Issue 2023.36 I SEPTEMBER
There's a running joke here at FEMA that most folks don't have the opportunity to recognize Labor Day, spending the last days at the beach, having cookouts with family and friends. In the midst of hurricane season, our mission pulls us away. This year is no different: many of us are responding to events all over the country, from Hawaii to Florida to Vermont. You’re away from your own communities of support to ensure that those who are devastated by disasters get the assistance they need in the most desperate of times. And you do so without hesitation. FEMA's mission of helping people before, during, and after disasters could not be met without you. Please recognize your selflessness, as well as those around you who are deployed or working longer hours for operations.
For this month's issue of the ORR Core Values Chronicle, I also want to recognize the folks who work hard to bring together this publication. For 3 years—36 consecutive months—the Core Values Branch and Volunteer Team have provided this monthly resource to over 10,000 FEMA employees. Amid multiple large disaster events and varying operational stances, they've shown a commitment to and the importance of our most valued resource - our people. Thank you to those who make the Core Values Chronicle a success each month!
With a couple months left of hurricane season, I hope you're taking the time you need to decompress and rest. As we all know, this is a marathon, not a sprint. Take care of yourselves and each other.
Erin Sehnert, Core Values Branch Chief | Office of Policy & Analysis | Field Operations Directorate
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To download FEMA Core Values resources for distribution and training, go to FEMA Pub 1 - We are FEMA! Intranet Site
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Core Values Guidance Implementation Toolkit
The Core Values Team is excited to announce updates to the Core Values Guidance SharePoint, including the Core Values Guidance Implementation Toolkit! We want to ensure that field leaders and staff are equipped to successfully carry out each phase in creating Core Values Action Plans. To do so, we created a document library of resources.
These documents include helpful information to assist Field Leadership with the implementation of the recommended actions and the action plan methodology described in the Core Values Guidance for Field Offices. They are meant to serve as a guide and can be edited and adjusted to best meet the needs of each field office.
In the coming months, the Core Values Branch will be hosting Workshops for field leaders to gain more information and helpful tips for implementing Core Values Action Plans into their offices.
For more information or if you have any questions, reach out to the Core Values Branch at FEMA-ORR-CoreValues-Team@fema.dhs.gov.
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ORR Core Values Coin Awards
Our core values of compassion, fairness, integrity, and respect speak to the humanity in the choices we make and our interactions with survivors, colleagues, and stakeholders. Our commitment to supporting these core values is seen every day in the workplace and in the communities we serve. The ORR Core Values Coin Awards program wants to acknowledge that by spotlighting employees who go above and beyond with embodying our values.
If you wish to share an inspiring story where you witnessed someone leaning into our core values, please complete and submit a nomination form.
ELIGIBILITY
- All ORR employees at Headquarters, in Regional Offices, and in the field are eligible. Any FEMA personnel deployed to support a disaster event is also eligible.
- Awards are given out monthly. For each award cycle, the nominations will be accepted until the 15th of the previous month. (Ex. Nominations for the October 2023 awards are due September 15, 2023)
- Teams may be nominated when all members contributed equally to displaying a core value.
NOMINATION PROCESS
 ORR Core Values Coin Award winner for Compassion, Nedrea "Bee" Scott. Bee went out of her way to show concern and support and provide comfort to a colleague who needed medical assistance.
September Recipients
It is with great pleasure that we announce the recipients of the ORR Core Values Coin Awards for September 2023! ORR thanks you for your continuous commitment to FEMA’s core values and contributing to making FEMA a safe, trusting, and positive work environment.
Integrity
Justin Guy: "Justin is best known for his Integrity and other high professional skills! He has the unique ability to pull the individual strength and talents out of each of his team members and pushes to strengthen their leadership talents!
He is meticulous about producing high quality work, which is representative of the ambitious standards already set by the FEMA organization. Justin always makes it clear that it is important to find multiple paths, 100% of the time, to do what is “best and right” to help the citizens and our stakeholders for the State of Florida!
Justin overall leadership, talents, and precision skills from his engineering background, are utilize daily to help the Hazards and Performance Analysis (HPA) Mitigation team to successfully “Build Back Bigger, Better, and Stronger”!"
Compassion
Team Nomination, Courtney Mitchell & Amanda Reaka: "When a teammate faced a personal crisis while working remotely, Courtney Mitchell and Amanda Reaka did not hesitate to lend a helping hand. They stayed in constant contact with their colleague, ensured their safety and well-being, and took care of the necessary communication with the leadership. They put their teammate’s needs first and showed genuine kindness and friendship in a difficult situation. Their actions exemplify the Core Value of Compassion at FEMA.
