David's Corner

Value #6: We seek efficiency in all operations and use of technology By guest writer: LCSNW IT Director Eric Ryan Automatically headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers and adaptive cruise control are just a few of the notable operational innovations developed by car manufacturers over the past 10 years. They highlight the regular, repeatable actions that have been automated to provide a more efficient, enjoyable experience for the driver. Blind-spot indicator, side-impact airbag, and automatic braking assist represent safety and security innovations these same manufacturers have developed during this same time period. Rather than providing efficiency, these improvements enhance the security you feel while operating a vehicle. These are the kinds of streamlined, technology-enabled efficiencies I think of when I think of Value #6. Imagine if our computers knew us and knew what we have to do in our daily work. Imagine being able to securely use one set of login credentials across all y...

It's official!!! June 19 is a national holiday.  I was so excited that it was a bipartisan effort. I am announcing that Juneteenth will become a LCSNW holiday in 2022. It is a little too late to enact it this year with many clients schedule for Friday. However, remember that many of you have a couple of floating holidays. Juneteenth falls on a Saturday this year and I hope you can find some time to learn more about this important day. As an organization that believes in equal justice, Juneteenth seems a good time to reflect on the work we do at LCSNW every day, the work that still needs to be done, and the world we want. As an organization that also understands that learning is an ongoing process, please take some time to learn more about Juneteenth. I have included two links below; more sources can be found online or at your local library. In my own ignorance of this important day, I found these helpful. Please let me know if you have any other resources. This is Why Juneteenth Is...

Value #5: We work together to create a safe, nurturing, supportive work environment I see a lot of our commitment to DEI in this value. A diverse and inclusive workplace brings together different perspectives and ideas and creates an environment where all voices are welcome, heard and respected. To be clear, "safe" is not the same as "comfortable," at least not all of the time. We want to create a safe space for hard conversations--much like we do when we counsel clients. Safety is the sense that you won't be embarrassed, shamed or punished for your opinions or ideas. For safety to live in our agency, everyone must be willing to speak honestly, tolerate some discomfort, and be willing to stay in or come back to the conversation to ultimately resolve issues.  And like DEI, creating a safe, nurturing, supportive work environment is always evolving. We have to continue learning and evolving. The way we get better at living this value is by encouraging openness, wel...

Value #4: We adhere to a strength-based philosophy that recognizes and builds on the assets of individuals, families, and communities I like this value. Maybe it could be worded better but I like that it speaks to what we do and how we do it: Every day, we try to find solutions for individually specific life challenges of people living in varied vulnerable life situations. How? We look at the unique strengths of each person, not their weaknesses. It's a choice. We could focus on problems or strengths. We choose strengths. I'm curious to hear from you about how you bring this value to your team. How do you keep a positive approach when the work hours get long or you're dealing with an everyday problem-oriented process--because we could all very easily narrow into negativity. I encourage us all tot ake a strength-based approach with ourselves and each other too. As we tell our clients, our strength is what sets us up for a positive life full of possibilities. We all have a un...

Value #3: We strive for innovation, finding creative and beneficial solutions   The need for health, justice and hope is an urgent problem that requires creativity  and innovation  to solve. And they go hand in hand: creativity provides a fresh new idea (...solution, process, or program) and innovation is the practical implementation of that creativity. Together, they can lead to significant positive change. The trick of living this value is choosing the right ideas, developing the right processes, and creating the right programs that will create the change we want tos ee. We have the privilege of innovating with a diverse workforce and clients. That brings added complexity but if we do it right, better more inclusive service to the community. A good example is Telehealth, which was a creative idea that we rolled out quickly last year and that allowed us to continue safely serving people despite restrictions on contact and travel. However, not everyone has the same resour...

Value #2:  We leverage our shared expertise as a diverse and culturally competent community Across our agency, I think we're experts at listening, learning, counseling, problem-solving, collaborating, relating to others, advocating, negotiating, and compassion. The people who need our expertise are diverse and we have a responsibility to understand them, including the different abilities and interests, challenges and opportunities that are part of their lives. It's also important that our employees are diverse and representative of the people we serve and our recently expanded DEI Council will help us continue to build on our inclusive culture. How are we living our value to be "culturally competent?" More than just being aware of, or sensitive to cultural differences, I believe culturally competent people are doers--they create programs and materials that best serve the various cultures represented in their communities. When I think about our culturally competent emp...

Our Value #1: We are driven by a clear sense of purpose and mission rooted in traditions of servanthood and social justice. It shouldn't be surprising that "mission" is mentioned in our first value since we value that shared sense of why we exist and what we do: To partner with individuals, families and communities for health, justice and hope. LCSNW has a strong history--100 years--of social responsibility. We have always cared about the welfare of people. Our mission motivates us. It also serves as a kind of "glue" in our agency, meaning we hire people--and people stick with us--who have a servant heart and love the work we do. There is an African proverb that says, "When you pray, move your feet." the employees who really live our value of being " driven by a clear sense of purpose and mission.. " put proverbial feet to it. They take personal responsibility in seeing our mission fulfilled. They're high performers. They want to have a b...