The mission of BLACK STUDENTS is to: 

1.                  Contribute to the founding of a vibrant African-American community unified under an agenda that includes the goals of spiritual growth, educational/vocational development, economic viability and political empowerment;

2.                  Facilitate the creation of a more consciously aware student body and community;

3.                  Serve as an example to other student organizations of Savannah State University: 

4.                  Provide services to Savannah State University and the surrounding communities encompassing all aspects of a unified African-American community.

It is the intent of BLACK STUDENTS to achieve said mission by providing the following:

1.      Educational programs, lectures and/or discussions to the Savannah State University and City of Savannah communities focusing primarily on the following areas:

a.      African/African-American culture;

b.      Significant, current and historical events impacting the Savannah State University, African-American community and global community;

c.      Economic Empowerment

d.  Academic Issues

2.    Community Service, BLACK STUDENTS shall offer it’s services to other organizations/individuals who provide assistance to poor, homeless, abused, and/or mentally or physically impaired persons. Furthermore, BLACK STUDENTS shall provide its services to organizations/individuals who assist in the holistic education or personal development of the adolescents.            Services to organizations/individuals shall consist of physical labor, financial donations, time, in-kind contributions, and any other service agreed to by a majority vote of the Executive Board.

3.     Entertainment, BLACK STUDENTS will develop programs for the student body as well as the community to entertain and build unity.

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Membership for BLACK STUDENTS shall consist of college students who have an interest in helping African-Americans (AFRICAN DISPORA), like-minded organization, and other  oppressed people.

The rights and responsibilities of members are as follow:

1.      All candidates for membership must submit an application, and will be required to pay dues in the amount of $10.00 per semester.

2.      All new members will collectively be required to do the following to receive full membership: organize/supervise 1-2 programs /events (held at the discretion of active members); write a summery of a “unsung hero” in African History (not Martin ,Malcolm ,or Rosa Parks); attend two(2) consecutive meetings; be familiar with the Willie Lynch Papers ; and complete a minimum two(2) organizational volunteer hours and one(1) volunteer with an alternative institution.

3.      All members are required to attend general meetings in addition to their respective committee meetings and functions/fundraisers sponsored by BLACK STUDENTS.

4.      All members shall have the right to attend the Executive Board meeting and participate in the debate on any matters pertaining to BLACK STUDENTS.

5.      All members shall have the right to nominate themselves and vote in agreement to nomination set forth by the Executive members.

6.      Grades: All Members are required to maintain an academic rating of “Good Standing”. 

7.      Members are required to adhere to the rules established by these by-laws or authorized by these by-laws, as well as, the rules of Savannah State University. Not withstanding the foregoing, members may engage in acts of civil disobedience protesting said rules.

8.      Any violation of these rules or any other rules so authorized by these by-laws will subject the violator to disciplinary action, decided by the Rules and Credentials Committee.

MEETING

There shall be four types of meetings recognized and utilized by BLACK STUDENTS, to wit:

1.      General Membership Meetings

a.      The General Membership meeting shall be held weekly, at the majority of the organization discretion.

b.      The presence of not less than four (4) members of which two (2) shall be members of the Executive Board shall constitute a quorum and shall be necessary to conduct the business of BLACK STUDENTS.

c.      General Membership meetings will not commence until BLACK STUDENTS have acquired over 10 members and have formed committees.

2.      Executive Board Meetings

a.      The Executive Board shall meet weekly, at the discretion of the Executive Board.

b.      All Executive Board members are required to attend Executive Board meetings; any member may attend the Executive Board Meeting and contribute to the debate of issues, however, only Executive Board Members may vote on a particular issue.

c.      The presence of not less than four (4) members of which two (2) shall be members of the Executive Board shall constitute a quorum and shall be necessary to conduct the business of BLACK STUDENTS. 

3.      Committee Meetings

a.      A committee will be comprised of two (2) or more members of BLACK STUDENTS, with one member designated as chairperson.

b.      All Committee chairpersons and members of committees are required to attend all committee meetings.  The Committee Chairperson shall designate said meeting dates and times.

c.      All chairpersons must report the progress of the committee’s endeavors to the membership body at the General meetings.

4.      Special Call Meetings

a.      Any Executive Board member may call a Special Meeting of the Executive Board or the General Membership, provided that two (2) days notice is given from the date of the special call meeting.

b.      The Chairperson of each standing Committee shall promulgate rules regarding the special calling of committee meetings.

