BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT REGION XI COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Saturday, June 11, 2016 Marion V. Allen, Regional Council President Meeting called to order by President Allen at 10:03am. Moment of Silence Roll Call/Establishment of Quorum 26 Chapters represented at Roll Call Benjamin Banneker BIG @ PBGC BIG Pentagon Carl T. Rowan Catalyst Coast Guard DIA Department of Energy Department of Labor EPA-William D. Barber, Jr. FCC-Benjamin Hooks FMS GAO-USACE HHS WDC/College Park IRS Chisholm Hughes Khafani NASA Emmett Chapelle NIH NMIC Nuclear Regulatory Comm. PTO Region XI Retired Members Suitland Federal Center U.S. Customs & Borders Veterans Affairs HQ Washington Navy Yard Adoption of Agenda It was moved by Glynis Hill (EPA) to adopt the agenda with said changes and second by Michael McCrimmon (Navy Yard). Motion carried. Standing Rules of Order President Marion V. Allen Approval of May 14, 2016, Region XI Council Meeting Minutes LaShan Haynes It was moved by Barbara Johnson-Cox (DOL) to accept the meeting minutes as presented and second by Shirley Jones (GAO-USACE). Motion carried. (FYI) May 12, 2016, Region XI Executive Committee Meeting Minutes Posted on Region XI website. Corresponding Secretary Report Michael McCrimmon Report posted on Region XI website. President Allen received an invitation to the Department of Labor s 24 th Annual Scholarship Awards program. Received checks for shirt orders from Garrett Beaty, Farnese Hicks, and Angela Frazier. Received a check from CFC for over $4,000. Received a check from Hezekiah Braxton, from NAVSEA chapter closed account. President s Report President Marion V. Allen Report posted on Region XI website and distributed.
President Allen expressed gratitude to April Powers-Matthews for handling the revenue sharing checks and asked that those Chapters that have not picked up their checks and is present, do so today. President Allen extended the welcome at the NEC meeting. President Allen shared her experience in attending a financial workshop sponsored First Command Financial Services, Inc., and hosted by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity on April 30, 2016. President Allen expressed her gratitude on NIH handling of their transition after the passing of their former President, Gayle Gwen. She also stated condolences were expressed in the form of flowers and a personal letter on behalf of the Region. Treasury Report April Powers-Matthews Report was provided at Council meeting for informational purposes only. There are still some Chapters who will need to pick up their revenue sharing checks. April asked that no payments be sent to the giftedregion email account as she does not have access to that account. CFC has been approved and Region XI will be in 2016-2017 CFC campaign. It was moved by Renaee Allen (VA-HQ) that the Treasurer report be accepted subject to audit, and second by Shirley Jones (GAO-USACE). Motion carried. Financial Secretary Report Kevin Coleman Report distributed. Received 39/57 in Chapter dues; 6/57 990s and E-postcards received by the Region, and 41/57 990s and E-postcards by the National office. Received 34/57 Form 4s from Chapters. Norma Samuels, National Treasurer stated she had some updated information for the Financial Secretary. Carla Downs (Tri-City) asked why where the dates highlighted on the report. Kevin Coleman responded it was due to the 990 being turned in, but not the e-post Card. Regional Directors Report Dr. Hezekiah Braxton, III and Wesley Jarmon Report is posted on the Region XI website. Director Jarmon stated the next BOD meeting is to be determined. National Offices up for election are President; 1 st and 3 rd Vice President; Secretary, and Assistant Treasurer. Director Jarmon needs to see someone from the NIH and Library of Congress chapters Director Braxton expressed his gratitude for the expressions of well wishes. Director Braxton reiterated that if any chapter have issues/concerns to communicate with the Region and the BODs. Shirley Jones asked what concessions has the organization received for agreeing to move the NTI date at the Sheraton, due to accommodating another organization. Director Jarmon responded by stating, he is not aware if the organization have or could receive any concessions beyond moving the date. It was asked that the Directors go back and get information regarding this matter. 2 P age
Dorothy Washington (FMS) asked will there be conference assistance for the NTI this year. Director Braxton responded yes and that information will be forthcoming. Dr. Jarmon stated he has directed members to contact Norma Samuels, National Treasurer, as it relates to acquiring rooms for the NTI. Norma Samuels addressed the issue of getting a room for the NTI and stated they are working with the hotel to acquire additional rooms. She is also calling folks who have reserved more than one room, and have not registered, asking them to give up those extra rooms. She shared her email address and will provide updates as they become available. Harold Atkins (NIH), raised questions about the BOD s report and what action items are they addressing (e.g., organization s building and its physical attributes). Director Braxton addressed the questions regarding the physical status of the National Office building. Approximately $50K worth of repairs have to be completed before leasing out the space. Marie Perry, who is the building Manager stated the roof is completed and there is some painting that still has to be done. She also suggested members come and visit the building. The Honorable Gerald Reed (Pentagon) asked if anyone met the suspense date of April 22 nd for amendments to the National Constitution, and why was the date extended to April 30 th. Director Braxton stated some folks did meet the suspense date of April 22 nd, and he did not know why the date was extended. Chapter Challenges NONE Chapter Successes President Allen acknowledged all National Officers and Committee Chairs. Shirley Jones (GAO-USACE) BIG National and Regional financial Sponsors, UEBSC came out to do a lunch and learn for her Chapter. Dorothy Washington (FMS) The Chapter completed their oratorical competition on May 7 th and Miss Kayla Wells, of McKinley