Director's Message

Feb. 9, 2007

To: All DHS employees

From: Bruce Goldberg, M.D., Director

"The service you do for others is the rent you pay for the time you spend on earth."
~Mohammed Ali

Public service is a noble calling. What we do is meaningful and makes a positive difference in people's lives. I chose to make my career in public service because it allows me to help more people than I could just about anywhere else, and I believe that most of you also have chosen to work at DHS so you can make a difference.

I know that on my visits to DHS offices throughout the state I constantly meet dedicated and caring staff for whom this job is more than just a paycheck. I have been so impressed with the passion and creativity that so many of you bring to your work, and your unceasing commitment to serving Oregonians.

Though our daily accomplishments speak for themselves, the legislative session offers a unique platform to promote the importance of public service and the work that we do. Every day, our work is highlighted in the Capitol through the many important human services policy issues that the Legislature discusses. Next week we begin making our budget presentations to the Ways and Means Committee. We are using all of these opportunities to show the value of what we do, our commitment to excellence, and the importance of the results we bring to all Oregonians.

We also have another opportunity during the next few months to highlight the role of public service by participating in the PROMISE program, which introduces college students to careers in public service through summer internships.

I have been concerned for a while now about the decreasing numbers of college graduates who choose public sector and nonprofit careers. It's important to interest the next generation in public service so that we can continue to bring highly skilled people into this arena. We need to seek out future leaders and interest them in using their abilities for the public good.

The PROMISE program works with students at Oregon State University, Portland State University, University of Oregon, Oregon Health and Science University, and Willamette University. Students chosen for internships gain practical work experience and an introduction to DHS. We gain the opportunity to introduce talented students to meaningful and interesting careers. I encourage you to call the DHS Office of Human Resources or go to www.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/PROMISE.shtml to learn more about how you could bring one of these students into your work area this summer.

I also encourage you to find other avenues for increasing awareness about the importance of public service among the public and the upcoming generation. Talk to a school civics class, talk to community groups and service organizations, become a student's mentor, and always look for opportunities to remind people why public service is important.

We are bound together by our mission and core values, and we can be proud of what we stand for and the work we do. While it is easy to focus on the occasional negative comments about our work, it is more important to remember what it's really about -- we're here to improve people's lives. So, keep striving for excellence, and seek ways to interest the next generation in entering public service. Our public depends on it.

To provide feedback email: DHS.Directorsoffice@state.or.us

This message is intended for all department employees. Please read it electronically, if possible. Managers and supervisors are asked to share the message each week with employees who do not have email access.