black Federal, State and local government employees, do hereby establish this constitution for a national organization of Blacks in government.

Goals and Objectives

To be an advocate of equal opponuniry for Blacks in government.
To eliminate practices of racism and racial discrimination against Blacks in government.
To promote professionalism among Blacks in government.
To develop and promote programs which will enhance ethnic pride and educational opporrunities for Blacks in government.
To establish a mechanism for for the gathering and dissemination of information to Blacks in Government.
To provide a nonpartisan platform on major issues of local, regional and national significance that affect Blacks in government.

Our History

Blacks In Government® (BIG) was established in 1975 and incorporated in 1976 by a small group of African Americans at the Public Health Services which is a part of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare in the Parklawn building in Rockville, Maryland.

The organization was viewed as essential to the Black civil service employee, based on a wide assortment of racially motivated problems faced by the HEW Black employees in Rockville.

Initially, it was thought that the umbrella organization would address only the problems at the Federal level. However, it was soon determined that State, County, and Municipal Black employees were faced with the same general type of employment problems.

Nonetheless, Blacks In Government was organized in 1975 and incorporated as a non-profit organization under the District of Columbia jurisdiction in 1976. BIG has been a national response to the need for African Americans in public service to organize around issues of mutual concern and use their collective strength to confront workplace and community issues. BIG's goals are to promote EQUITY in all aspects of American life, EXCELLENCE in public service, and OPPORTUNITY for all Americans.

Top Ten Reasons Why You Should Join BIG!

BIG WORKS FOR YOU

BIG is the only organization dedicated to the interest of the African-American public servant. Other organizations may touch upon the problems that impact you, but BIG is made up of people who share your interests, concerns, and problems.

BIG IS AN ADVOCATE

BIG speaks out on issues affecting the government workplace. BIG testified before Congress on legislation peforming the EEO process, racial discrimination in government, and affirmative employment; and spoke out on the disparate rate of discharge of African Americans from the federal service, the national performance review, and downsizing. Also, BIG held a public hearing on the assault against affirmative action.

BIG AS AN EMPLOYEE SUPPORT GROUP

If you have a problem on the job, your BIG chapter can be an excellent resource for help and counseling. Many BIG members have had to deal with similar problems and can suggest strategies for combating them. BIG also has a list of attorneys experienced in handling the type of problems BIG members encounter.

BIG IS A PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION

Every year BIG sponsors a National Training Conference, which brings together national leaders and experts from around the country to address Black government workers. The conference, a unique training experience for government workers, provides exposure to issues often overlooked in the day-to-day workplace.

BIG IS A COMMUNITY RESOURCE

Your BIG chapter can be a strong force in the community helping to fight such community problems as drugs, teenage pregnancy, AIDS, illiteracy, and voters' registration. The skills you develop on the job can be invaluable to promote community activities through your BIG chapter.

BIG IS NETWORKING

By becoming a member of BIG, you will be a part of an organization that includes workers from all levels of government and all areas of the public workforce. The National Training Conference provides an opportunity to meet experts from all around the country, employers from other agencies, and gather information and resources that can help you professionally and in your personal growth.

BIG IS A CHANCE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

We can accomplish together what you cannot do alone. With BIG, you can work toward your goals with people who have similar goals. You can do something about institutional and socioeconomic problems that you have faced in the workplace and in the community. You can use your talents and skills in a setting in which they are needed.

BIG KEEPS YOU INFORMED

BIG keeps you up-to-date with the latest developments affecting the African-American Government employee. From the Washington D.C. headquarters, we publish the monthly BIG Bulletin, and a quarterly magazine, the BIG Reporter. Regions and chapters also publish newsletters that focus on local issues.

BIG RECOGNIZES YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS

Each year BIG presents awards to those who have made a major contribution to the goals and objectives of the organization. Regional Councils and local chapters also recognize such achievements. These awards set role models for excellence in the government service.

BIG IS AN OPPORTUNITY

BIG is the chance you've been waiting for to step up and take your place in the loop. To be a part ofthe fast-moving events that affect your world as a government employee, you need an organization like BIG that can speak for you and through which you can voice your opinion and views. If you are concerned about equality, excellence, and opportunity in government, you need to be concerned about BIG.

About Us