ABS Committees

The Association of Black Students 2024-2025 Executive Board will have the following committees:

Community Engagement Committee Objectives:

Foster a vibrant and inclusive community for Black students at Washington University by creating opportunities for connection, collaboration, and mutual support.
Strengthen relationships with the broader Black community in St. Louis and beyond through partnerships, events, and initiatives that promote cultural exchange, mentorship, and social responsibility.
Amplify the voices and experiences of Black students within the university and broader community through advocacy, dialogue, and collaborative action.
Build and maintain strong relationships with alumni to foster mentorship opportunities, and a lasting connection to the ABS community.
Promote awareness and appreciation of Black history and culture through events, programs, and collaborations that celebrate Black excellence and achievement.

Cultivate a culture of service and social responsibility within ABS by providing meaningful opportunities for members to engage with and contribute to the community.
Address critical community needs through impactful service projects and partnerships that align with the ABS's mission and values.
Empower ABS members to become active and engaged citizens who are committed to making a positive difference in the world.
Promote collaboration and partnership with community organizations, university departments, and other student groups to maximize the impact of service initiatives.
Foster a sense of shared purpose and collective action within ABS and the broader community through service that promotes social justice and positive change.

Political Affairs Committee Objectives:

Advocate for equitable policies and practices that affect Black students, faculty, and staff at Washington University. This includes actively monitoring university affairs, responding to issues of concern, and working towards a more just and inclusive campus environment.
Empower Black students to become informed and engaged participants in the political process at the local, national, and international levels. This involves providing educational resources, facilitating discussions on relevant political issues, and encouraging civic engagement.
Mobilize the ABS community to take collective action on issues that impact the Black community. This includes organizing protests, letter-writing campaigns, petitions, and other forms of advocacy to address social injustice and promote positive change.
Cultivate a strong relationship with the university administration to ensure that the voices and concerns of Black students are heard and addressed in university decision-making processes.
Increase the recruitment and retention of Black students at Washington University by collaborating with the Admissions Office and other relevant departments to create a welcoming and supportive campus environment.

Publicity Committee Objectives:

Effectively communicate the mission, values, and activities of ABS to the Washington University community and beyond through compelling and informative content across various media platforms.
Cultivate a strong and recognizable brand identity for ABS that reflects the organization's commitment to social justice, cultural awareness, and student empowerment.
Maximize the reach and impact of ABS initiatives by strategically promoting events, programs, and advocacy efforts to diverse audiences.
Foster a sense of community and belonging among Black students by capturing and sharing impactful moments and stories through visual media and engaging online content.
Ensure that all ABS communications are accessible and inclusive, reaching a wide range of students and reflecting the diversity of the Black student experience.
Support the goals and objectives of other ABS committees by providing effective publicity and communication strategies that amplify their work and maximize their impact.

Education Committee Objectives:

Advocate for equitable access to academic resources and support services for Black students at Washington University, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to thrive academically.
Create a supportive and empowering learning environment that fosters academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and a sense of belonging among Black students.
Promote awareness and utilization of academic resources available on campus, including the Learning Center, tutoring services, academic advising, and other support systems.
Develop and deliver programs and initiatives that enhance academic skills and knowledge, such as study groups, workshops, and mentorship opportunities, tailored to the specific needs of Black students.
Cultivate a culture of academic excellence and achievement within ABS and the broader Black student community, celebrating academic successes and fostering a commitment to lifelong learning.
Collaborate with faculty and academic departments to address issues of representation, inclusion, and cultural relevance in the curriculum and classroom experience.
Preserve and promote the intellectual legacy of ABS by maintaining and expanding the ABS Library and archive, ensuring access to culturally relevant resources and historical documents.

Programming Committee Objectives:

Cultivate a vibrant and engaging social atmosphere for Black students at Washington University through diverse programming that fosters community, celebrates Black culture, and creates lasting memories.
Provide opportunities for social interaction and connection among Black students, facilitating friendships, support networks, and a sense of belonging within the ABS community.
Organize events that cater to a wide range of interests and preferences, ensuring that all Black students feel welcome and included in the social life of ABS.
Collaborate with other ABS committees and student organizations to create a cohesive and enriching social experience for Black students on campus.
Promote and celebrate Black culture and traditions through events and programs that showcase the diversity and richness of the African diaspora.
Support the overall mission and goals of ABS by creating a positive and engaging social environment that encourages participation, leadership development, and a commitment to social justice.

Professional Development Committee Objectives:

Empower Black students to achieve their career aspirations by providing them with the resources, skills, and networks necessary to succeed in their chosen fields.
Cultivate a culture of professional excellence within ABS and the broader Black student community, encouraging members to strive for their highest potential and make meaningful contributions to society.
Bridge the gap between academia and the professional world by providing opportunities for Black students to connect with professionals, gain practical experience, and explore diverse career paths.
Promote awareness of career opportunities and resources relevant to the interests of Black students, including internships, job postings, scholarships, and mentorship programs.
Equip Black students with essential professional development skills through workshops, events, and resources focused on resume writing, networking, interviewing, and personal branding.
Foster a supportive network of mentors and allies who can provide guidance, support, and opportunities for Black students as they navigate their professional journeys.

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