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ORR Team,
As I think about March’s Chronicle theme of fairness, it’s hard to know exactly what to say. A year ago, our lives dramatically changed. COVID-19 stopped us from coming into the office, altered our usual routines, and made us stay home and quarantine. For me, this certainly felt unfair. More than 500,000 individuals have died because of COVID-19 in the United States, including our own family, friends, and colleagues. How is this fair?
While the past year has been filled with incredible challenges, I believe that from chaos, opportunities rise. We are now a little over a month into the new administration charging FEMA with operating federally-supported and federally-run Community Vaccine Centers (CVC's). FEMA has helped put 50 million shots in arms, even with extreme winter weather impacting communities across the country.
We have increased equity in vaccination distribution. Six weeks ago, only 14% of people over the age of 75 received at least one shot. That number has increased to 60%. Almost 75% of Americans living in long-term facilities have now received their first shot. FEMA and the Navajo Nation are coordinating efforts to increase education and vaccination rates in their tribal communities. Federal agencies are working together on outreach to communities of color, as they may live in areas with higher virus rates. With our help in distribution and getting shots in arms to the most vulnerable, we are exemplifying fairness in our work.
Many people in this Agency, many of you, are working hard to ensure FEMA is providing all programs equitably across all populations. I realize that multiple things can be true at once and while we still have a long road ahead of us, let’s pause to recognize the incredible accomplishments we have already made and continue to demonstrate fairness as we move forward.
– Erin Sehnert
ORR Core Values
Office of Policy & Analysis
Field Operations Directorate
To download FEMA Core Values resources for distribution and training, go to FEMA Pub 1 - We are FEMA! Intranet Site
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This month's employee spotlight comes to us from Headquarters.
Loralyn “Lori” Smith nominates Dexter Woodruff, former executive officer for the RTPD.
“As the former executive officer for the RTPD, Dexter showed FAIRNESS by being transparent about his communications with leadership as well as other team members. He was honest and instilled in his team members to operate in the same manner. He never played favorites however, he was considerate of his team and their individual needs. Dexter always listened with an open mind and gave great advice both as a supervisor and mentor. One thing that I really appreciated is if he made a mistake, which was rare, he didn’t make excuses or blame anyone, he owned it and corrected it. Dexter also found opportunities for his team to grow professionally and personally. When the team excelled, he acknowledged it. Although Dexter is now the EXO/Senior Advisor for GPD, I’m certain he continues to exude what a leader should represent. These are just a few reasons why I am nominating Dexter Woodruff.”
Would you like to nominate an employee or colleague who exemplifies FEMA Core Values? Email FEMA-ORR-CoreValues-Team@fema.dhs.gov to have them featured here.
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By: Sydney Hoffman
 FEMA Core Value: Fairness is treating everyone impartially, offering unbiased and consistent assistance, and ensuring equal access to resources and tools.
What does Fairness mean to me?
What is fairness and why should you care? A familiar FEMA mantra notes that presence is a mission post-disaster. The purpose of presence is not to blunt criticism or garner praise, but rather to signal a familiar and trusted entity has arrived and so it just might make sense to hope again. Hope can be fragile for those in crisis, so we who are entrusted with its delivery necessarily have requirements placed on us; fairness is chief among those requirements. Waiting in line is tolerable if the system for access is fair and transparent, and being awarded assistance that is less than a projected loss is more easily understood if the same rules apply to everyone. Just as higher ethical principles such as justice and liberty collapse without a foundation of fairness, survivors’ hope can crumble if our actions are not rooted in fairness.
If we refocus our collective lens and view ourselves beyond daily roles of making grants, crunching numbers, writing policies, and running programs then we can see our image emerge as purveyors of hope to people passing through a crisis. Fairness is an essential element of this hope we bring – and I think that’s worthy of our attention and care.
– Sydney S. Hoffman
Deputy Director
Interagency Coordination Division
Recovery Directorate | ORR
Would you like to share what FEMA Core Values means to you? Email FEMA-ORR-CoreValues-Team@fema.dhs.gov for more information.
