**Northern Plains Area Diversity Task Force**

**Teleconference Agenda -- April 24, 2007**

**1:00-2:00 [Mountain]{.underline} Time**

**Teleconference Information;**

**Call-in number: 866-507-0785**

**Pass code: 297360#**

1.  **Check-in and Welcome: Kevin**

> **Location Members Participating:**

Kevin Dahl, Chair, Sidney

Eduardo Casas, Clay Center

JoAnne Gresens, Manhattan

Gautam Sarath, Lincoln

Bill Kemp, Fargo

Sue Sorum, Grand Forks

Diona Austill, Miles City

Holly Johnson, Mandan

Dana Blumenthal, FC/Cheyenne

Francisco Calderon, Akron

Theresa Pitts-Singer, Logan

**Location Members Absent:**

Beth Redlin (Sidney)

> Janet Fergen (Brookings)
>
> Missy Stuart (Laramie)
>
> **Lori Dimmer (Fargo)**

**Area Office Advisory Members Participating:**

Larry Chandler (sat-in for about 30 minutes)

> Mickey McGuire (sat-in for about 30 minutes)

Heather Grossel

Barbara King

Garnet Francesca

**2. Summer Newsletter Update: Theresa Pitts-Singer**

> Theresa provided a summary of the next VOICES, which also served as a
> reminder to those who are contributing to the writing and to finding
> people to interview for the \"old-timer\" article by JoAnne and
> Theresa. 
>
>  
>
> Theme: The NPA Work Environment
>
> Length: 1000 words per article
>
> Article due date: June 15, send articles to Beth and Barbara
>
>  Articles:

-   "Why the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center is a Great Place to Work"
    by Eduardo Casas  

-   "Long-Time Employees' Views and Thoughts of the Changing/Changed
    Work Environment" by Theresa Pitts-Singer and JoAnne Gresens. Task
    Force members were asked to talk with individuals at their locations
    about their interest in possibly being interviewed, and to send
    names and contact information to JoAnne and Theresa.

-   "Awareness of EAP" by Missy Stuart

-   "Minority\'s Perspective of the Workplace" by Eduardo Casas

-   "100th Year Celebration in Akron Report" by Francisco Calderon

-   "Federal Heritage/Diversity Day" by Barbara King

-   "Diversity Awareness Workshop" by Beth Redlin

-   Follow-up to Generations Article in last issue: Barbara King

>  
>
> On-going items:

-   Crystal Ball Corner: Gautam Sarath

-   Did you know\...and Where in the NPA is\...? Send suggestions
    (photographs, descriptions, etc.) to Beth, Barbara and Theresa

3.  **Employee Survey Update: Chuck Andre & Barbara King**

-   The survey will be accessed via a URL provided in an email from Dr.
    Blackburn.

    a.  The survey will be anonymous.

    b.  No log-in will be required.

    c.  The survey must be completed in one sitting.

    d.  The email will state that the survey is only for permanent
        federal employees. In case someone other than a permanent
        federal employee takes the survey, one question asks respondents
        to identify their status (permanent federal, permanent
        non-federal, or temporary).

-   Task Force members will receive the URL by April 27 and they will be
    asked to take the survey and provide feedback to Barbara. If there
    are major revisions, the Task Force will be given another draft for
    review.

-   Depending on the extent of revisions, the survey will hopefully be
    released to the entire Area no later than the end of May.

-   The software, Select Survey, was purchased by the Area, and will be
    available for use by Locations (contact Chuck for information).

**4. Roundtable: All (news from each location)**

-   Sidney -- New Construction

-   Manhattan -- New Center Director

-   Lincoln -- Finished Unit Reviews

-   Akron -- 100 year Celebration

-   Logan -- Finished Unit Review and New RL Review

-   Fort Collins -- Finishing email migrations, completions in June

-   Fort Collins -- Larimer County Federal Heritage Festival held April
    11, about 280 people registered for the day-long event (workshops,
    opening and closing sessions, entertainment, lunch, silent auction).
    The NPA EEO/CR web page has a listing for Women's History Month; May
    is Asian History.

-   Miles City -- Safety, RL, LAO vacancies. 500 kids for school tours

-   Grand Forks -- Native American Interviews; 5 locations -- 11
    students

-   Fort Collins -- 215 project plan -- great writing

**5. Meeting adjourned at 2:10.**

**6. Next Conference Call: July 24, 2007, 1:00 pm MDT.**