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October 14, 2019
Check-in from Human Resources Director Tammy Funk
Mother Nature has dealt us a challenging hand when it comes to weather recently. All the cloudy, rainy and cold days can take a toll on our moods, but we are resilient people. We make adjustments to improve our environments to embrace whatever challenges we face. Some of us put heaters outdoors to get just a bit more time on our patios. Others of us zip on our winter parkas to put steaks on the grill. We all take these steps to improve our experiences.
In much the same way, we continue to take steps to improve both our cultural environment and physical environment at MDE. Collectively, we are always striving to foster MDE as a workplace where we all feel welcomed, valued, appreciated, and supported to do our best work together. Our MDE core values of collaboration, leadership and equity drive our efforts to improve.
So, what are we are doing to improve our workplace environment? We continue our Diversity Spotlight Series, which provides each of us with opportunities to increase our cultural competency and engage in meaningful dialogue. Commissioner Ricker is holding listening sessions on workplace climate, including today’s on the workplace climate for Indigenous People. Two more listening sessions are set scheduled for November. The One MDE Inclusion Council that focuses on workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion has begun meeting.
Our Combined Charities and Wellness Teams keep our calendars filled with fun events that inject energy into our workplace and help us build relationships with each other. We’ve been gradually making adjustments to our physical environment at MDE as well. We added the patio on the East Side Entrance and we’ve added booths to the lobby of Conference Center B to give us another place to chill and collaborate. We’ve improved our prayer/meditation room and upgraded our fitness center.
So, I encourage you to step away from your desk and attend an event to build your cultural competency, join in the fun created by our teams, and explore the rest of our physical space. All of these things help us build a better workplace.
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Get in on the Combined Charities Campaign
The Minnesota Combined Charities campaign continues. You can participate by attending our fun events throughout the month, or by pledging to the charity of your choice through payroll deduction using the Self Service website. Keep in mind that even a $1 or $3 pledge per pay period can really make an impact.
 Our Combined Charities Campaign Kick-Off ice cream social and Bottle Lotto raffle brought in $405 donations. Generous colleagues donated about 135 bottled goods, including everything from kombucha and salsa to body wash and wine. MDE Combined Charities Activity Leader Dana Garry displayed the products with style à la Vanna White while Assistant Commissioner Daron Korte drew raffle winners’ names.
Yummy, Yummy, Yummy, We've Got Treats for Your Tummy
Calling All Bakers! We need you for the Yummy for Your Tummy Bake Sale, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 9 a.m.-noon., in the breezeway. Bakers can sign up to bring your treat for the annual bake sale. Questions? Contact Carisa Ricci. Be sure to join us in the breezeway to choose from all the goodies we will have for you!
Shhhhhh...Tell Everyone to Bid in the Silent Auction
The Combined Charities Silent Auction is Tuesday, Oct. 22, 8 a.m.-Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2:30 p.m., East Atrium. Baskets and items donated by divisions and individuals will be on display in the East Atrium. Visit the East Atrium and bid on your favorite basket/item. If you still want to donate a basket or item, please contact Nicole Parsons.
Chili Chefs Start Your Crockpots!
Fourth Annual Chili Cook-Off: Oct. 23
Would you like to earn bragging rights for having the best chili? To enter the Chili Cook-Cff, sign up on the Combined Charities bulletin board near the breezeway or contact Nicole Parsons.
Not a chili chef? No worries, this cook-off is for you as well. Bring yourself and your taste buds to the East Atrium on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. For a $5 donation, you get a bottomless bowl of chili, and get to vote for your favorite chili! The winner will move on to represent MDE at the Statewide Chili Cook-Off, Monday, Nov. 5.
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Show Support for Youth during Bullying Prevention Month
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Go Purple for Spirit Day, Thursday, Oct. 17
Wearing purple on Spirit Day is a means of speaking out against LGBTQ+ bullying, and a way of standing with LGBTQ+ youth, who disproportionately face bullying and harassment because of their identities. Wearing purple on Spirit Day is a way of visibly showing solidarity with LGBTQ+ youth. Learn more about Spirit Day on the GLAAD organization’s website.
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Wear Orange for Unity Day, Wednesday, Oct. 23
Wearing orange on Unity Day is an opportunity for everyone to show that they stand together against bullying and stand united for kindness, acceptance and inclusion. PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center asks people to wear orange to deliver a message of hope and support for students who have been bullied and to focus on bullying prevention. Learn more about Unity Day.
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Special Ed to Host Screening of Intelligent Lives
Our Special Education Division invites you to a screening of Intelligent Lives on Thursday, Oct. 17, 12:30-2:30p.m., in CCB-16. The screening of the documentary is part of MDE’s Diversity Spotlight Series in Recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Intelligent Lives stars three pioneering young American adults with intellectual disabilities–Micah, Naieer, and Naomie–who challenge perceptions of intelligence as they navigate high school, college, and the workforce. View the Intelligent Lives Trailer.
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Intro to Survey Tips and Survey Resources: Oct. 21
The MDE Survey Team has developed best practice resources to support agency staff in creating effective surveys and presenting the data collected so that it is meaningful and actionable. Everyone is invited to learn about the survey tips and resources that are available during a meeting, Monday., Oct. 21, noon-1 p.m., CCB-18.
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