Tech High School will represent FMS at the Regional competition on June 25 th. Katrina Washington (Suitland Federal Center) Had their open house membership drive on Thursday, May 12th, and Immediate Past Regional Council President, Shirley Jones came and spoke about the organization. As a result 4 new members joined the Chapter including folks from Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). Dwayne Mitchell (VA) President Allen attended their open house. They conducted a successful writing workshop in April for employees. Carla Downs (Tri-City) - In April, the Chapter participated in an outreach event with On the Lives, donating 350lbs of toiletries. As a result of the Chapters continuous outreach efforts with the organization, member Jahari Butler was asked to represent the Chapter as the first African American on the organizations Board. Bernard LeGrand (PBGC) Chapter double their membership in April. Deborah Graham (Khalfani) Introduce a new member Pat. The Chapter had a skating fundraiser and raised money for their Juneteenth program on June 20 th. Juneteenth speaker with be previous NTI speaker Royce (?). 3 P age
Johnny Lindsay (NIH) Expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support from the Region and Chapter during the loss of their President, Gayle Gwen. Kevin Coleman (Benjamin Banneker) - On April 28 th had an infinity group open house to help promote BIG. Sonya Ponds (Catalyst) We chose SAMHA s National Prevention Week as a Health Advocacy Initiative. Several of Catalyst chapter members are featured in the campaign. Kristina Williams (Coast Guard) Had their oratorical contest on May 10 th, and first place went to Mr. John Clark. Also, first place winner for STEM was Miss Samantha Sullivan. DSHOF Awards Nominations & Voting Glynis Hill, Awards Chair o Jertha Denise Lay received 7 votes. o Cassandra Jones received 16 votes. o Jerry Jackson received 24 votes. o Farnese Hicks received 41 votes. o Farnese Hicks and Jerry Jackson names will be submitted to the Board of Directors. o There were no nominations received for the Prestige Award as of May 14 th. The award nominations were due to the National Board on May 23 rd. Committee Reports Please check www.bigrxi.org for complete reports. Program & Education Renaee Allen o RTC is Saturday, May 21, 2016. The online registration closes on Sunday, May 15 th at 5:30p.m. There are 132 registrants to date. All presentations will be available on the website for downloading. o The Youth and Oratorical competition will be June 25, 2016. Participants need to arrive by 9:00a.m. Chapters are welcome to donate to the stuff a sack for the competition. o All participants packages should be received by June 10, 2016. o Renaee expressed her gratitude to Shirley Jones, Karen Scott-Mims, and the P&E Committee. o Volunteers are needed to assist with the RTC, which will be held in 1301, Science Center building. Membership Jesse Sharpe (Excused) o President Allen expressed her concern that seven (7) Chapters has fallen below 10 members. o The Honorable Mary Thomas, reminded everyone the cut-off date for submitting delegates for the Delegates Assembly is June 22 nd. Audit Report Kenneth Keys o No report Historian/Librarian Vacant 4 P age
Bylaws and Resolutions Shirley Suggs Communications Kristina Williams Community Service Outreach Michael Burt and Melinda DeLoatch-Speight EEO/Affirmative Action Carolyn Thompson (Absent) o No report. Fundraising Donna Harper o The profit from the Bowling Bash was $530.50. Donna expressed her appreciation to the committee members. o NTI shirts will be available for distribution at the RTC. o BIG Lapel pins and Life Member rockers are still available for purchase. o Tickets are available for the All White Affair on July 16th. The cost is $20. o Still accepting pre-commitments for the 2016 Awards Gala First Come, First Serve. o The Black Affair will be September 17 th at the American Legion. The theme is the Great Gatsby. Health & Wellness Tiffany Andrews o Report posted on the Region XI website. Hospitality Royce Slade Morton (Excused) o HHS/WDC College Park Complex is sponsoring hospitality today. Legislative Review Damien Hill (Absent) o No report Marketing and Strategic Planning Rochelle Bryant (Absent) Corporate Sponsorship Liaison Shirley Jones, Esq. Unfinished Business Revenue sharing checks. The following Chapters still need to pick up their checks: Parklawn; Department of Commerce; OPM; Navy Metro, NASA-HQ; Heritage; Farm Credit Administration; National & Community Services, Edward Woods, Jr.- COPS, and BIG @ The Crossroads Quantico. New Business President Allen presented the following recommendations to the body for a vote: 1. Revocation of Foreign Affairs Global and BIG NAVSEA (Chapter was voluntarily disbanded and was revoked by the IRS as reported by National Treasure Samuel s report at the NBoD meeting in February in New Orleans). It was moved by Shirley Jones (GAO-USACE), and second by Michael McCrimmon (Navy Yard) to revoke chapters as noted. Unanimous vote. Motion CARRIED. 5 P age
2. Recommendation to vacate the following Chapter Presidents for non-compliance with the BIG National Constitution (Chapters Failing to Report, Article X, Section 1): BIG@The Crossroads, Emmett W. Chappelle @NASA Goddard, National Institute of Health, BIG Pension Benefits Guaranty Corporation and Navy Metro Chapter. It was moved by Shirley Jones (GAO-USACE) and second by Carla Downs (Tri-City) to vacate Chapter Presidents as noted. Unanimous vote. Motion FAILED. Good of the Order Shirley Jones (GAO-USACE) Announced she would like to do Chapter visits for a meet the Candidate discussion. Barbara Johnson-Cox (Department of Labor) Announced Dr. Gwendolyn Bridgett s pending retirement after 38 years of service. It will be held Thursday, May 26 th at 2 Massachusetts Ave., NE, at 1:30p.m. President Allen reminded everyone that May 15 th is the last day for online registration for the RTC. 50/50 Raffle was won by Lawanda Young, Robert C. Weaver (HUD). Katrina Washington (Suitland Federal Center) moved to adjourn the meeting, and Michael McCrimmon (Navy Yard) second. Meeting adjourned at 12:25pm. Respectfully submitted, LaShan Haynes Recording Secretary BIG Region XI Council Haynes.LaShan@epa.gov 6 P age