What is the National Black Staff Network?

The National Black Staff Network herein also called the NBSN is an organization comprised of individuals employed by the National Education Association (NEA) and it's affiliates in associate, professional or retired positions that are of African American descent.

The Purpose

The NBSN is organized to promote networking among African-American staff, provide a vehicle for sharing ideas, goals, promote continued learning and opportunities. More importantly, the NBSN is a forum to meet and share African-American culture and provide an avenue for membership.

The History

In 1984, during a national NEA conference, a few African-American Staff attendees assembled informally to network. Subsequently, each year, the network grew in numbers. These informal meetings evolved into a formal organization and conference. In 2001, the organization became official by establishing a constitution and bylaws, electing officers and board of directors, recommending dues, devising a communications vehicle and setting an annual meeting, thus the NBSN Conference.

What Do We Do?

The NBSN sponsors a national conference of the membership the last weekend in February unless pre-determined by the membership by majority vote. The conference affords many opportunities to network, collaborate and meet colleagues from across the nation. In addition, workshop sessions, keynote speakers and other educational forums focusing on issues relative to African American staff are offered.

Structure of the NBSN

The NBSN is governed by its Annual Business Meeting. The Annual Meeting serves as the legislative and policy-making body of the organization. There are seven members of the Board consisting of four elected officers and three elected members at-large. The officers of NBSN are President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. All duly elected officers serve two-year terms. There is an identified state contact for each affiliate to provide on-going communications to the members.

Why Join?

You become a part of an extensive national network that provides a vehicle for communication, mutual support professionally, personally and spiritually. The NBSN maintains a website and communicates regularly with members through e-mail and other methods.

Who Is Eligible to Join?

Membership is open to African-American employees (current and retired) of the NEA, it's affiliates and other individuals belonging to a category of people determined eligible by the membership as a whole.

Active Involvement of our Members

The strength of any organization lies in the active involvement of its members.  NBSN has a number of committees that operate throughout the year.  By the Constitution and Bylaws appointments are made by the President.  Pat Haynie is in the process of identifying NBSN members to assume committee vacancies for the upcoming year.  Below is a list of committees and some appointments that have already been made.