Dear Friends and Colleagues:
What we do in our line of work is similar to the airline industry in one obvious regard: a single mistake can mean the difference between life and death. Understanding this fact is critical to ensuring the health and safety of the individuals in our care.
This week, I will be releasing a six-month progress report on the reforms our agency has already undergone. The report also will discuss next steps, including an expansive culture change initiative based on the concept of collective mindfulness.
Collective mindfulness is recognizing the responsibility each of us has to support those around us, identify weaknesses, and work together on our common goal of enriching the lives of people with developmental disabilities.
This workforce has been uniquely involved in the changes we have already made. Your ongoing suggestions, concerns, and willingness to bring deficiencies and best practices to our attention have significantly strengthened the system and will continue to do so.
Now, as we embark on a culture of collective mindfulness, I am seeking your guidance once again.
Naming Our Culture Change Campaign
Over the next two weeks we will be announcing our culture change initiative and, like our anti-abuse I Spoke Out campaign, we need a name—something that speaks to you. I also want to know what values and guiding principles you believe this campaign should be built around.
We will be collecting feedback through Friday, October 21. From the responses received, we will then publicly present four to five choices, and ask that you choose a name and vision for our culture change initiative that best defines our work.
Please respond to this email, or write as a message on our Facebook page with your suggestions. I look forward to seeing your responses.
Please post a copy of this letter where staff who do not have access to email will see it.
Sincerely,
Commissioner Burke