The Energy Department celebrates special emphasis observances regularly, inviting guest speakers to highlight how the agency's mission benefits from diversity and inclusion.
The Department of Energy observes special days, weeks, and months as reflected in the below list of special program observances. Observances are held annually in compliance with Executive Order 11478, 29 CFR Part 1614.102(b)(4), joint Congressional Resolutions, Presidential Proclamations, and the Department’s diversity and inclusion goals as articulated in the Department of Energy’s Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan for 2012-2015.
Managers and supervisors are encouraged to engage in planning and implementing initiatives that promote employment, training, and career advancement opportunities in order to sustain a productive, diverse, and inclusive Departmental workforce to best serve our Nation. Showing our support as senior leaders and making a concerted effort to attend and participate in these observances is crucial in communicating the value each employee brings to the Department.
| January |
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day January 20, 2015, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Program Link below: |
| February |
Black History Month February 11, 2015, Black History Month Observance Program in Partnership with USDA at the Jefferson Auditorium Link Below: |
| March | Women's History Month |
| May |
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 2015 Link below:
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| June |
LGBT Pride Month June 16, 2015 LGBT Pride program: Stronger Together, Uniting the LGBT community and its allies for a stronger workforce. Key Note Speaker: Dr. Kristina Johnson Link Below:
|
| August 26 | Women's Equality Day |
| September 15 - October 15 |
Hispanic Heritage Month October 14, 2014 Hispanic Heritage Month program; HISPANICS: A Legacy of History, a Present of Action and a Future of Success Link below: |
| September | Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week |
| October |
Disability Employment Awareness Month October 22, 2014 Disability Employment Awareness Progrom Link below: |
| November |
Native American Heritage Month |
| November 11 |
Veterans Day November 13, 2014 Veterns Day program Panel of Speakers: Ginger Miller, Trooper James Williams, Robert Anders, and Van Brinson Link below:
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Observing Special Emphasis Events
Suggested activities include, but are not restricted to the following:
- Announcement by the Head of Departmental Elements requesting participation and support of all managers, supervisors, and employees for the special program observance/event.
- Seek ways to provide training and career development opportunities for your employees of all ethnic backgrounds.
- Lectures by guest speakers such as community leaders, representatives from local government, and academia on diversity.
- Share “best practices” from field facilities, who promote diversity in the workplace.
- Perform community outreach events targeting venues, such as Blacks in Government (BIG), Federally Employed Women (FEW), League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC), Asian American Government Executives Network (AAGEN), and the Society of American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE), and Federal Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual and Transgender Employees (GLOBE) to encourage qualified individuals to apply for positions at the Energy Department for a diverse applicant pool.
- Special programs and award ceremonies to honor outstanding employees, who have contributed to diversity and resolved conflicts in the workplace.
- Develop a mentoring program for managers, supervisors, employees, and interns.
- Create awareness by developing and newsletters, handouts, and sharing literature in your facility or office.