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Journeys
U. S . D E PA R T M E N T O F T H E I N T E R I O R
P M B A d m i n i s t ra t i v e S e r v i c e s
AV S O C A D R I B C O FA S O H A
A P R I L 2 0 2 0
Message from the Deputy Assistant Secretary
2
Public lands are for everyone. Across the more than 450 million acres of land managed by Interior, the opportunities for recreation,
education and connection are limitless. Every day, someone new is introduced to nature at a national park, wildlife refuge or wilderness
area and becomes a lifelong advocate for America’s great outdoors. Every day, someone experiences a cultural revelation or historical
insight through the power of Interior’s storytellers. Every day, families and friends gather to make memories at some of the most
beautiful places in the world. More information from DOI
Dear Administrative Services Team,
First and foremost, I hope you and your loved
ones are staying safe during this time of
challenge as we work through the COVID-
19. Our current environment is causing us to be
more resilient and innovative as we work to
continue the DOI mission. I know it is tough
but you continue to answer the call as public
servants. Thank you for your dedication and
stewardship to the American people.
Please note: although we are taking a short pause with our initiative to identify a Vision Statement for Administrative
Services, we are delighted to share with you the top two proposed statements, the first of which was recommended
ver batim by a respondent to the survey. In the next few weeks, I’ll reach out to you to determine which statement
resonates more with you. In the meantime, please take a moment to consider these options.
Please feel free to reach out to our Journeys team regarding this issue and future issues. Your input is critically
important to making this publication a valuable resource for everyone in Administrative Services.
Hang in there, for we are stronger together! Take care and stay safe,
- Jacqueline Jones
VISION STATEMENT PROPOSAL #1:
“Administrative Services commits to providing outstanding products and services to
our partners and clients through a powerful resolve to create and sustain a respectful,
inclusive workplace."
VISION STATEMENT PROPOSAL #2:
“Administrative Services employees deliver outstanding products and customer
services while actively creating and sustaining a respectful workplace.”
Snack and chat in the Lakewood IBC offices. From left: Denise Swingler-Sweet,
Jackie Jones, Jennifer Butts, Kia Fox and Ralph Giesler
Calendar
APRIL
Earth Day
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Earth Day is an annual event celebrated around the world on April 22 to
demonstrate support for environmental protection. First celebrated in 1970, it
now includes events coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network in more
than 193 countries. More information
Take Our Children to Work Day
Thursday, April 23, 2020
With over 3 million companies and government offices participating, Take Our
Children to Work Day encourages kids to explore the world of work as
experienced by their parents and grandparents. More information
MAY
National Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
The history of North America is shaped by the stories of immigrants from Asia
and the Pacific and the native people of the Pacific Islands. While some of the
earliest Asian immigrants arrived from China, Japan, India, and Korea,
immigration reforms tied to U.S. civil rights legislation brought even more
groups to the United States—such as Vietnamese, Cambodians, Laotians,
Indonesians, the Hmong and other peoples from South and Central Asia.
Discover these stories in our nation's parks, trails, and historic sites.
Asian American Pacific Islander National Historic Landmarks Theme Study
Public Service Recognition Week
May 3-9, 2020 More information
Memorial Day (Federal Holiday)
Monday, May 25, 2020
Did someone in your family give their lives for freedom? Administrative
Services will be honoring these heroes in a special commemoration.
Please send an email to respect@ibc.doi.gov for more information.
Thank you.
JUNE
LGBTQ Pride Month
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride
Month is currently celebrated each year in the month of June to
honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. Celebrations
include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and
concerts, and LGBTQ Pride Month events attract millions of
participants around the world. Memorials are held during this
month for those members of the community who have been lost
to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. Read more here
3
This Month’s Shout Out This Month’s Shout Out
4
Do you have a shout-out for a co-worker, customer or colleague? Please send it here! respect@ibc.doi.gov
DONALD FOOTE, AVSO
In October 2019, AVSO welcomed its new Records and
Information Management Specialist, Donald Foote. Prior
to Donald starting, AVSO had been without a Records
Specialist since late 2018 when the position became
vacant. Coming from his former role as Supervisory
Contract Specialist, Donald is a familiar face in AVSO
but new to records. Donald began his new assignment
with focus and enthusiasm, learning the history of
AVSO’s records program and the fine points of records
management within the Department.
