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ORR Team,
In this issue, we celebrate two years of the Core Values Chronicle. The ORR Core Values Team, which is comprised of volunteers from across the ORR directorates, dedicates time each week encouraging and reminding ORR employees to live FEMA's core values every day and incorporate them into everything we do. The chronicle is a way to further integrate our core values in support of our colleagues at FEMA facilities and operations across the country. This includes providing resources to support personal and professional growth, while recognizing our peers who exude those values. To date, the ORR Core Values team has accomplished so much: we’ve distributed 25 issues of the Chronicle to nearly 9,200 subscribers, increased visibility on core values activities and initiatives, and gained feedback from those in the field on how we can operationalize our core values.
As a FEMA employee, we all find great fulfillment in helping others, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. Our core values—compassion, fairness, integrity, and respect—bring us together and give us a common framework to accomplish our mission. I believe the work the ORR Core Values team puts into the Chronicle and other initiatives helps us move the needle daily to achieve an overall healthy and safe work environment for all. Thank you to the ORR Core Values volunteers who dedicate their time and effort every week to build the FEMA our nation deserves.
Cheers to two years!
Erin Sehnert | Core Values Branch Chief | Office of Response and Recovery
To download FEMA Core Values resources for distribution and training, go to FEMA Pub 1 - We are FEMA! Intranet Site
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Compassion
Interesting excerpt on Compassion from Ann Gomes, Deputy Infrastructure Branch Director, Orlando Processing Center FEMA Region IV Special Operations/Support: “The best leaders are those who lead from the heart. Those who inspire others through kindness, flexibility, support and empowerment. When you treat people with compassion, they never forget, as a result, you develop people that want to work for you because you care.”
Diversity & Inclusion Resource on Building Inclusive Teams: Create Psychological Safety by Earning and Extending Trust: This is characterized by interpersonal trust and mutual respect in which people are comfortable being themselves. It’s not enough to acknowledge that trust is critical; you need to build it, keep it, and be an example for others. Without openness and connectedness that trust delivers, we end up with fewer ideas, weaker performance, and less innovation. Trust takes time to build but can be destroyed in an instant. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aO3wFcheTsM
Fairness
Interesting excerpt on Fairness from Sydney S Hoffman, Deputy Director, Interagency Coordination Division, Recovery Directorate: “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.”
Interesting excerpt on Fairness from Monique Alexander, Program Specialist, National Watch Center, FEMA Response: “Fairness is an action that does not take much of a person to display to others. When out on a disaster or taking calls from survivors on a disaster, FEMA employees must help survivors without discriminating against their circumstances. If we can do this for them, we can do this with our fellow employees, friends, family and each other.”
Integrity
Interesting piece on Integrity from Kristine Petermann, Emergency Management Specialist, Public Assistance Cadre: “I’ve found that Kathy Miles, in her summary of Dan Coughlin’s newsletter, summed it up [The three types of integrity: internal integrity, external integrity and image integrity] succinctly. Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/importance-integrity-workplace-kathy-miles
Interesting excerpt on Integrity from John Rabin, Assistant Administrator, Response Directorate: “When you start to look back on this past year ask yourself, ‘What were the moments where I did the right thing?' The right thing could be as small as washing your hands multiple times a day to ensure the safety of your colleague's and loved ones. It could be speaking up for others whose voices are smaller than ours. It could be taking that extra moment to put yourself in a colleagues shoes before answering an email…Doing the right thing matters, no matter how small of a thing you may think it may be. It just might be a big thing to someone else.”
Respect
Resource on Building Inclusive Teams: Forget “what fits” and focus on helping employees thrive 3 ways to create a work culture that brings out the best in employees by Chris White. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2y8SA6cLUys
Interesting excerpt on Respect from Loralyn “Lori” Smith, Recovery Audit Coordinator, Public Assistance, Appeals and Audits Branch: “Understanding that everyone is unique, and recognizing our own differences is key to practicing mutual RESPECT…RESPECT exists when employees perceive that they are valued by their employer and colleagues and that they can bring their whole and authentic selves to work without risk of prejudice, discrimination or harassment.”
Integrity encompasses our responsibility as stewards of Federal resources, services, and programs, and our conduct as trusted professionals. We earn trust by being accountable, present, honest, and dependable.
What does Integrity mean to me?
Throughout my career, I used to believe integrity meant doing the right thing when no one was looking. However, as my career has matured, I know it is so much more.
Integrity is a value that cannot be compartmentalized. Integrity itself is derived from the word “integrate.” Therefore, integrity is not only how we interact with others, it also has a lot to do with how we relate to ourselves. When we “integrate” authenticity, honesty, and principals into our daily interactions, we create harmony.
A person who lives with integrity is a person whose inner life is in harmony with how s/he/they act without disconnect. Integrity is not only doing the right thing when no one is looking, it is living with the peace of knowing others also believe you will do what is best, and stand up for what is right without seeking recognition or acknowledgement.