Building Inclusive Teams
Exploring Bias and Prejudice
Bias is an outlook, especially a personal and sometimes unreasoned judgment; prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair. Prejudice is a preconceived judgment or opinion; an adverse opinion or leaning without just grounds or before sufficient knowledge; or an irrational attitude of hostility directed against an individual, group, a race, or their supposed characteristics.
We have been taught to fear differences – differences in color, gender identity, or sexual orientation – in others others. As such, distress, anger, fear, and disgust can be triggered, and bias and prejudice may be the result. The solution lies in information and knowledge. The challenge we face is shifting from bias and personal prejudice into viewing differences as a positive way to grow our worldviews. Specifically, shifting from a place of distress, anger, fear, and disgust to interest and enjoyment.
Watch video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKFqRs0y7rw
Top 10 Management Mistakes
How important is it to help your managers succeed? Beyond description. Managers and how they manage their staff sets the tone for your entire operation. This article highlights the top 10 management mistakes and offers recommendations to ensure your supervisory success.
Read full article here: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/top-mistakes-managers-make-managing-people-1917718
Decision Matrix Analysis - Leadership and Management Training
A Decision Matrix can help us analyze a number of similar options to make a rational decision. Each and every day we make decisions. Some of these decisions are simple and don’t require much thought, such as what to wear or what to eat for lunch. Other decisions are more complex and must be considered in light of a number of criteria. How can we ensure we make the best decision taking all of factors into account? A Decision Matrix Analysis is useful where are multiple options available and a variety of factors to consider.
Read full article here: https://expertprogrammanagement.com/2017/09/decision-matrix-analysis/
Justice, Fairness, and Employee Engagement
Employee perceptions of their organization's justice and fairness has been strongly linked to job satisfaction, trust, happiness, commitment, and reduced levels of staff turnover.
Watch video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9FeQdQW8Bk
Equity and Equality
"Equity and Equality," part of the University of Maine's Rising Tide Center and its 5-Minute Professional Development Series: The Current.
Watch video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=nCS7Rus4_-Y
March is Women's History Month
The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.
Visit Women's History Month here: https://www.womenshistorymonth.gov/
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March 9
Library of Congress: Book Talk
Searching for Suffrage at the Library of Congress: Kimberly Hamilin
Kimberly A. Hamlin discusses her new book on the life of Helen Hamilton Gardener, whose involvement in the struggle for women's rights and suffrage culminated in the passage of the 19th Amendment and her appointment by President Wilson as the highest ranking female civil servant in the federal government. The author used materials within the women's history, presidential, congressional and other collections of the Library of Congress in her research.
Register for the event: https://www.prekindle.com/event/24774-searching-for-suffrage-book-talk-with-author-kimberly-hamlin
March 18
Library of Congress: Book Talk
Rediscovering Eleanor Roosevelt
Author David Michaelis' "Eleanor" is the first major biography of America's longest-serving first lady in 60 years. Much of its research was conducted in the Library's Manuscript Division, including the papers of the NAACP and the National Women's Trade League, as well as the personal papers of Kermit and Belle Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt Jr. and Edith Bolling Galt Wilson, second wife of President Wilson. This event will be premiered on Facebook and YouTube .
March 18
National Archives: Historical Reenactor
National Archives Comes Alive! Young Learners Program Meet Alice Paul
Suffragette Alice Paul is portrayed by Taylor Williams, an inspirational and talented actor with American Historical Theatre. Alice Paul, a supreme strategist, revitalized the woman suffrage movement in the early 20th century with her determination, resolve, and unique plan to convince the nation that women deserve the right to vote. A question-and-answer session with Alice Paul will follow the presentation.
View on the National Archives YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFoVABkpHLA
Girlhood (It's complicated)
Spanning a timeframe of more than 200 years and showcasing over 200 objects, this exhibition examines the ways American girls have spoken up, challenged expectations and been on the frontlines of change. Girlhood (It's complicated) commemorates the anniversary of woman suffrage by exploring the concept of girlhood in the United States, but also how girls changed history in five areas: politics, education, work, health, and fashion. (Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of American History)
View the exhibition here: https://americanhistory.si.edu/girlhood
National Park Service Celebrates Women's History Month
More than 100 years after the milestone passage of the 19th Amendment legally protecting women's right to vote, women continue to be trailblazers, pioneers, innovators, and leaders in their fields. Explore women's history in national parks and places in communities across the country and learn how women are leaders in stewardship and conservation of America's natural and cultural treasures today.
