THE MISSION:The 21st Century Council (the Council) is a new program of the Congressional Black Caucus Political Education and Leadership Institute (CBC Institute). The Council is comprised of academicians, business leaders, labor organizations and policy advocates--all committed to identifying, and researching major policy issues affecting our Nation today. The Council examines these specific issues: Climate Change/Environment/Energy, Communications/Technology, Education, Financial Services/Economy, Health Care, National Security, and Transportation/Infrastructure. The mission of the Council is to provide workable solutions which the Obama-Biden Administration and the U.S. Congress can use to enhance our country’s ability to meet the challenges these issues present and ensure America’s economic prosperity, health soundness, environmental safety and general security.

PARTICIPANTS/WORKING GROUPS: The primary work/work product of the Council is accomplished by small issue centered committees designated as “Working Groups.” Members of the Working Groups are invited to participate by the Council’s Steering Committee and are selected in a manner to assure all issues are analyzed from a wide and diverse perspective.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE: The Council meets quarterly with an annual meeting held in South Carolina in the first quarter of each year. Working Groups meet several times during the year to develop recommendations in their respective issue areas.

PRODUCT: The Council’s work product is a published report which is based upon the Working Groups research, findings, conclusions and recommendations. This Report will be presented at the Council’s annual meeting in February of each year and distributed to Members of Congress, state and local elected officials and the Obama-Biden Administration.

MEMBERSHIP: The Council is a Membership organization with an annual
membership fee. Special fee considerations are made for small businesses and small
non-profit organizations that are invited to join by the 21st Century Council Steering Committee. In addition, invitations are also extended to both public and private sector individuals to attend, observe and participate in the quarterly meetings.

New Orleans Meeting Notes:

May 14-May 17, 2009
21st Century Council Meeting Remarks
New Orleans, LA (.pdf)

May 16, 2009
Working Group Overview
21st Century Council Summary
New Orleans, LA (.pdf)