National Committees
National Committees
The six national committees at AABE support the organization’s governance, advocacy, membership growth, entrepreneurial engagement, fundraising, and financial management.
Governance and Nominating Committee
The Governance and Nominating Committee ensures the policies, mission, and activities of AABE align with ethical standards and manages updates to the organization’s by-laws. The Governance and Nominating Committee, composed of selected Board members, develops a code of ethics for the organization and maintains alignment with the mission of AABE. It reviews the by-laws periodically to ensure legal and operational consistency, interprets the by-laws as needed, and recommends modifications for Board approval and General Membership ratification.
Deliverables:
- Periodically review by-laws for agreement with the organization’s mission and activities.
- Respond to the Board’s requests for interpretations of by-laws vs. issues and decisions under consideration.
- Modify by-laws as directed by the Board and submit to the General Membership for ratification.
Legislative Issues and Public Policy Committee (LIPP)
The Legislative Issues and Public Policy Committee advances the advocacy work of AABE by developing and sharing positions on energy and environmental issues important to communities of color. This committee, made up of member volunteers, acts as the public policy engine of AABE by producing white papers and managing legislative, regulatory, and political strategies. It promotes equitable resource distribution, infrastructure access, and the elimination of health and environmental disparities.
Policy Principles:
- Encourage equitable distribution of institutional resources to empower the Black community and foster a stronger, inclusive economy.
- Promote equitable implementation of technology and infrastructure to improve access to essential goods and services, particularly in communities of color.
- Advocate for the eradication of environmental and health disparities historically impacting communities of color.
Entrepreneurship Committee
The Entrepreneurship Committee promotes opportunities for minority energy companies and builds collaborative relationships between entrepreneurs and AABE. This committee, consisting of member volunteers, designs programs and initiatives that connect minority energy entrepreneurs with AABE. It sponsors activities enabling entrepreneurs to contribute financially or in-kind to the operations of AABE and uses the resources of AABE to identify and advance opportunities for minority energy businesses.
Chapter and Membership Development Committee
Led by the First Vice Chair and Regional Directors, this committee is dedicated to building stronger local chapters by exchanging program ideas and community involvement strategies. Growth in membership and chapter strength are seen as central to the long-term impact of AABE.
Resource Development Committee
The Resource Development Committee leads the fundraising strategy of AABE and cultivates relationships to support the organization’s mission and expansion. This committee brings together member volunteers and leaders passionate about sustaining the impact of AABE. It develops creative funding strategies and partners with individuals, corporations, and foundations to meet fundraising goals aligned with organizational priorities.
Focus Areas:
- Create and implement innovative funding initiatives.
- Support fundraising campaigns that align with the programs and operations of AABE.
- Build and maintain relationships with strategic donors and partners.
Finance and Audit Committee
The Finance and Audit Committee oversees the financial management of AABE, including budgeting, investments, and fiscal planning. This committee, made up of selected Board members, manages the financial operations of the association. It ensures sound budgeting, supports fundraising financial strategies, monitors investments, and provides financial oversight to support the organization’s mission.