Their teammate is deeply grateful for their support and says, “It was such a relief knowing that I could focus on the unfortunate circumstances. Amanda and Courtney -thank you for your kindness, willingness to step up and help, and lastly, thank you for your friendship during the chaotic situation. I am truly thankful for you both!”
We are proud to nominate Courtney Mitchell and Amanda Reaka for a FEMA Compassion Core Value Coin, as they have truly embodied compassion in their work and relationships."
Erin Sehnert: "Erin Sehnert went above and beyond the call of duty in demonstrating compassion to her coworker experiencing a tragic family emergency. While at the airport on the way home from work travel, Erin's coworker got an unexpected call that a family emergency had just occurred. This sudden news was both shocking and painful, proving challenging for Erin's coworker to even process the information. Even though outside of normal work hours and certainly outside of typical work responsibilities, Erin sat with the coworker and provided a listening ear and assurance that the co-worker was not alone in dealing with this incredibly difficult time. Erin recognized that, in this moment, this individual was not just her coworker, but another human hurting and in need of extra compassion and aid.
Erin's presence made the coworker feel supported, calmer, and capable of figuring out what to do next. Erin helped the coworker figure out with whom to communicate and how to alter their immediate travel plans to meet their family as soon as possible. Erin stayed by the coworker’s side for as long as she could, even walking with her coworker to ensure she found and was safety on the rental car shuttle. Once Erin left, she continued to check in with the coworker, as well as the coworkers' team, to ensure that they made it to their destination safely and had all the support they needed. Erin's immediate and selfless support to her fellow FEMA teammate in a time of great need are an exemplary model of compassion in action."
Fairness
Jess Powers: "Jess Powers is an outstanding Task Force Lead. She skillfully managed and mentored her diverse Team of PDMGs, each with a variety of backgrounds and experience levels. She excels at fostering fairness with all members of her Team. She is always there to support the Team and, based on her extensive knowledgeable, can be counted on to go the extra mile to help, and always insists on doing what is right for FEMA and the Applicant, even if it takes a great amount of effort. She is focused on the FEMA mission and sets the example for achieving the FEMA goals and objectives.
Her leadership skills should be an example to all. Members of her Team know that she is always there for each and every member, to answer all questions, no matter how simple or complex, and if she is not available, she will schedule time for a discussion. Her knowledge of FEMA policies and her willingness to share that knowledge with her Team is well known. She readily admits when she does not know an answer and will research the issue and share that answer with the entire Team. She quickly identifies critical issues and priorities for an Applicant and FEMA management and seeks a solution in accordance with the disaster recovery guidance and regulations, ensuring a correct, and fair solution in accordance with FEMA policy and guidance.
Jess embodies and lives the FEMA core values. She is always fair and honest. She is respected by members of her Team, FEMA management, Applicants, and everyone she meets, in support of the disaster recovery and FEMA mission needs.
Jess Powers is a very special leader that truly cares about the success of her Team and the overall FEMA recovery mission, while living the FEMA core values and working to help survivors."
Core Values Field Awards
The Core Values Field Awards is an initiative that helps spotlight employees in field offices that exemplify FEMA's Core Values of Compassion, Fairness, Integrity, and Respect as defined by FEMA Publication 1 (Pub 1). This program is a great way to show appreciation to field staff for personifying our core values!
Follow this link for more information on how to implement Core Values Field Awards in your field office: Core Values Awards
 Kasey Rundquist was recognized by peers for exemplifying the FEMA Core Value of Compassion on their deployment to FEMA-4683/4699-DR-CA.
 Christopher Ruley was recognized by peers for exemplifying the FEMA Core Value of Fairness on their deployment to FEMA-4683/4699-DR-CA.
FEMA Region 10 recognized several of their staff, as well as staff from the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management that exemplify our core values of Compassion, Fairness, Integrity, and Respect in support of Alaska Disaster Recovery Operations.
A big thank you to James, Moises (Alaska Dept. HSEM), Michael and Sharon for their values-based empathy and diligence in support of Alaskans!
Read what their colleagues had to say about them:
James Poston (Compassion): He embodies respect, integrity, fairness, and compassion. It is obvious to anyone observing that Jim cares about his team and the communities he's working with. He shows this by asking important questions to further educate himself on how to tailor service to a specific applicant.