Chara Hutchinson, MPA | Direct Charge CORE (DCC) Supervisor | Office of Environmental Planning & Historic Preservation (OEHP)| Federal Insurance & Mitigation Agency (FIMA)
“Sometimes, doing the right thing, isn’t always the easy thing,” a quote by David Cottrell, has been a statement that I’ve always kept in my back pocket. This statement serves as a constant reminder of the importance of integrity. Leading with integrity is important because we gain the trust of others and show dependability. Integrity is an important pillar of leadership and those who encompass integrity inadvertently become role models.
Integrity means doing the right thing for the community regardless of personal profit or success. It means to show respect for humankind regardless of race, religion, or position. Integrity means learning to be cooperative, instead of being competitive with one another. Integrity is a practice of sticking to values and principles regardless of circumstance or expectation.
As an emergency manager, it’s important to possess integrity as a personality trait because disaster survivors depend on our ability to remain morally reliable during a time of need.
Krystal Mannering (she/her) | Policy Program Specialist/FEMA-Region 3 | Planning Specialist | R3 DIWG Team | ORA/Budget and Policy Records Custodian
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Would you like to share what FEMA Core Values means to you? Email FEMA-ORR-CoreValues-Team@fema.dhs.gov for more information.
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Integrity
What’s your Type?
According to industry experts, below are different types of Integrity that a person can possess. What’s yours?
Internal integrity - This is your integrity at the deepest level. Is your integrity just for show because it looks good, or do you truly live your life with integrity in mind? Internal integrity is about being able to do the right thing, even if no one is looking and even if you will receive absolutely no credit for doing so. Doing the right thing, even though it may be the harder option, despite no one looking is a huge step towards ensuring that you live with integrity.
External integrity - This is what you portray to those around you. You have high external integrity when your actions are consistent with your thoughts and what you are saying. If you are saying one thing, but your actions say something else - you have some more work to do!
Image integrity - Similar to external integrity - this is the image of your integrity. Whilst you might outwardly be displaying the right actions and taking the right path, can these actions be thought of in any other way? Are you leaving your image open to interpretation? People have great imaginations. When we don't understand something, we are very quick to make assumptions and form beliefs about why something is occurring. Looking after your image integrity is about ensuring that none of your actions or words can be misconstrued.
Recipe for Integrity:
- Generating Trust and Honesty
- Showing Respect for Self and Others
- Take Pride in the Agency and Work Productivity
- Have Accountability of Self and Others
- Maintain Follow-Thru by keeping verbal/written/expressed agreements
- Help Others thru Selflessness
Be Mindful that…….
- Your actions are consistent with your words.
- You are trustworthy, reliable, and honest.
- You communicate honestly and openly.
- You have appropriate values and behaviors that reflect these values.
- You can admit mistakes and not be afraid to show you care.
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Important Changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
The changes, called the “Limited PSLF Waiver,” are helping borrowers across the nation more easily get their loans forgiven. If you have more than one non-direct federal student loan, make sure to consolidate your non-direct federal student loans. Then, if you haven’t already applied for PSLF, you must submit a PSLF form by October 31 to get the benefit. You can learn more about the waiver here.
FEMA Releases 2022–2026 National Tribal Strategy
FEMA recently released the 2022-2026 National Tribal Strategy, a first-of-its-kind nationwide roadmap to support Tribal Nations by aligning our actions to promote equity by building climate resilience, enhancing preparedness and improving disaster response in native communities. FEMA Releases 2022–2026 National Tribal Strategy (sharepoint.com)
Recognize Success to Increase Motivation
Celebrating your team's successes is a sure-fire way of increasing motivation and boosting confidence. But, there are times when it can feel overbearing or appear forced. Celebrating Achievement - From MindTools.com
6 Ways to Grow Skills and Responsibilities to Enhance Motivation
Most of us want challenging, rewarding jobs. But what can you do if your role, or a member of your team's role, becomes stale? "Job enrichment" can help. Job Enrichment - Team Management Training From MindTools.com
Consider your direct reports’ level of expertise before heaping on praise
Direct reports crave different kinds of feedback depending on their level of experience. Here's a way to match your message to what motivates them. Consider your direct reports’ level of expertise before heaping on praise | Jhana
Mobilizing Deployable Medical and Mental Health Resources
Did you know FEMA has its own full-time, deployable medical and mental health resources and is in the process of hiring more? These clinicians can provide individual and group assistance, both in-person and virtually. Additionally, FEMA’s Chief Medical Officer will review the circumstances and direct the activation of external medical contract(s) to deploy additional licensed professionals as needed.
For more information: Fact Sheet on How to Request Medical Support Services
2022 Mental Health Resources for FEMA Employees
The mental wellbeing of our workforce is one of FEMA’s top priorities. This factsheet focuses on resources available to field personnel in 2022. All services are free to employees.
For more information: FEMA Employee Mental Health Resources Fact Sheet.pdf
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Hispanic Heritage Month: September 15 – October 15
Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration of the history and culture of the U.S. Latinx and Hispanic communities. The event, which spans from September 15 to October 15, commemorates how those communities have influenced and contributed to American society at large. The push to recognize the contributions of the Latinx community had gained momentum throughout the 1960s when the civil rights movement was at its peak and there was a growing awareness of the United States' multicultural identities.