Donald has been working with records liaisons in AVSO
offices around the country, in some cases making site
visits, to better understand the records unique to each
office. He has fostered relationships with Department
records staff, such as Vincent Clark (Records Management Specialist, OCIO) and Michelle Doutrich (OS Records
Officer, OCIO), who themselves are a wealth of knowledge and continually supportive when it comes to answering
questions about records management for the Department.
Donald has set out to revitalize AVSO’s knowledge of records management through training events and regular
communication with AVSO’s records liaisons. AVSO hopes to achieve two main goals for its records program: (1)
standardization of file plans across its divisions and offices, and (2) progress towards conversion to electronic records.
Converting to electronic records is mandated by the Department, with the expectation for records to be completely
electronic by 2022. With Donald’s help, AVSO will make a smooth transition, no small feat when working with an office
as big and geographically spread out as AVSO.
Donald is married to his hometown sweetheart of 41 years. They have a son who's a commercial airline pilot and a
daughter who's a financial analyst with one of the top three U.S. trading indexes. Donald enjoys spending time traveling
with his eight-year-old granddaughter.
Donald’s down-to-earth, optimistic approach to the challenges that come with records management in AVSO help make
him a good leader. Keep up the great work, Donald! We’re glad you’re here to help us succeed!
5
JAMES BEALL
Deputy Director, IBC
The Journeys Team caught up with former IBC
Deputy Director Jim Beall, who retired on
February 29th, and asked him: What advice do
you have for others thinking about retirement?
“Plan early, be prepared to adjust your plans as
life changes occur and retire when you still have
time to enjoy the labors of a lifetime. While none
of us can be sure we’ll have the health or time
left to enjoy the results of our work, life is too
short to miss the opportunity while you have it.
“The Greek word Kairos sums it up for me. It
represents a sense of quality time, as opposed to
chronological time, or is often translated to
mean the right or opportune moment. Our larger
sailboat was named Kairos for that reason, it
represented quality time for me when sailing
with my family and friends or just being on the
boat with the wind and water. Although we sold
Kairos when we moved four years ago (a
bittersweet day to be sure), we still have our
smaller day sailer from my college days. She’s in
great shape and I plan to spend more time
outdoors and on the water once again. And while
my wife Alicia and I are spending more time
together now, I think she’s looking forward to me
being out of the house and her space more as
well!
“Bottom line, plan well in advance for the
opportunity to enjoy retirement, and when the
time is right for you, make the move and enjoy it!
Life is simply too short.”
Best wishes, Jim, on your retirement! Everyone
at IBC sends their warmest regards. Jim Beall and his daughters Kelly and Rachel enjoy a
walk in the woods on Jim’s first day of retirement.
Spotlight on Retirement
This Month’s Shout Out Focus on DOI
6
DOI REORGANIZATION 101
By Rachel Fisk Levin, Communications Lead, Office of Policy,
Management and Budget
To better serve the American public and implement the most
effective land and water management tools, the Department of
the Interior has reorganized into 12 unified regions that foster
enhanced coordination among bureaus, more effective
relationships with our partners, and better customer service.
In August 2019, Secretary Bernhardt appointed Field Special
Assistants (FSAs) to serve as regional coordinators to help the
Department meet the goals of the reorganization. Find the
names of the FSAs on the DOI Reorganization webpage.
WHY DID DOI REORGANIZE?
Here are a few reasons why this change was so important:
· Reorganizing from 49 regions across 8 bureaus to 12 Interior
Regions enables greater efficiency, accountability, collaboration
and consistency among our bureaus
· Reorganization makes
joint problem-solving and
improved coordination
between our bureaus and
local partners easier,
improving the experience
for the customer, whether
that is a government
agency, permit seeker, or
landowner
· Reorganization facilitates
opportunities for DOI
employees to gain
knowledge and resources across bureaus and enhance their
career pathways
· Improving our business practices and processes will make it
easier to hire people, make purchases, and have working
technology
The Department will maintain rigorous and transparent
scientific standards. We are also better positioned to
collaborate across bureaus on core mission areas of
conservation, recreation and permitting.
WHAT’S NEXT?
FSAs are working to implement regional goals and are looking
for common issues and potential efficiencies across bureaus.
Stay tuned for updates in future issues of Journeys.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Everyone’s voice counts. Please share your thoughts by
contacting us at reorg@doi.gov, or through the DOI Reorg
feedback page. Thank you for your interest!