Moises Nova (Respect): He is consistently respectful of his colleagues both from State and FEMA. He is courteous and collaborative and is part of the solutions when challenges occur during our logistically complex operations. He is an example of a partner that works with the attitude of one team.
Michael Hancock (Fairness): Throughout his tenure, he has consistently demonstrated exemplary performance as the Public Assistance Site Inspection Task Force Lead. His hard work, professionalism and attention to detail has been instrumental in achieving our goals and exceeding expectations.
Sharon Hall (Integrity): She demonstrates our core values daily, but especially integrity. Sharon went above and beyond applying her many years of experience at FEMA to assist the remote site inspection teams with their travel needs, anticipating the challenges they faced and collaborated with other programs to propose solutions for mitigating those difficulties.
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Upcoming Webinars Highlight the New Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility in Exercises Guide
FEMA recently released the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility in Exercises (IDEA) Guide to help exercise developers expand preparedness and planning efforts to mitigate risk across the whole community. Community resilience is enhanced by identifying diversity across dynamic communities and including all stakeholders, particularly those from underserved communities.
The IDEA Guide includes planning considerations and best practices to involve the whole community in exercise development and to conduct feedback processes. Exercise planners and program managers will gain insights and tools around key considerations for exercises to help reflect the full spectrum of stakeholders in any community.
The guide promotes accessible and inclusive exercises by widening exercise planners and program members to include feedback from all levels of government, the private sector and nonprofits.
The inclusion of multiple stakeholder perspectives, concerns and characteristics offers clarity around the concepts of inclusion, accessibility, diversity and accommodation throughout the exercise cycle.
Community profile characteristics, including history, culture, racial composition and economic status, are key to understanding the composition of a community and confirming or establishing the best ways to involve everyone.
The guide provides tools and approaches to build a community profile and identify residents' challenges and cultural sensitivities. The IDEA guide is consistent with the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program which any newly established or mature exercise program can benefit from.
FEMA will host webinars open to all partners that include state, local, tribal and territorial emergency managers, private sector, non-governmental organizations and members of the public interested in learning more about how to increase inclusivity, diversity, equity and accommodations throughout the exercise lifecycle. Exercise practitioners and planners are especially welcome. All webinars will cover the same content.
The webinar dates are:
- Thursday, Sept. 7 – 5 p.m. ET
- Tuesday, Sept. 12 – 9 a.m. ET
For more information, see Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Guide Webinars | FEMA.gov or contact HSEEP@fema.dhs.gov.
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Updates to the Reasonable Accommodation Program
In July, the Office of Equal Rights (OER) published Instruction 256-022-01: Reasonable Accommodation Program. The new instruction contains updated reasonable accommodation guidance for the agency’s workforce. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission approved it before publication.
OER received record-breaking numbers of reasonable accommodation requests – more than 1,300 in total for FY 2022 and more than 1,000 so far for FY 2023.
“We are committed to ensuring that qualified applicants and employees with disabilities are able to request and receive reasonable accommodations in a prompt and efficient manner,” said OER Director Leslie Saucedo. “We are committed to providing accommodations and assisting our managers in making reasonable accommodation-related decisions promptly and in accordance with the law.”
The new instruction makes several updates and clarifications designed to help both individuals who need accommodations and managers.
Notable policy updates include:
- Alternative instruction formats that are accessible to people with disabilities.
- Additional guidance and specific examples for supervisors on exactly how to recognize requests for reasonable accommodation.
- Accommodation request timeline requirements.
- The timeline for consideration of reasonable accommodation requests has been expanded from 30 to 45 days, absent extenuating circumstances.
Specificity that if medical documentation is requested but not received, that the timeline is suspended but resumes as soon as the agency receives the medical documentation.
- Expedited case processing is available depending on mission-critical needs, such as allowing an individual with a disability to apply for a job or to attend a specific agency activity in the near future.
- If the agency wishes to have medical documentation reviewed, it has the right to have that documentation reviewed by a medical expert; it shall be at the agency’s expense.
- Clarification that if an employee is no longer able to perform their current job due to a disability, with or without an accommodation, the agency must consider reassignment to another position for which the individual is qualified (not just granting the individual permission to compete for the position).
- Explanation that if the agency denies a request for reasonable accommodation, it shall give a written denial at the time of the denial in an accessible format, which also includes information about how to file an EEO complaint.
- New tracking and record-keeping requirements including information about denying accommodation requests based on costs.
“We believe these changes in the new instruction will put us in a good place as we work to implement the reasonable accommodation program at FEMA,” said Saucedo. “We are grateful for the work of our employees, including the more than 3,700 people with disabilities who help make up the talented FEMA team.”
