The State Worker

PRIDE Day has been around for years, and is a day that's set aside to honor our 9000 employees for all of the hard work they do. The first one was held back in 1998.

The theme of this year's celebration is "Celebrating the Spirit of DMV Employees."

This year's celebration is especially meaningful because as you know, the past 15 months have been tough times for state workers, and Director George Valverde is very mindful that our people have all had to work extremely hard and efficiently to serve our customers with three fewer days each month to do so. There haven't been any huge delays or other productivity meltdowns, and that's due to our DMV employees. Simple as that.

As the old saying goes "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."

The Director is especially proud of the fact that even in really tough economic times, DMV employees have continued to support charitable causes such as: March of Dimes (#1 in donations in state government) the Calif. State Employees Charitable Campaign ($350,000 in 2009); during the 2009 Holiday Campaign DMV donated $5000 in cash and over 3000 pounds of food; the 2009 Foodlink contribution amounted to $15,000; we have an active mentoring program, other various local fundraising efforts, etc. Lots of stuff. Lots of workers take part and give even when it hurts.

So, the entire week of May 10-13 (Friday, 5/14 is a furlough day) has been designated as DMV Spirit Week, with a number of fun events announced for all employees--at no cost to the state, by the way- in all offices statewide.

For example, customers will take note that Monday, 5/10, is "Crazy Hat Day"--self-explanatory ; Tuesday, 5/11, is DMV "Color Day"--employees are encouraged to wear blue and gold (DMV colors) or clothing with DMV logos; Wednesday, 5/12, is "Sports Day"--employees are encouraged to wear clothing with their favorite sports team's logos; at the Sacramento HQ complex during the lunch-hour, there will be a DJ in the plaza (in front of the building at 24th and Broadway) playing favorite songs for employees who want to brown-bag their lunches outside that day.

Also on Wednesday, 5/12, during the 8-9 training hour that takes place in almost all DMV facilities and offices, a short DVD taped by Director Valverde will be played for employees--in which he expresses how much he and the rest of the department's management truly appreciate each and everyone's hard work and initiative during the past year.

On Thurs., May 13, the Sacramento HQ will mark PRIDE DAY, with a special ceremony in the plaza area set for 11:30 a.m.--with speeches from Director Valverde, other management, awards presentations, a Wall of Names, employee appreciation giveaways (prizes donated by local merchants, etc.)

Participation is voluntary, obviously, but we encourage all of our employees to take an hour and celebrate.

And then get back to serving our customers.

Click here to view a larger version of the PRIDE Day flier.