7
HOW ARE YOU ACCLIMATING
TO WORKING FROM HOME?
Abby True, DME AVSO:
For me, it's been the additional time I get to see my kids
Milo, Nani, and Imogen. Sure, it's been a little stressful
juggling work and keeping them engaged (and still using
their brains!), but I'm constantly reminded how funny and
sweet they are. I'm grateful for these extra moments to slow
down just a little bit and enjoy my family. [Pictured: Nani
and Milo creating art, working out, reading and writing.]
Focus on Telework
Focus on Virtual Collaborations
8
VIRTUAL COLLABORATIONS: A RESOURCE GUIDE FROM CADR
By William E. Hall, Ph.D., Director of CADR
During this time of rapid change and uncertainty, we’d
like to remind you that the DOI Office of Collaborative
Action and Dispute Resolution (CADR) is here to
assist. As DOI and the Bureaus shift to support their
missions through greater use of virtual technology,
CADR can help with the following virtual services:
Productive, Dynamic Virtual Meetings: We can advise
on meeting planning and considering which technologies
to use. For complex internal or external virtual meetings,
we can discuss bringing in a facilitator. See CADR’s tip
sheet for virtual meetings here.
A Sounding Board: Have an issue that you need to talk
through? CADR’s Ombuds Program offers a confidential,
neutral, informal sounding board to explore problem
solving.
Individual and Team Coaching: A CADR coach can
provide support to individuals and teams in times of
change and crisis to help them maintain vision, purpose,
and increase effectiveness and resilience.
Virtual Training: Keep a look-out for CADR’s upcoming
announcement on our virtual Getting to the CORE of
Conflict and Communications training that we’re
offering June 9, 10, and 11. We’ll also be offering a
training in virtual facilitation that is under development
and will be ready in the next few weeks.
Virtual Resilience Café: Please join us for CADR’s
weekly one-hour Virtual Resilience Café
(VRC): Wednesdays at 12:00pm Eastern. The VRC is
an hour-long session designed to enhance our resilience
through mindfulness-oriented skill building and build
community in these particularly uncertain and
unprecedented times. The VRC is open to all DOI
employees and no sign-up is required in
advance. Sessions will be held Wednesday, April 1
through Wednesday, June 24, 12:00-1:00 pm Eastern.
Join by WebEx link or by phone: 1-415-527-5035, access
code: 903 889 460.
Even though we need to keep our physical distance from
one another, we can still have connection in the virtual
space! Feel free to reach out to any of us in the CADR
office for anything you might need related to
collaboration and conflict management. We can be
reached at cadr@ios.doi.gov, or individually through
our mobile numbers, email, or by video or chat on MS
Teams. We look forward to hearing from you!
Focus on Resilience
9
By Tonianne Baca-Green, J.D.
Worry and anxiety are a natural human response in difficult
and uncertain times like these, and even helpful to an extent;
our little inner warrior out to protect us and help us survive!
Panic and denial, however, are not helpful behaviors, and are
actually contagious; a social contagion. At the same time,
resilience, courage and compassion are also natural human
responses. These are also contagious.
When we are scared or difficulties arise, a very primitive part
of our brain gets activated: the amygdala. When the amygdala
hijacks the brain, we go into flight, fight or freeze. We are in
survival mode. This also means our body is flooded with
chemicals like cortisol and adrenaline in a nanosecond. Our
body literally shuts down unnecessary functions like digestion,
our heart beats faster, blood rushes to our extremities so we
can run or fight, and most importantly, our higher functioning
brain, the pre frontal cortex, goes off line. This is the part of
the brain responsible for planning and logic, for creativity, for
courage and compassion. We really want to keep the thinking
brain online in times like these! We can build habits to develop
more calm, courage and kindness in our lives by focusing
where we put our attention.
In a new normal like we are facing, the brain has to work with
new information to build habits. By setting up good mental
habits now we can help keep our thinking brain online and
nourish calm, compassion and kindness. The following is
adapted from Five Good Mental Habits to Build Now by Dr.
Jud Brewer:
1. Nip it in the bud. When you notice a trigger to anxiety
or panic arise, nip it in the bud. Name it, feel it in your body
(i.e. heat, rapid heartbeat, butterflies, etc.) and take three easy
breaths. You can also ground yourself in your feet for thirty
seconds. Count
the full thirty
and feel the
grounding
sensation of
your feet. Also,
don’t spread
anxiety by calling someone when you are freaked out. Breathe
and ground instead.
