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Director's Message March 12, 2004To: DHS Employees From: Gary Weeks, Director In this week's message: 1. Collaboration, efficiency and results 2. Diversity — a part of our vision 3. Food for thought 4. Staff news 1. Collaboration, efficiency and results As I visit with people from various parts of DHS, I'm impressed by the increased collaboration that you have achieved in the past few years, particularly during these difficult budget times.The progress is truly remarkable — in bringing elements of the field together, for example, and in adopting a department-wide approach to administrative services. Collaboration, not only within DHS but with others in state government and beyond, will be one of our key areas of focus as we move ahead. Here's a look at some of those areas, beginning with a glance at the big picture. A view of government. Governor Kulongoski has been clear: He believes that government adds enormous value to the lives Oregonians. He feels strongly that we in human services play an important role in helping the most vulnerable populations — children, pregnant women, seniors, people with disabilities. He also knows that in order to sustain these vital programs, we need to make the best possible use of scarce tax dollars. As he said last week in his State of the State speech, state government must be "frugal and disciplined." That's why, working with an advisory group of business leaders, he's looking for ways to gain efficiency in state government — by consolidating data centers, computer networks and motor pools, for instance. Back to collaboration. Clearly, we in DHS will need to work with other state agencies to help make this happen. We'll also need to continue our collaborative efforts with local governments and others who provide human services to Oregonians. As best we can, we should deliver services in ways that respond to local needs. And, as you have been doing, we need to keep looking for ways to increase efficiency and collaboration within DHS. It's all about outcomes. Ultimately, we're accountable for results. We need to continually evaluate our programs and consult with our partners to ensure that we are getting the best possible outcomes. Summing up. We in DHS play an important role in protecting the most vulnerable Oregonians. To ensure that we can carry out these responsibilities with the resources available, we need to collaborate both within and beyond the department. We need to continually look for ways to increase efficiency, and we must stay focused on results. I'm excited to join you as we move forward in this work.
What is it like to not see or hear as well as others do? To have a skin color, language, sexual orientation, culture or religion that is different from most people? To use a wheelchair, crutches or a prosthetic device to accomplish the tasks of daily life? To succeed as an organization, we must understand, accept and respect such differences, within our workforce and among our clients. This is important to me personally. During my previous time at DHS, I was privileged to help in the formation of the Oregon State Hispanic Employees Network (OSHEN). Today, OSHEN is growing and maturing into an organization that encourages and supports Hispanic employees and helps to promote workforce diversity. As I return to DHS, I'm impressed by the work done during the past year to develop a diversity plan, with specific standards and initiatives. I endorse and support that work. Each year, we have many opportunities to reflect on these issues. One such opportunity is Black History Month — February of each year. I appreciate the efforts of those who worked on displays or other observances during the month. Thanks for reminding all of us of the importance of diversity. To learn more. For information about the department's diversity efforts, visit the DHS Diversity Web site. Under Diversity Development Coordinating Council, you'll find our diversity outcomes and standards, and other documents. "If you are planning for one year, grow rice. If you are planning for 20 years, grow trees. If you are planning for centuries, grow people." — from Chinese proverb View the current issue of DHS Staff news on the Web. Back to top |
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