For additional information, visit the Office of Equal Rights SharePoint page.
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Office of the Chief Information Officer Highlights Workplace Diversity
The Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) recently took steps to highlight the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in their work environment. The office participated in several webinars, brown bag trainings and the development of an internal diversity video.
OCIO employees expressed the positive impacts of a diverse, inclusive work environment. Program Analyst Mame Sylla Diby elaborated on the importance of geographic and cultural diversity, especially when it comes to FEMA’s mission.
“When you have a mix of people and resources from various areas, that brings more perspective and different kinds of input,” she said.
IT Program Manager Rob Taylor spoke about how a diverse workplace allows you to consider many different worldviews, cultures and backgrounds.
“All those things affect your decision-making processes and your actions,” he said.
OCIO employees also highlighted areas for further improvements and additional initiatives.
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Office of Equal Rights (OER)'s Lunch with a Leader
Have you wondered what it takes to be a senior leader at FEMA? Do you have leadership aspirations of your own? Would you like the opportunity to ask questions of a FEMA senior executive in a small setting? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, how about (virtual) lunch?
Sponsored by the Office of Equal Rights (OER), Lunch with a Leader is an opportunity to engage directly with FEMA executives in an informal setting, to learn about the great work being done throughout our organization, and to engage with colleagues.
Each virtual lunch is limited to a small group of employees, to encourage open dialogue. To accommodate as many employees as possible, OER may limit your participation to just one session.
To RSVP, email FEMA-EqualRights@fema.dhs.gov. Please indicate which session you would like to join. Please only email once – we will get back to you IF you are confirmed.
If you need a reasonable accommodation, please include your RA request with your RSVP. The meeting information will be provided if you are confirmed.
Please note, reservist in a non-deployed status will not be compensated for participation.
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DATE
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LEADER/TITLE
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TIME
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7-Sep
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Dan Lipka, Deputy Associate Administrator Office of National Continuity Programs
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12:30 PM (EST)
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14-Sep
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Paul Judson, Deputy Associate Administrator Office of Program and Policy Analysis
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3:00 PM (EST)
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14-Sep
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Robert Sullivan, Deputy Assistant Administrator ORR Field Operations
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12:30 PM (EST)
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26-Sep
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Robert Samaan, Deputy Regional Administrator, Region 4
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12:30 PM (EST)
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Staying Healthy While Deployed
A message from FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik A. Hooks:
"FEMA Team,
As FEMA’s response and recovery efforts continue in Hawaii, we are responding to the unprecedented weather system affecting the California-Arizona-Nevada region and continuing to support other response and recovery efforts across the Nation. While our agency has successfully navigated concurrent disasters in the past, the increased operational tempo may mean you’re away from family and other loved ones. I thank you for your dedication to the mission and honor the sacrifices you, and your loved ones, make while working long hours or deploying to the field.
Supporting devastated communities and deploying to austere conditions can be challenging. Regardless of your role—whether you are registering survivors staying in shelters, assisting survivors and applicants at Recovery processing centers, managing operations from a Joint Field Office (JFO), Regional Office or the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC), or playing an active role in your steady state position—supporting current and emerging disasters can be stressful. It is important that you recognize this and take the time to ensure your health and wellbeing.
I encourage each one of you to prioritize your health and wellness. Utilize the wealth of resources available through the Employee Health and Wellness Hub, which covers both physical and mental health concerns. Whether you're seeking information about potential hazards during deployments, need to contact FEMA medical staff, or require additional occupational and mental health resources, this platform is here to support you. If you’d like more information about mental health counseling or consultations, please read the attached Fact Sheet. You can also send a confidential email to FEMA’s team of health professionals at FEMA-MentalHealth@fema.dhs.gov. I encourage all employees to heed Dr. Megan Corley and Dr. Andre Pennardt’s messages from the field on Maui on taking care of your mental and physical health.
Another way we’re supporting FEMA responders is through the Enhanced Demobilization Process, which became effective July 1. This new process provides demobilizing responders with up to 16 hours of paid work time to complete demobilization activities and help them transition back to their daily lives. I invite you to explore the Responder Demobilization Hub for guidance on using this dedicated demobilization time and find resources and policies to use both during your deployment and while demobilizing. For additional information regarding the Enhanced Demobilization Process, please reach out to your Temporary Duty Supervisor or send an email to FEMA-Rest-and-Recuperation@fema.dhs.gov. Thank you for everything you’re doing to support communities as they recover. Please continue to take care of yourself so that we can continue to take care of others.
