The Black Affairs Advisory Council operates as a forum in which employees at any grade level or position can meet and discuss matters of mutual concern. BAAC is an advisory committee to the Commissioner and management personnel on issues of concern to Black employees. BAAC’s role is solely that of an advisor. In most locations AFGE or some other union has exclusive bargaining rights on matters relating to employees. 

The Black Affairs Advisory Council consists of a National Coordinating Committee and local chapters in each SSA region. Members of the Coordinating Committee are elected representatives from each of the headquarters chapters. The Coordinating Committee is the governing unit of the Black Affairs Advisory Council and provides direction and guidance to regional BAAC chapters. The Coordinating Committee meets regularly with the Commissioner of Social Security to discuss issues of concern affecting Black employees in the agency. 

Regional Black Affairs Advisory Council chapters are governed by the National Coordinating Committee. Five or more interested employees can start a new BAAC chapter. Regional chapters elect their own officers and prepare their own bylaws. A regional chapter’s bylaws may not conflict with the bylaws of the Coordinating Committee. Elected regional officers provide direction and guidance to its local membership. Regional chapters meet regularly with Regional Commissioners and other local management officials to discuss issues affecting Black employees in the agency. 

The Black Affairs Advisory Council is open to any SSA employee who identifies with and is knowledgeable of the special concerns of African Americans.