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November 2024 | DMV's Employee Newsletter |
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Message from Director Robinson
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Happy Holidays, Team DMV. Welcome to the Season of Giving! Our team has been on the DC One Fund leaderboards since the campaign started. I'm so proud of all of you, it's not too late to contribute. Together we can achieve great things! Watch the video update. Have questions? Keep reading for more.
There are several things happening during the month of November, including:
✅ Cybersecurity Training
✅ Open Enrollment Season
✅ Use or Lose Leave
and much more!
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The holidays can be a time full of joy, wonder and excitement for many people, but for some, it can be the most difficult time of the year. Grief can pop up when we least expect it and can add to the stressors we feel around the holidays. It can evolve into new feelings of sadness and loss because something around the holiday reminds us of those we have lost. Remember that it is okay to let yourself feel those emotions as they pour in. While this can be hard to experience, it’s important not to suppress them. Don’t avoid feeling your emotions or try to numb the pain. Processing these feelings can help you realize - we may have more control over them than we think we do. Knowing this allows us to address them.
If you need mental health support, please call 888-7WE-HELP or visit dbh.dc.gov for mental health resources. Never be afraid to ask for help. 💚
Enjoy the rest of your November, #TeamDMV!
- Director Robinson
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"Great things are done by a series of small things brought together." - Vincent Van Gogh
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In This Month's Newsletter |
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We Want to Hear From You! |
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Some of our best ideas have come from you, #TeamDMV! Our employee suggestion box was created to help us listen to you as we continue improving our agency. Submit your suggestion here. You can submit anonymously or include your name and it will go directly to Director Robinson. Your questions, comments, complaints and compliments are welcomed!
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Latrail Hayes
An Army Veteran with nearly 20 years of experience in education and workforce development most recently at University of the District of Columbia, Latrail joins #TeamDMV as a Training Specialist at 95M.
Latrail is most proud of his Teacher of the Year Nomination, Military Service, and of being a mentor to hundreds of disenfranchised and underprivileged young people in DC.
Welcome to #TeamDMV! 💖🙌
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Natasha Waddell
Meet Natasha, joining #TeamDMV from HopeLink Services as a Legal Instrument Examiner at #TeamGeorgetown.
Natasha is excited about working with the team and proud to be a District of Columbia employee. She looks forward to bringing her strong work ethic and goal orientation to the team.
Welcome to #TeamDMV! 😊💖
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What's Happening at #TeamDMV |
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Haven't Pledged Yet? You Still Have Time!
For those who would like to pledge, you have the opportunity to support any one of 600 local charities with a minimum pledge of $26. Additionally, you can be a fair share giver by pledging between 1 percent and 3 percent of your annual salary.
A big warm thank you to everyone who has already pledged. You are so appreciated and are making a big difference in your community and beyond. This year's DC DMV One Fund goal is to raise $40,847. We strongly believe that together we can achieve this goal and even exceed it!
Updated Continuity of Operations and Emergency Response Plans Now Available
 The Continuity of Operations (COOP) Plan is updated and available on the intranet here. This document details how to resume and sustain key operations as soon as possible during and after a localized, District-wide or catastrophic emergency affecting DC DMV. The COOP plan enables DC DMV to resume key functions as soon as possible after the emergency event and to sustain them for up to 30 days.
The Emergency Response Plans are updated and available on the intranet here. The purpose of these plans are to provide employees with documented procedures in the event of an emergency, including shelter-in-place strategies and the safe evacuation of the building. Read the “Instructions To Employees” section closely and contact your supervisor if you have any questions.
The DMV Employee Hotline (202-727-6466) is regularly updated to confirm DMV’s operational status and instructions based on the Mayor’s announcement. You should check the message on the Employee Hotline regularly during inclement weather. You may want to save this number in your phone for easy access.
Mandatory Cybersecurity Training for all DC Government
The Cybersecurity Training Course targets all employees and DC Government contractors and includes information about uncovering the tactics cybercriminals will try to use against you and your organization. This is a fully immersive, course-based module. You will start in the Common Threats module, where you will test your security knowledge and view a demo of a cyberattack with a cybersecurity expert. 100% participation is required and you must complete the training by Sunday, December 15.
For more information or questions about this required course, please contact Tuychi Meliboev or email Cybertraining@dc.gov.
(login with your DC Government credentials)
DMV's Costume Day!
We're well into November, but we still remember your wonderful October costumes! DMV leadership continued their tradition of touring all DMV locations and loved joining in on your location specific festivities. Each and every one of you are truly appreciated. The work you do does not go unnoticed! Want to take a look back on this year's costumes across the agency? View the photo gallery here, and watch the recap video below!
#TeamDMV in the Community, at Maya Angelou Schools
On Wednesday, November 13 #TeamDMV had the wonderful opportunity to visit Maya Angelou Public Charter School for their annual vendor fair. Members of our team shared resources on what paperwork is needed when visiting the DMV to get official DC credentials. The students asked great questions, and the team was happy to provide insight into DMV's document verification process for obtaining official DC credentials.