Visit National Parks site for more information: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/womenshistory/index.htm
Rosa Parks: In Her Own Words
This Library of Congress exhibition is the first major exhibition to showcase the Rosa Parks Collection, which came to the Library in 2014. The collection includes thousands of pages of Parks' personal correspondence, letters from presidents, her writings from the time of the Montgomery Bus Boycott and about 2,500 photographs, as well as her Presidential Medal of Freedom and Congressional Gold Medal.
View the exhibition here: https://loc.gov/exhibitions/rosa-parks-in-her-own-words/about-this-exhibition/
View the collection here: https://loc.gov/collections/rosa-parks-papers/about-this-collection/
Women's Rights
Women in the U.S. first attained the right to vote 100 years ago. The National Archives invites you to browse the wealth of records and information documenting the women's rights movement in the US, including photographs, documents, audiovisual recordings, educational resources, exhibits, articles, blog posts, lectures and events.
View National Archives here: https://www.archives.gov/women
For Teachers
Put the power of primary sources to work in the classroom. Browse ready-to-use lesson plans, student activities, collection guides and research aids.
View educational resources here: https://blogs.loc.gov/
Celebrating Francophonie Month
Francophonie Month is celebrated every year in March, with International Francophonie Day (Journée internationale de la Francophonie) taking place on March 20. This is a celebration of French language and culture around the globe.
Francophonie Virtual Cultural Festival - Washington, DC
The D.C. Francophonie Cultural Festival celebrates the diversity and richness of the French language and Francophone communities around the world through a series of cultural events and outreach programs presented every spring in the capital of the United States.
Since 2001, more than 40 embassies and partners (including the Alliance Française de Washington DC and the Smithsonian Associates) have collaborated each year to present an array of experiences all rooted in the Francophone culture -- from Africa, to the Americas, to the Middle East – through concerts, cuisine, films, literary salons, and lectures for all ages.
Watch video: https://youtu.be/PI82MHOhBoE
Visit Website: https://www.francophonie-dc.org/
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Women's Forum
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Women’s Forum and the Office of Equal Rights will co-host a virtual panel discussion featuring four inspiring women to showcase the many faces and styles of leadership in FEMA. By sharing their stories of growth and empowerment, panelists will highlight the contributions women have made to the agency and the challenges they have encountered.
How to participate:
All FEMA employees are invited to attend. Reservist employees are encouraged to attend; however, attendance is voluntary, and compensation is not authorized.
Women’s Forum – Values in Action, Stories worth Sharing
The FEMA Women's Forum will host an agency wide broadcast, 'Values in Action, Stories worth Sharing' in honor of National Women's History Month. The live streamed, multi-location event will showcase our FEMA values through the stories of six exceptional women who exemplify 'values in action' with colleagues, external stakeholders, and survivors. Speakers will share short 3-5-minute vignettes on how they live FEMA's Core Values at work and in their community as friends, mentors, and colleagues. 'Values in Action, Stories worth Sharing' will include speakers from across the agency, including FEMA Headquarters, Regions, and Field Offices to connect women across FEMA to build and strengthen relationships with each other.
How to participate:
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When: March 31 at 2:00 pm EST
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In Person: FEMA HQ: 500CStreet-Room8SW0715-combinable and 500CStreet-Room8NW0308-combinable
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Video Teleconference: Dial 12924 from a conference room's Video Conference device or your workstations Jabber/MOVI software
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Call-In Numbers: 800.320.4330 Pin number: 035806#
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Cart Service: https://iyellowcaptions.1capapp.com/event/femawhm/
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Sign Language: A sign language interpreter will be visible on the VTC, computer, and television screens during this event. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Office of Equal Rights at FEMA-Reasonable-Accommodation@FEMA.dhs.gov.
ALL FEMA EMPLOYEES are invited to attend. Reservist employees are encouraged to attend; however, attendance is voluntary, and compensation is not authorized.