2. Make connection. If you are feeling calm, connect with
someone via a simple phone call or even text, or maybe a
Zoom or Facetime call. Make connection the new infection.
3. Don’t get addicted to checking your phone. Set a
limit you can remember and stick with. Don’t check it right
before bed or first thing in the morning.
4. Take it one day at a time, or even one hour at a
time. We are in very uncertain times. We don’t have enough
information to plan for a month in advance so why not just
plan for today?
5. Nourish yourself with kindness, not ice cream.
By setting up good mental habits early on in this crisis they
will stick with you in the new normal. Set up mindful habits to
stay calm, be kind and work with others. Make connection the
new infection.
Tonianne Baca-Green, J.D., is a Mindfulness and Compassionate
Leadership trainer and attorney within OHA. She is also a Mediator
and a Coach and will be offering short 30-minute virtual modules of
her 2-day trainings "Mindfulness Based Emotional Intelligence" and
"Compassionate Leadership" as well as "Mindful Self-Compassion" in
the near future. Tonianne may be reached at Tonianne.Baca-
Green@bia.gov.
FROM WORRY TO RESILIENCE:
FIVE GOOD HABITS TO BUILD
DURING UNCERTAIN TIMES
Focus on Health and Wellness
10
RESPECT: “I KNOW IT WHEN I FEEL IT”
By Stephen Carlisle, IBC Office of the Deputy Director
Most of us go through life anticipating that respect will be the
default setting for all of our interactions. Whether it’s chatting
with the sales associate at the local market or laughing with
family while watching the big game, it all happens
subconsciously. We have respect for those around us and hope
to see it reflected in their eyes. Some are less fortunate. They
endure disrespectful experiences because sometimes people
lead with their prejudices rather than their best selves. Yet
there is hope, as Anne Frank reminded us weeks before her
death:
“I keep my ideals, because in spite of everything I still
believe that people are really good at heart.”
Everyone has strong opinions about what respect looks like,
and, of course, what it feels like when it’s missing. This is
particularly true when we consider how respect plays out both
at work and at home.
Hundreds of employees from IBC gathered in groups last year
(remember when we could actually gather in groups?) to share
their thoughts about creating and sustaining a respectful
workplace. It was apparent from the beginning that they were
motivated to make positive changes, while exploring ways to
contend with the inevitable conflicts that crop up between co-
workers. By the end of the sessions, many said they would take
what they discussed and bring it back to their teams to make
concrete changes for the better.
The information shared wasn’t new. In fact, people had wide-
ranging and strongly held opinions about respect. Here are a
few of the concepts that were mentioned most frequently at
the workshops:
What are the components of a respectful workplace?
Considerate - Relaxed - Accepting - Non-judgmental
Caring - Cooperative - Communicative - Fair - Open
Diverse - Collaborative - Non-aggressive - Safe
What can we do to create a more respectful workplace?
Increase communication and active listening
Address conflicts respectfully
Stop the gossip and connect with each other
Be solution oriented
Bring diverse voices and opinions to the table
Encourage input from all
Try new things and have patience
Ask for help
Acknowledge contributions
Questions for consideration (Team leaders, consider sharing
this article and questions when next conducting a virtual
meeting):
What would you add to these lists? What would you remove?
What is the business case for creating and sustaining a
respectful workplace? How do you think it affects factors such
as quality of work, customer service and achieving team goals?
How can we apply respectful workplace strategies to our
virtual teleworking paradigm?
More information:
General Information Regarding Respectful Workplace
Department of the Interior Dignity & Respect Campaign
“I respect myself and insist
upon it from everybody. And
because I do it, I then respect
everybody, too.”