Sincerely,
Erik A. Hooks
Deputy Administrator"
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Upcoming Webinars Promoting Employee Health and Wellness
EAP Sponsored - Better Together: Why Belonging and Well-Being Go Hand-In-Hand
We all crave to be a part of something, to fit in, and to be respected for who we are. This webinar explores this vital sense of belonging, ways to spread more belongingness within our work and life communities, and how to influence others to do the same. Let’s make an effort together to create more intentional connections and grow a greater sense of belonging. Sponsored by the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Federal Occupational Health (FOH).
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For Supervisors: EAP - Creating a Sense of Belonging for Enhanced Team Wellness
Building a sense of belonging can provide an environment where everyone believes they have purpose, identity, and are psychologically safe. Join this webinar to explore what belonging is and why it matters. We’ll also discuss how to develop your ability to be intentional about inclusion and enhance your team culture. Not only will you evolve into a stronger leader for it, but your team will feel supported, appreciated, and engaged. Sponsored by the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Federal Occupational Health (FOH).
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Reminder: Mental Health Resources Available on FEMA iPhones
The mental well-being of our workforce is one of FEMA’s top priorities. Regardless of your position, supporting current and emerging disasters can be stressful. The increased operational tempo may mean you’re away from your families or loved ones. It is important that we all recognize this and take time to ensure our health and well-being.
Employee Health and Wellness Hub
This SharePoint page provides a wealth of resources which cover physical and mental health concerns. Whether you’re seeking information about potential hazards during deployments, need to contact FEMA medical staff or require additional occupational and mental health resources, this platform is here to support you.
Headspace App
FEMA provides free access to Headspace, a mental health and wellness app. The app provides unlimited access to hundreds of resources such as guided mediations, animations, articles, and videos on topics such as getting better sleep, improving your focus, and coping with anxious thoughts. Additional Information, including account set-up: Headspace (sharepoint.com).
DHS Columbia Protocol Suicide Prevention App
This app was developed to help DHS employees learn about, address and prevent suicide. The app is available on all FEMA cellphones. The tool helps you identify suicide risk and how to support someone based off their responses.
At any time, you can send a confidential email to FEMA’s team of health professionals at FEMA-MentalHealth@fema.dhs.gov.
Maintaining our physical and mental health and wellness will help us remain prepared and available to support others, before during and after disasters.
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WorkLife4You
WorkLife4You is a voluntary and confidential employee benefit available to eligible federal employees at no cost. WorkLife4You has tailored tools and guidance to help. You can contact them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for expert support and resources.
Join this month’s live webinar to learn time management and organizational skills that will make a difference in the quality of your work and life.
Maximizing Your Time
This webinar offers time management and organizational strategies and tips that are critical to successfully balancing work, life, and family.
- Tuesday, September 19, 2023
- 12:00 PM –1:00 PM (EST)
- To register, go to WorkLife4You.com. Once logged in, from the homepage scroll down and look for the Live Webinar tile. Space is limited, so register today. (Registration Code: FEMA)
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FEMA Peer Support Program
What is Peer Support?
Peer Support volunteers receive training and guidance from FEMA licensed mental health professionals. They serve a valuable role as “just in time” mental health support for the FEMA workforce. They are required to check in with their designated FEMA mental health professional to ensure that they are continuing to exercise their training and skills with guidance and mentorship for any questions or concerns they might have about their contacts.
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FEMA’s Federal Employee Resource Groups are voluntary, employee-led communities providing mutual support and guidance and helping to foster a workplace aligned with FEMA’s Mission and Core Values. Members share a common interest and work to promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility within the agency and the communities we serve.
FERGs assist with recruitment and outreach events, organize networking and mentoring opportunities, and host commemorative, cultural, educational, and social events. They help to promote innovation within all FEMA programs, facilitate communication between employees and senior leaders, and provide employee development opportunities.
All employees are encouraged to participate in a FERG both to help FEMA achieve its diversity and inclusion goals and to advance professional development.
Participation is not limited to a FERG’s described demographic – everyone is welcome to join any FERG.
Disability ALLY
Disability ALLY supports FEMA leadership in strengthening inclusive diversity and equity goals across the agency; provides employees with professional development and networking opportunities, increased engagement, and a platform from which to advocate for themselves and their fellow employees; provides grassroots level input and proposed solutions to issues facing FEMA’s diverse workforce; and serves as advisors to the IDC on diversity issues related to the group’s community with the goal of ensuring that FEMA achieves its global Diversity Vision and its responsibilities to Executive Order 14035, DEIA in the Federal Workforce.