The timing of Hispanic Heritage Month coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of several Latin American nations. September 15 was chosen as the kickoff because it coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of five “Central American neighbors,” as President Lyndon B. Johnson called them—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Those five nations declared their independence from Spain on September 15, 1821.
Hispanic Heritage Month - Origins & Facts - History
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National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
There are an average of 123 suicides each day in this country. It’s the tenth leading cause of death in America — second leading for ages 25-34, and third leading for ages 15-24. In order to create awareness and strengthen the fight against suicide, the entire month of September is Suicide Prevention Month. Participate in the fight by getting involved with local organizations and listening to those who need help.
National Suicide Prevention Month - September 2022 - National Today
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National Preparedness Month
National Preparedness Month is an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time.
Last year, FEMA's Ready Campaign and the Ad Council produced the first-ever national preparedness campaign specifically tailored to the Latino community. This year's theme, "A Lasting Legacy" is a reminder that the life you've built is worth protecting. The 2022 campaign features a call-to-action for the Black and African American communities and leverages the rich, diverse cultures of this population while inspiring people of all backgrounds to prepare.
This National Preparedness Month, Create a Lasting Legacy (sharepoint.com)
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Labor Day: September 5
Observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.
History of Labor Day | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov)
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National POW/MIA Recognition Day: September 16
In the United States, National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed on the third Friday in September. It honors those who were prisoners of war (POWs) and those who are still missing in action (MIA).
The day was first observed in 1979 after Congress and the president passed a resolution to make it official following the demands of the families of 2,500 Vietnam War POW/MIAs who asked for accountability in finding their loved ones. While it is mostly associated with service members who were prisoners of war during the Vietnam War, the day honors all those who have been held captive and returned as well as all those who remain missing in service to the United States.
National POW/MIA Recognition Day - September 16, 2022 - National Today
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Constitution Day and Citizenship Day: September 17
This day commemorates the September 17, 1787 signing of the United States Constitution and “recognize all who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become citizens.”
Citizenship Day / Constitution Day (veteran.com)
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National Voter Registration Day: September 20
This year marks the 10-year anniversary of this day, first observed in 2012. National Voter Registration Day is a nonpartisan civic holiday celebrating our democracy. This day seeks to create broad awareness of voter registration opportunities to reach voters who may not register otherwise. According to U.S. Census data from 2020, as many as 1 in 4 eligible Americans are not registered to vote.
About National Voter Registration Day | National Voter Registration Day
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Urban National Wildlife Refuge Day: September 29
Urban national wildlife refuges work with community partners to expand outdoor recreation and education for Americans living in and around cities. They strive to dismantle historic barriers to access and make all visitors feel welcome. This day celebrates the 101 urban refuges managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service -- these refuges are all located within 25 miles of population centers of 250,000 people or more.
Urban National Wildlife Refuges | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov)
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FEMA National Hispanic Heritage Month Observance Event: September 15
In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, FEMA Hispanic-Latino Employee Resource Group (FHERG) and the Office of Equal Rights will host a virtual event. The national theme is “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation.” FEMA and the nation are stronger because of the contributions of our Hispanic-Latino workforce. Click here for the event flyer.
Event Details:
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The FEMA Hispanic-Latino Employee Resource Group and the Women’s Forum are hosting:
Pamela M. L’Heureux
Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)
Field Chief of Staff
For an overview of the IAEM certification process and insight into the requirements. We will also be discussing CEM/AEM Exam tips and tricks as well as helpful tools and resources.
Event Details:
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FEMA is committed to maintaining a workforce that reflects our Nation’s rich diversity and capitalizes on the varied cultural, professional, and ethnic backgrounds of our workforce and those we serve. The commitment to diversity and inclusion requires creating sustainable programs and initiatives to ensure the retention of a diverse and inclusive workforce.
In addition to the programs sponsored by the Office of the Chief Component Human Capital Officer (OCCHCO), the Office of Equal Rights (OER), and the Inclusive Diversity Council (IDC), FEMA formalized the policies and procedures for FEMA Employee Resource Groups (FERGs).
FERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups that serve as a resource for FEMA employees to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with FEMA’s mission and values. FERGs will assist with recruitment and outreach events; organize networking and mentoring opportunities; and host commemorative, cultural, educational, and social events. FERGs offer a valuable mechanism to foster innovation, facilitate communication between employees and senior leaders, and provide employee development opportunities.
The successful implementation of FERGs require the active support of senior leaders. Each FERG must be sponsored by a Senior Executive Service member and two co-sponsors to manage FERG activities. All employees are encouraged to participate in a FERG to help FEMA achieve its diversity and inclusion goals.
For a list of all FERGS, visit:
https://usfema.sharepoint.com/teams/OCCHCOHCI/DIEE/IDC/FERG/Pages/default.aspx
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