From left to right, Management Analyst Kellye Underwood, Public Information Officer Chiderah Monde, and Correspondence Management Specialist Demaria Corley met with students and families at a dedicated DMV table.
Curious about the resources DC DMV has for teens? Visit our website DCDMVteens.com for more!
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Drive Safe, This Thanksgiving. Buckle Up!
Thanksgiving is around the corner and that means time off from work to visit with family, friends, or just spending a day doing what you love! All DC DMV locations will be closed on Thursday November 28th. At this time, the DC Government will be open on Friday November 29th but should that change, all staff will be updated.
As you take time to travel, remember road safety is of the utmost importance. With the holiday season here, there is an increased number of drivers and vehicles on the road. So, be sure to drive not only for yourself, but watch for drivers around you too! Stay safe and have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families or chosen families.
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Inside the World of Your Colleagues |
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Breast Cancer Awareness: Processing Center Pink Pride
On Friday October 25th, the Processing Center at 95M dressed in Pink to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On average, every two minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the US. Half of US women who develop breast cancer are 62 years of age or younger when they are diagnosed; and about 9 percent of all new breast cancer cases in the US are diagnosed in women younger than 45 years old. Knowledge and early detection saves lives.
Learn more from the National Breast Cancer website.
50 And Fun!
Gabriel Golson celebrated his 50th birthday with the Support Services Team and is pictured above at his desk with gold star balloons and black round balloons that say "50". A big colorful silver Happy Birthday Sign is hung at the front of his station. Thank you Gabriel for all you do for #TeamDMV!
DMV's IID Program Outreach Campaign Spotted in Georgetown
The Holidays are truly upon us, Georgetown is bustling with people and the streetlamps are decorated for the season. DC DMV's Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Program campaign ad, featured on a WMATA Bus, was spotted in Georgetown this week by Communications Specialist Emma Steinmetz. Have you seen DMV's IID Program campaign ads around the city? Let the communications team know and send a picture to DMVcommunications@dc.gov!
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Happiest of birthdays to the team, we hope you felt celebrated!
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Annual Leave: Use it or lose it
Sick Leave Incentive Hours: Employees must use their sick leave incentive hours by December 31, 2024, or the leave will be forfeited. These hours were awarded to union employees who did not exceed the specified number of sick leave hours in the previous year.
Annual Leave ("Use or Lose"): District government employees eligible to accrue annual leave can carry over a maximum of 240 hours into the next leave year. Any annual leave exceeding 240 hours will be forfeited at the end of the leave year on January 11, 2025. If you are fortunate enough to have “use or lose” leave, we encourage you to donate your excess hours to the annual leave bank to support your colleagues.
Open Enrollment Has Begun!
Open Enrollment for your 2025 employee benefits begins Monday, November 11 and ends Monday, December 9. This is your annual opportunity to review your current benefits elections and make any necessary changes.
#TeamDMV Job Openings
 DC DMV is hiring for an Attorney Advisor and ODIS Program Coordinator. If you or someone you know is interested in applying, click the button below to learn more!
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 The DC DMV Racial Equity Action Team (REAT) plays a crucial role in fostering an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered. These team members create a space where they're able to contribute their unique perspectives, ideas, and passion to create positive change within the DC Department of Motor Vehicles.
These individuals are passionate about making a difference and are committed to fostering a workplace that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. Watch the REAT introduction video for an inside look!
 New team member alert!
The team is excited to announce that the following people will be joining in on REAT's initiatives! Candace Paul, Frank Williams, Jasmin Hickson, Patricia Temoney, and Shane Johnson just joined the team and will be working alongside DeAngelo Baucum, Gerard James, Jonathaniel Pope, Oscar Fuentes, Talayna Clements, Tracey Jackson, and Zaida Espinoza.
"With the announcement of REAT's new members, I would like publicly recognize my appreciation for the efforts and work of the former members: Anthony Almanzar, Haydee Rodriguez, Montii Osei-Djan, Rakonda Cobb and Sharon Boyd. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do, your hard work does not go unnoticed!"
- Zaida Espinoza | DEI Coordinator
November is Native American Heritage Month
 November is Native American History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Native Americans. From the arts and sciences to politics and social justice, Native Americans have played a vital role in shaping our nation’s history and continue to contribute to its cultural fabric.
For Native Americans, this month is a celebration of heritage, identity, and resilience. It’s a time to honor the stories of their ancestors, and to reflect on the contributions of Native Americans throughout history, and to continue the work of advocating for rights and representation.
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 Have questions about how to promote your program or initiative? Need support on graphic design, copy editing, event planning, photography, videography, social media or additions or edits to the DMV website and intranet? Want to be in the next newsletter, or give a colleague some public recognition? Let us know!
DMV's Communications team is here to help. Please submit your details to us via DMVcommunications@dc.gov or via the forms available on the intranet here and the team will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you for reading this edition of #TeamDMV's newsletter!
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