Briefly explain what your Staff Organization does/its mission:
The University of California, Berkeley, Black Staff and Faculty Organization (BSFO) was developed in 1979 (45 years!) to address the issues and concerns unique to employees at the University of California, Berkeley. The mission of BSFO is to create a climate which is conducive to the well-being and professional development aspirations of Black staff, faculty and students.
How does your Staff Organization benefit UC Berkeley staff?
BSFO benefits staff through the fulfilled objectives of developing supportive systems and programs that enhance the educational, social and professional opportunities for Black staff, faculty and students; establishing an internal communication network among faculty, staff and students (e.g., calendar, newsletter, etc.); coordinating activities to facilitate Black staff, faculty and student interaction (e.g., organization socials); publicizing relevant research and publications concerning the status of Black employees; and generating financial resources to sustain and support the many activities and events of the organization.
How can UC Berkeley staff get involved with your Staff Organization?
Staff can visit our website for more information on how to get involved. You can also JOIN US during Black History Month for a number of events and engagements starting February 1: http://tinyurl.com/yw6t7bca
In what kinds of events and/or outreach does your Staff Organization engage?
The Black Staff & Faculty Organization hosts a number of professional development, social, informative, and networking events and activities for Black staff and faculty, as well as members of the greater Berkeley community. Some of our events this cycle include:
- February: Black History Month programming (all colleagues welcome)
- General Body Meetings (monthly)
- Retirement and professional development workshops
- Cal Performances and Bay Area performing arts group events at discounted rates
- Fireside Chats with UCB Black staff & faculty
- Wellness and dance workshops
- Collaborations with partners in AASD, E&I, etc. to support strategic campus initiatives for the Cal Black Community's Executive Board & Steering Committee meetings
- December: Holiday Happy Hour
What’s the best part of being in this Staff Organization?
Some of the best aspects of being part of BSFO include the ability for staff to be affirmed and celebrated in seasons such as Black History Month, Juneteenth, and other community activities; to have space to express anger, pain, hurt, and disillusionment with anti-Black racism and injustice that members experience from oppressive structures in society as well as the institution; to build professional development and networking opportunities for staff and faculty who often work in silos where members of the BIPOC communities are not present; to share resources and announcements through our newsletter that support the growth, development, and access to knowledge to a community that is often left out of conversations; and to be strong voice for the Black campus community in meetings with campus administration that can impact systemic change.
What are your Staff Organization's current and future goals?
The goals of BSFO are as follows:
- STRENGTHEN relationships among Black staff, faculty and students as well as campus community and local community;
- ENCOURAGE the recruitment and retention of Black staff, faculty and students; and
- ENHANCE staff advancement and career development opportunities. We will continue to do this through our engagements and initiatives.
How can UC Berkeley staff get involved with your Staff Organization?
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Our website: https://stafforg.berkeley.edu/organizations/staff-organizations/bsfo
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Subscribe to the newsletter: Email bsfo2@berkeley.edu to request to be added to the email list