Blacks In Government Chicago Midwest Chapter

TO: MEMBERS, CHAPTER AND REGIONAL COUNCIL PRESIDENTS
FROM: Honorable David A. Groves, National President

SUBJECT: 2026 Blacks In Government, Inc. Annual May Membership Month Drive

Dear BIG Members and Supporters,

Blacks In Government, Inc. (BIG) is pleased to announce its 2026 Annual May Membership Month Drive! Although BIG member recruitment, retention, and reclamation occur throughout the year, Membership Month is used to “kick” BIG member recruitment, retention, and reclamation activities at all levels of the organization into “overdrive”. Additionally, Membership Month increases the visibility of the BIG organization and its programs, benefits and impact.

While the BIG National Membership Committee coordinates and oversees the BIG Annual May Membership Month Drive, its success largely depends upon the involvement and creativity of each BIG member and the Region and Chapter Membership Chairs. Below are some simple things we can do together to make Membership Month a success:

BIG National Membership Committee: Provide promotions to existing and to-be BIG members to incentivize member recruitment, retention, and reclamation.

BIG Members: Recruit at least one (1) new individual or former BIG member to join/rejoin BIG during the month of May.

Region Council and Chapter Presidents & Membership Chairs: Attend the 2026 Membership Month Drive Kickoff and BIG Way Forward Discussion with National Executive Vice President, Rev. Dr. Danny Wade, on April 30th at 7:30 pm EDT.

Region and Chapter Membership Chairs: Attend the Membership Chair Strategy Discussion with the National Membership Committee on May 7th at 7:30 pm EDT.

Potential & Current BIG Members: Attend the Panel Discussion with BIG Leadership on the Importance of BIG and a BIG Membership on May 14th at 7:30 pm EDT.

Also, BIG members should use this occasion to update their membership profiles in BIG’s re: Members (formerly Impexium) system so it can be as accurate and complete as possible. This information is essential for the upcoming 2026 National Delegates Assembly (NDA), and it helps BIG leaders at all levels to better formulate and target programs/initiatives that support BIG members and their families. By going to the “Account Tab” on your profile in the system, you will be able to update name, contact information, and employment sector (Federal, State, or Local), and a host other useful information.

Also, Membership Month is a great time to renew memberships, update/correct chapter rosters, and obtain an accurate membership count more than 60 days prior to the 2026 NDA, which enhances the credentialing process.

We encourage every member, chapter, and region to actively participate in the Annual May Month Membership Drive. Together, we can greatly improve the implementation of BIG programs that are foundational to effectively serving BIG members and to achieving BIG’s vision “to be a member-focused, world-class enterprise recognized for excellence.”

TO: All Members

FROM: Honorable David A. Groves, National President

The FedChoice Charitable Foundation (FCF)
With

The National Organization of Blacks In Government, Inc. (BIG)
Collaborative Educational Scholarship Program

This scholarship was initiated by Ms. Sarah Fleming, a long-time member of FedChoice Federal Credit Union. The Guy Fleming Educational Scholarship celebrates the legacy of Mr. Guy Fleming and underscores the vital role of financial education for young individuals. Ms. Fleming passionately believes in the transformative power of education and aims to create more opportunities for deserving students from underserved communities. The FedChoice Charitable Foundation (FCF) is partnering with Blacks In Government (BIG) to promote this scholarship program nationwide.

Program Highlights:

Ten $1,000 Educational Scholarships: In its third year, we are proud to offer ten scholarships to college-bound or trade school-bound high school seniors.

Eligibility: Any college-bound or trade school-bound high school senior from a Title 1 School nationwide can apply.

Winners Announcement: Scholarship recipients will be announced in early August 2026

Winner’s Expectations: All winners will be requested to provide a photo and short Bio for advertising.

Student Scholarship Applicant Criteria:

Applicants must:

Be a graduating high school senior.
Plan to attend a post-secondary institution (university, college, or trade school) in the fall of 2026 and provide an acceptance letter.
Include a recommendation letter from their school counselor and/or teacher.

Application Process:

To apply, students must write a concise up to 500-word essay (topics to be announced soon).

Note on AI Usage: Limited use of AI (less than 15%) is permitted for initial idea generation only. All analysis, personal reflections, and final composition must be entirely your own work.

Applicants Must:

Be a graduating high school senior.
Plan to attend a post-secondary institution (university, college, or trade school) in the fall of 2026 and provide an acceptance letter.
Include a recommendation letter from their school counselor and/or teacher.

Application Process:

To apply, students must:

Write a concise up to 500-word essay on one of the following topics:

Essay Theme:

“Building the Next 250 Years: How Financial Literacy Empowers Future Leaders”

As we look ahead to the next 250 years, financial literacy remains a powerful tool that shapes strong, equitable communities and prepares future leaders for informed decision-making. Organizations like Blacks in Government (BIG) and FedChoice Federal Credit Union, through its FedChoice Charitable Foundation, demonstrate how financial education and advocacy can transform lives. Together, these organizations illustrate how financial literacy builds confidence, opportunity, and leadership—empowering today’s students to help shape a stronger, more financially resilient America over the next 250 years.
Students should include the following:

Explain why financial literacy is important for the future — personally, professionally, and for society.

Describe how financially educated leaders can shape the next 250 years, helping build stronger, more resilient communities.

Explain how Blacks in Government (BIG) supports equity and professional development for Black government employees, and how FedChoice Federal Credit Union and the FedChoice Charitable Foundation advance financial empowerment through community financial literacy programs and scholarships.

Submit application and essay online Submit Application (www.fedchoicegives.org/GF-BIGscholarship) by 11:59pm Central Standard Time, Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

Note on AI Usage: Limited use of AI (less than 15%) is permitted for initial idea generation only. All analysis, personal reflections, and final composition must be entirely your own work.

The Chicago Midwest Chapter is Celebrating Women’s History Month by honoring the strength, brilliance, and legacy of Black women.

Your voices, your leadership, your creativity, and your resilience continue to shape history. Thank you for everything you’ve given—and everything you continue to inspire.