The FEMA Women’s Forum will be hosting a series of events aimed to educate, engage, and empower the wider FEMA community during National Women’s History Month. All are welcome and encouraged to participate:
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Thursday, March 14: Our membership requested a Resume Webinar to educate and empower participants in this critical piece of the hiring process. This hour-long webinar will cover best practices in tailoring your resume to a job announcement and how to use your resume as a paper interview for hiring managers.
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Thursday, March 14: For those in the DC area, please join us for a Women’s Forum Networking Opportunity at Carmines (435 7th St NW, Washington DC). Have fun, network, and meet like-minded people who are helping shape FEMA’s inclusive culture.
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Monday, March 25: Participate in the Empowering the Women’s Voice Panel, a captivating discussion that will feature women from FEMA and our local community.
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Wednesday, March 27: Deep dive into the conversation on empowerment and share your thoughts from the panel with the Women’s Empowerment Discussion, a post-discussion involving the common themes and takeaways from the “Empowering the Women’s Voice” panel.
For more information on how to participate, visit the Women's Forum Intranet Site: https://usfema.sharepoint.com/teams/OCCHCOHCI/DIEE/IDC/FERG/Women/Pages/default.aspx
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PRIDE LGBTQIA & WOMEN’S FORUM FERGs
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH EVENT
Theme: Increasing Awareness of and Consideration for LGBTQIA+ Women in Emergency Management
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When: March 31, 2021 (Transgender Day of Visibility)
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Time: 2:00 - 3:00 pm EST
Join the FEMA Pride FERG on the Transgender Day of Visibility as we commemorate Women’s History Month! The theme for this year’s event is “Increasing Awareness of and Consideration for LGBTQIA+ Women in Emergency Management.” The panel will feature a discussion with a licensed LGBTQIA+ woman therapist and FEMA employees about best practices and policies concerning LGBTQIA+ women; it will also provide an opportunity to discuss both historical and current circumstances and discrimination with which this intersectional population is faced.
In the spirit of Women’s History Month, the FEMA Pride ERG encourages FEMA employees to continue to:
- Explore and encourage professional resources serving LGBTQIA+ women in their regions;
- Challenge themselves to seek further educational opportunities concerning the community’s diverse manifestations; and
- Improve service to and allyship with LGBTQIA+ women.
Join our panel on March 31, 2021 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Eastern on Zoom. Captioning and American Sign Language interpretation will be provided.
How to participate:
For more information about PRIDE FERG, visit the Intranet Site: https://usfema.sharepoint.com/teams/OCCHCOHCI/DIEE/IDC/FERG/Pride/Pages/default.aspx
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African American FERG
Did You Miss the African American History Month Event?
If you weren’t able to participate in the Feb. 25 African American History Month event, watch the "The Black Family: Representation, Identity, Diversity" video, a family spotlight slideshow honoring family traditions and celebrations from FEMA families across the agency.
Celebrating Black History as American History
1926 marked the initial concept of what is now known as Black History Month. This month is a time to celebrate Black history and to share that knowledge with others.
To increase the understanding that Black history is American history, the Region 8 Black History Month planning committee, led by External Affairs, created a rich tapestry of information and knowledge for their colleagues.
The planning committee, which included staff from the office of the Regional Administrator, External Affairs, Mission Support and Response, came up with three key deliverables in honor of the month:
- A daily link to information, Ted Talks, training and facts via the daily media clips, which were shared with Region 8 staff and a select group of regional partners.
- A virtual presentation from a local anti-oppression and allyship professional that highlighted the biases Black Americans have historically faced — and still face today.
- A document hosting additional resources so that FEMA staff can learn more about Black History.
The final exclamation point on the month was an #IAMFEMA social media post with one of Region 8’s valued teammates, Emmanuel Kontor.
For more information, visit the African American FERG Intranet Site: https://usfema.sharepoint.com/teams/OCCHCOHCI/DIEE/IDC/FERG/AA/Pages/default.aspx
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The ORR Core Values Team appreciates your participation and feedback. We want our content to be concise, interesting, and useful. Please send your comments, ideas, and content to the ORR Core Values Team inbox at: FEMA-ORR-CoreValues-Team@fema.dhs.gov
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