- Dr. Maya Angelou
11
BEFORE AFTER
“Empathy has no script. There is no right way or
wrong way to do it. It’s simply listening, holding
space, withholding judgment, emotionally connecting,
and communicating that incredibly healing message
of ‘you’re not alone.’” - Brené Brown
Photo by Patrick Morton,
Geologist, Land Buy-Back
Program Lead, Division of
Minerals Evaluation AVSO
10
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
WILL HONOR OUR HEROES ON MEMORIAL DAY
WITH A VIRTUAL WALL OF HONOR
Do you have a family member who gave their life in service to America? Please join us in honoring these heroes
as part of our Memorial Day display by sending a picture of them along with their name, rank, years served,
locations served, and their relationship to you, and we will be privileged to honor them. Please send to:
respect@ibc.doi.gov
Spotlight on Remembering
12
Spotlight on Working from Home
13
Mary Beth Abbott, DME
AVSO:
“I am feeling very grateful for the
extra time I can spend with my
sweet boy Jeremiah. No longer
having to commute 3 hours a
day, 3 times a week has been
lovely. I feel very lucky to be able
to telework and have this extra
time on my hands to be more
connected to my son during this
difficult time.”
Shirley Milli, PPD AVSO:
“Not sure if this is as much a silver lining for me as
for my dogs, but they are definitely happy to have me
home and teleworking!”
10
Spotlight on Activities: USGS and NASA
14
USGS Offers Teaching Aids For
Kids and Adults of All Ages
Would your child be interested in making a 3D
paper model of a Triceratops? How about using
take-out container lids to understand topography?
USGS has you covered! Tap into over 140 years of
USGS research in the natural sciences in the form of lesson plans and activities, maps, podcasts, online lectures,
videos and animations, and much more. Browse thousands of ideas for using these resources in elementary,
secondary, university, and informal education settings.
The USGS education webpages contain a curated collection of educational resources across the grade levels from pre-
K through college. They focus on all of the earth sciences including geology, ecology, hydrology, atmospheric sciences,
and planetary sciences. Instructors can search by grade level, topic, or type.
3-D paper models
(with accompanying
Educator Guides)
are a fun and
interactive way to
teach geologic
concepts.
Each week during the
Spring of 2020, USGS
Education Team will
be adding resources
for those who are
learning at home.
Check out the latest
here.
15
USGS has a collection of selected videotaped lectures that were
given at USGS facilities. All of these lectures are suitable for
viewing by the general public and upper level students (grades
8 through university). Check out the list here.
Adventures in STEM is a place where USGS gathers educational
resources around an exciting theme to draw learners to
science. Currently, USGS is highlighting the 150th anniversary
of John Wesley Powell's first journey down the Grand Canyon
with learning, games, and citizen science all about the geology,
ecology, and hydrology of western rivers.
NASA’S Night Sky Network Celebrates
30 Years of Exploration with Hubble
The NASA Night Sky Network provides monthly articles featuring the
latest stargazing and NASA news. Sign up here.
NASA at Home
Let NASA bring the universe into your home with e-books, virtual tours,
podcasts, videos, and lots of activities for kids. Learn more here.
NASA’s SpacePlace
NASA’s kids-specific site SpacePlace is chock full of learning ideas and a
wealth of craft activities!
Coffee Break
Journeys APRIL 2020
Journeys is a monthly publication of the
Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Administrative Services. Your input is
essential to making this a valuable
resource for all employees. Please feel free
to share your ideas, suggestions and
articles/pictures with editor Steve Carlisle
by emailing Stephen_Carlisle@ibc.doi.gov
or calling (505) 288-4092. Thank you!
ON THE COVER:
This mountain bluebird has plumage so
striking that it matches the crystal blue
water at Crater Lake National Park in
Oregon where the photo was taken.
About 45 million people watch birds
around their homes or when they travel,
according to the findings of the USFWS
2016 National Survey of Fishing,
Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated
Recreation.
Photo by Alicia Burtner, DOI
AVSO Geologist Jennifer Jones runs
marathons around the world. She
participates in the World Marathon Majors
(WMM). The WMM take place in Chicago,
NYC, Boston, London, Berlin and Tokyo.
They are the largest marathons in the
world, and WMM athletes must complete
all six. Currently, there are only 6400 six-
star finishers in the world. Jennifer has
finished four: Chicago, NYC, Berlin and
London. She was set to run Tokyo for her
fifth star when it was cancelled in February
due to the Coronavirus. She ran the Atlanta
marathon instead, part of her 50-state
marathon goal.
Jennifer is pictured receiving her medal
when she completed the London marathon
last year.
Congratulations, Jennifer, on your deep
commitment to health and fitness! the
DO YOU HAVE ADVENTURE
PICTURES TO SHARE?
PLEASE SEND THEM HERE!
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