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS

Executive Board Positions and Responsibilities

The following list comprises the Executive Board Positions:

1.      President

2.      Vice President

3.      Secretary

4.      Director of Administrative Affairs

5.      Chief Financial Officer (Treasurer)

6.      Program Coordinator

7.      Public Relations Director

8.      Parliamentarian

9.      Chief Technology Officer

10.  Organization Historian (New Office)

11.  President Emeritus

12.  Alumni Advisory Board

13.  Advisor (2)

The duties and responsibilities of the respective positions are as follows:

PRESIDENT:

(a)  The President shall preside over all General, Executive and Special Call meetings.

(b)  To preside at meetings of BSWM and act as chairman of the executive committee

(c)  To appoint chairpersons and/or members of all committees not directly elected by the executive committee

(d)  To serve as a spokes person and example for others (ex.youth, students, members, SSU)

(e)  Exercise general executive authority on behalf of BSWM and act as general representative

(f)    To approve and counter sign all requisitions, space reservations, or any documents created by BSWM

(g)  To counter sign all checks by the Financial Officer for disbursement from the BSWM treasury.

VICE PRESIDENT:

(a)  To perform all the duties of the President in his absence or disability.

(b)  The Vice President shall be the overseer of all BSWM committees

DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATIVE AFFAIRS (Secretary):

(a)  To act as secretary of the BSWM and the Executive Committee. Qualifications Desired:

(b)  To give do notice of all meetings of BSWM and the Executive Committee, and record the same in a book of minutes.

(c)  To keep an account of membership.

(d)  To submit reports to the Executive Committee at all regular meetings, or when required, covering the status of the BSWM and its activities since the date of the last report

(e)  To file all requisitions, space reservations, or other procurement documents upon request from a BSWM officer or committee.

(a)  To serve as a member of the executive committee.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER:

(a)  This position is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating and maintaining economical and efficient transportation services for the B.S.W.M.

a.      Qualifications Desired :Strong organizational skills include strong communication skills, articulate clearly both with the written and spoken word, are able to understand a variety of people, are confident, team leaders, and quick learners. They are also persuasive and quick thinkers.*This person is required to have a car and a descent driving record (funds may be allotted for gas).

(b)  To serve as a member of the Executive Committee.

(c)  To receive all monies and promptly deposit the same in the name of BSWM in a separate bank account in a responsible bank or other responsible student depository.  No money shall be withdrawn from any such account except by approval signed by the Chief Financial Officer and the President or other designated cosigner.

(d)  To make authorized disbursement upon requisitions signed by the Admin officer, Vice President and President.  Each requisition shall recite the amount and purpose of the payment requested.  Every financial requisition must be approved by the BSWM Executive Board..

(e)  To submit financial reports to the Executive Committee at all regular meetings, or whenever required by either body, covering the financial condition of the organization, showing receipts and disbursements, outstanding accounts due or receivables unpaid since the last report.

(f)    The Chief Financial Officer can appoint an assistant to aid in the accomplishing duties. 

PROGRAMS DIRECTOR:

(a)  This position is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating and maintaining economical and efficient transportation services for the B.S.W.M.

a)     Qualifications Desired :Strong organizational skills include strong communication skills, articulate clearly both with the written and spoken word, are able to understand a variety of people, are confident, team leaders, and quick learners. They are also persuasive and quick thinkers.*This person is required to have a car and a descent driving record (funds may be allotted for gas)

(b)  Assist in the preparation of brochures, reports, newsletters, and other material ]

(c)  To create and design programs for the organization to execute.

(d)  To act as chairperson of the Programs Committee.

(e)  To submit a written report of programs to the executive committee for final approval

(f)    To submit all advertisements created to the executive committee for final approval

(g)  To serve as member of the executive committee

PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR:

(a)  This position is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating and maintaining economical and efficient transportation services for the B.S.W.M.

a.      Qualifications Desired :Strong organizational skills include strong communication skills, articulate clearly both with the written and spoken word, are able to understand a variety of people, are confident, team leaders, and quick learners. They are also persuasive and quick thinkers.*This person is required to have a car and a descent driving record (funds may be allotted for gas)

(b)  To Chair the Public Relations Committee.

(c)  To create and maintain a positive image of BSWM at all times. To write and disburse press releases for BSWM programs and events.

(d)  To oversee displays and informational sessions. To be the media contact for the organization. To create and oversee events that will get BSWM positive exposure on campus and in the community.

PARLIAMENTARIAN:

(a)  This position is responsible for serving as the moderator, maintain organization and order amongst member as well as for formal and informal A well studied  student of the bylaws and constitution.

a.      Qualifications Desired: A courteous, but stern individual with excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. Strong communication skills, articulate , a team player clearly both with the written and spoken word, are able to understand a variety of people a fair moderator—Patience is a must for this very authoritative and formal position .*This person is required have a Roberts Rule of Order book (etiquette meeting rules).

(b)  Serve as moderator for debates and procedures requiring a mediator.