Upcoming Webinar Events
USDA TARGET Center Neurodiversity Spotlight: The Power of Dyslexic Thinking – Dr. Theresa Haskins
Are you interested in unlocking the power of dyslexic thinking and transforming your organization? Join us for The Power of Dyslexic Thinking, where we will explore the strengths and challenges associated with dyslexia and how recognizing and valuing dyslexic thinking can benefit your workplace.
USDA TARGET Center Spotlight: Unconscious Bias at Work – Dr. Theresa Haskins
Get ready to gain a deeper understanding of the hidden biases that can affect our decision-making and perpetuate systemic oppression. In this informative and thought-provoking program, we will explore the topic of unconscious bias and its impact on marginalized groups.
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FEMA Pride
The intent of the LGBTQIA+ Deployment Toolkit is for every employee to feel prepared, safe, and empowered at every deployment. By providing information and resources on LGBTQIA+ experiences in the field, we hope to build on your existing preparedness and to connect you with community wherever you deploy. The Toolkit covers medical resources, life in the field tips, self-care and entertainment recommendations, and LGBTQIA+ healthcare and business directories. It was built by community members and contains a mix of FEMA and external resources. It is non-comprehensive and will continue to be updated on an ongoing basis.
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Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration of the history and culture of the U.S. Latino and Hispanic communities. Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 will last from Friday, September 15, 2023 through Sunday, October 15, 2023. The event commemorates how those communities have influenced and contributed to American society at large.
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 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 Month
National Suicide Prevention Month was established in September 2008, bringing together mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies and communities nationwide to build awareness and offer support. National Suicide Prevention Week begins Monday, Sept. 4, and ends Sunday, Sept. 10, on World Suicide Prevention Day.
#BeThe1To is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline message for the month and beyond, working to educate about the actions we can take to prevent suicide and change the conversation from suicide to suicide prevention.
Promote National Suicide Prevention Month : Lifeline (988lifeline.org)
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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.
National Preparedness Month | Ready.gov
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September 4 - Labor Day
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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September 15 - National POW/MIA Recognition Day
You Are Not Forgotten -- that's the central phrase behind the POW/MIA remembrance movement that honors America's prisoners of war, those who are still missing in action and their families.
Many of our service members suffered as prisoners of war during several decades of varying conflicts. While some of them made it home, tens of thousands more never did.
4 Things to Know About POW/MIA Recognition Day | Military.com
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September 15 to 17 - Rosh Hashanah
In 2023, Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Friday, Sept. 15 and ends at sundown on Sunday, Sept. 17. Rosh Hashanah, literally the “head of the year” is the Jewish New Year. It is a time of inner renewal and divine atonement.
One of the common practices of Rosh Hashanah is attending the High Holy Day services, where the shofar can be heard. Many people go to a Tashlich service where they throw breadcrumbs into a naturally running body of water as a means of casting away their sins. On the second night of Rosh Hashanah, it is customary to eat a new fruit, a symbol of newness.
Rosh Hashanah 2023 | My Jewish Learning
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September 17 - Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution by thirty-nine brave men on September 17, 1787, recognizing all who are born in the U.S. or by naturalization, have become citizens.
Constitution Day - September 17, 2023 | U.S. Constitution
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September 19 - National Voter Registration Day
National Voter Registration Day is a nonpartisan civic holiday celebrating our democracy. It has quickly gained momentum since it was first observed in 2012, with more than 5 million voters registered to vote on the holiday to date. Celebrated every September, National Voter Registration Day involves volunteers and organizations from all over the country hitting the streets in a single day of coordinated field, technology, and media efforts.
National Voter Registration Day
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September 24 to 25 - Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur—the Day of Atonement—is considered the most important holiday in the Jewish faith. Falling in the month of Tishrei (September or October in the Gregorian calendar), it marks the culmination of the 10 Days of Awe, a period of introspection and repentance that follows Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. According to tradition, it is on Yom Kippur that God decides each person’s fate, so Jews are encouraged to make amends and ask forgiveness for sins committed during the past year. The holiday is observed with a 25-hour fast and a special religious service. Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah are known as Judaism’s “High Holy Days.” Yom Kippur 2023 begins on the evening of Sunday, September 24 and ends on the evening of Monday, September 25.
Yom Kippur: Significance, Facts & Traditions (history.com)
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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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