December 28, 2020
MEMORANDUM TO: Blacks In Government Regional Councils Presidents
FROM: Honorable Dr. Doris Sartor, BIG National President
SUBJECT: 2021 Training In Communications Program
The National Organization of Blacks In Government (BIG) is sponsoring a Training In Communications (TIC) program. This program aims to provide young people training in communication and leadership skills and practical experiences to develop those skills. The TIC program is comprised of two parts: a) Communications Academy, and b) Student Oratorical Contest. The TIC targets 9th – 12th Grade students to compete for scholarships and awards. The 2021 theme is: “Are the U.S. Constitution and its 27 Amendments Relevant Today, or Should They be Rewritten for Tomorrow?”
The TIC program enables your chapter to make a positive contribution to the community, thus increasing the chapter’s visibility. It provides an excellent opportunity to share with other BIG’s mission and vision.
The program’s Oratorical segment will conclude with a National Oratorical Competition at the BIG National Training Institute. First-place winners from Regional Councils’ Oratorical Competition will compete in the national competition. Students will receive awards (plaques and scholarships) for successfully preparing and presenting an original oration.
The National Awards are:
1) First Place – Plaque and $1000,
2) Second Place – Plaque and $600
3) Third Place – Plaque and $400
BIG has developed a program package to help you conduct the TIC program at the chapter level for participation in the regional and national oratorical competition.
Regional Council and Chapter Presidents should appoint a Chair to coordinate the competition effectively. Regional Council Presidents should also contact the chapters in their region and inform them of their regional competitions’ date and location. Please note that regional winners must be selected no later than July 1, 2021, and submitted to the National Program and Planning Committee Chair.
All student entries at the chapter and regional level must adhere to ALL of the national published guidelines. Any submitted entries for the national competition that do not adhere to the national guidelines at either chapter or regional level will be disqualified. Chairs will not be able to resubmit the student entry for reconsideration.
If you have any questions concerning the Training In Communications program, please forward them via e-mail to bigprogramandplanning@gmail.com.
There is a mandatory requirement for regions that compete at the national level to provide a regional chaperone. Each region is responsible for assigning primary and alternate chaperones for their contestants who participate in the competition during the Annual BIG National Training Institute.
The regional chaperones MUST meet the student when he/she exits the airplane and REMAIN with the student during his/her entire stay with BIG. Final details on chaperone responsibilities will be provided closer to the national competition.
ALL entry forms and other documents received after the July 1, 2021 deadline will not be accepted and returned to the region. Regional Council Presidents are asked to forward this information to their regional Oratorical Competition Chair or your Program and Planning Committee Chair. Also, provide the name, phone number, and e-mail address of your TIC Chair to the National Program and Planning Committee Chair at bigprogramandplanning@gmail.com.
cc: National Board of Directors, National Executive Committee, Regional Council President
Attachments
4 – 2021 Oratorical Planning Guide
6 – 2021 Oratorical Timekeeper Sheet
7 – 2021 Participant Background Information
8 – 2021 Oratorical Score Sheets
9- 2021 Sample Oratorical Certificate
10-2021 Package Submission_Checklist
2021 Oratorical President Memo
BIG COVID CONSENT FORM July 2020
Oratorical and STEM Virtual guidelines