(c)  Chair the Rules and Credentials committee.

(d)  To take disciplinary action when members break the rules of Savannah State University as well as Black Students With a Mission.

(e)  To know the Constitution and By-Laws thoroughly.

(f)    To make sure that Black Students With a Mission is acting in accordance with it’s Constitution.

(g)  To update the rules and credentials when needed with the Rule and Credentials committee.

CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER:

(a)  This position is responsible for the preparation of presentations, maintenance of websites, and all documents issued by program director and PR Coordinator via email.

a.      Qualifications Desired: A patient and organized individual with web and graphic design skills ;great with various communication devices

(b)  To maintain the Black Students With a Mission website.

(c)  To setup audio and visual equipment. Required to handle or appoint members to videography and photography. 

(d)  To print and help the respective committees to issue mass documents .

(e)  To own and moderate the Black Students With a Mission electronic mail list serve. 

Transportation Director (NEW):

(a)  This position is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating and maintaining economical and efficient transportation services for the B.S.W.M.

a.      Qualifications Desired: Strong organizational skills, extremely detailed and accurate, strong negotiation skills, creative problem solver; must be able to work under pressure with tight deadlines and be available after normal business hours to get the job done*This person is required to have a car and a descent driving record (funds may be allotted for gas)

(b)  This position is also responsible for the supervision of the day-to-day activities of the of organizational transportation.

(c)  Develop manpower and transportation plans. He or she is also responsible for transportation analysis and Providing information, recommendations, and coordinate project implementation for transportation and creating  more cost reduction opportunities

(d)  Work closely  with president and executive board members  to improve operational performance.

PRESIDENT EMERITUS:

(a)  The  president emeritus is the immediate past president of BLACK STUDENTS. He/she is responsible for assisting and advising newly appointed Presidents and Vice President. The President Emeritus is expected to network and lobby for B.S.W.M.

(b)  Acts as an advisor to the current president of BLACK STUDENTS.

ALUMNI ADVISORY BOARD:

(a)  Well respected community leaders, teachers, and activist who are alumni of SSU. These individuals are responsible for sponsoring B.S.W.M retreats ,programs/events, and travel; mentoring all members ,

(b)  To advise the organization in every way possible by providing legal ,social spiritual and  so forth.

(c)  To sign recommendation and community service.

(d)  To create a political, social, community, and career network for members of BLACK STUDENTS.

CAMPUS ADVISORS:  Black Students with a Mission will have a primary and secondary campus advisor, preferably one male and one female advisor. To evaluate the responsibilities of the advisor, refer to the Savannah State University Student Organizational Handbook.

STANDING COMMITTEES

List and role of committees

The standing committees of Black Students are:

1.       Fundraising Committee: Shall make the necessary contacts and arrangements for programs and fundraisers.  Arrangements include requisitions, purchase orders; obtaining contact persons for PR committee to contact alumni and organization and business for sponsorship, draft flyers and correspondence for review by PR committee.

2.       Public Relations Committee (PR & Admin.): Shall initiate correspondence and approve all flyers and/or correspondence created by other committees or members.  The Public Relations Committee shall identify vehicles to get Black Students exposure on campus and in the community. They shall implement organization recruitment campaigns as well as additional campaigns to boost the awareness of the  organization  and current and pressing issues.

3.         Rules and Credentials Committee:  Shall be to update the rules and credentials when needed, make sure that Black Students With a Mission is acting in accordance with it’s Constitution, and to take disciplinary action when members break the rules of Savannah State University as well as Black Students With a Mission.                                                                                                                            

EVENT PROPOSALS/EVENT PROMOTIONS/MARKETING STRATEGIES

1.) Any member of BSWM can formulate an idea of a program to help further the mission of B.S.W.M., but it must be submitted on paper as a proposal.

2.) All program proposals must be typed in order as follows:

1.) Program Name

2.) Purpose of Program

3.) Description of Program

4.) Desired Result

5.) Resources Required

6.) Contact Persons (speakers, moderators, etc)

7.) Itemized Budget

8.) Etc (if applicable) 

The proposed program will be presented to the organization at the General or Executive Board meetings. All programs will be evaluated by the organization and voted upon with the majority vote consenting.  If a program is decided by the majority of the organization to be enacted, the member who presented the proposal may form and chair a committee that will implement and promote the event.  Ultimately, all members of BLACK STUDENTS will assist the committee in any manner to ensure the success of the program.

Promotions for the event must start at least two weeks before the event.

Suggestion promotions are:

1.      Radio Promos

2.      Flyers/Posters

3.      Information Displays

4.      Press Release

The Executive Board must make the final approval of all marketing/promotional items.

 Space reservations must be submitted at least a month in advance.