The Chapter Award for Social Consciousness

Dear Chapter Presidents,

As you register for the Western Regional Conference taking place February 14-18 in San Francisco, CA, don’t forget that this is the first year in which “Chapter Award for Social Consciousness” will be awarded! Below are the criteria for the award:

The Chapter Award for Social Consciousness

Each year, in addition to participation in community service programs, many BLSA chapters strive to increase the awareness of issues that affect the Black community. This year NBLSA will recognize these chapters by presenting the “Chapter Award for Social Consciousness.” This award will be presented on both regional and national levels to those chapters that follow the national agenda (below).

Now is the time to begin thinking about entering the competition for the Chapter Award for Social Consciousness. The Chapter Award will be chosen by a committee of one executive board member from each region to ensure integrity in the selection process. Each chapter will be graded on a numeric scale and can receive a total of 100 points. While the criteria are subjective, the burden is on the chapter to demonstrate its commitment to and execution of the criteria below. Each chapter is encouraged to scrapbook and/or document its activities online or otherwise. The great value in this competition is that there is no loser. Everyone wins when we take it upon ourselves to empower our community.

National Social Consciousness Agenda Points Breakdown

• Reaching Back – Grass Roots School Initiatives (25 Points)

Local chapters throughout NBLSA are encouraged to visit a predominantly Black middle or high school in their area to speak to students about experiences as a law student. Local chapters are also encouraged to bring students to campus and allow them to sit in classes and experience law school first hand. We hope to inspire the youth by exposing them to positive role models and learning environments.

• Katrina Initiative (20 Points)

Our organization will continue our support of Katrina survivors by supporting both the survivors at ground zero and the survivors spread across the U.S.

• LSAT Preparation (15 Points)

Local BLSA chapters are also encouraged to provide at least one LSAT Test Prep scholarship to an undergraduate of their choice. The scholarship may provide full or partial funding which may come from solicitation or fund raising. This initiative seeks to increase Black presence in law schools by inspiring and providing support for those who may apply.

• Reparations / INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE (10 Points)

Each region will participate in reparations and an international day of service. Local chapter support of these initiatives is vital to its success.

• Black History Month Programming (5 Points)
• Individual Chapter Initiatives (10 Points)

Any chapter initiative that furthers the goal of Social Consciousness while supporting the NBLSA "Purpose" as outlined in our Constitution can be considered under this category.

• Health & Fitness (10 Points)

You can separate and pick any of these categories or leave as a group.

a. HIV Aids Awareness

b. Diabetes

c. Breast Cancer

d. Obesity

e. Health & Wellness

• Event Documentation / Scrapbook and/or Chapter Video (5 Points)
• Special consideration will be given to those chapters who have members that participate in supporting the NBLSA death penalty moratorium.

If you have any questions, you can contact me at ag@nblsa.org. Good luck in completing these initiatives, and remember to bring your scrapbook to the Regional Convention!

Sincerely,

Marlon Monroe
St. Thomas University School of Law, Miami
National Black Law Students Association
National Attorney General 2006-2007