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[the1younevernoticed]

Federal workforce email series (VA social worker):

I am editing some things down. I will be sharing non-political facts and personal concerns as they relate to me on a personal level through my job. My opinions and beliefs do not represent the VA, the government, or any political party. These posts are to encourage transparency for all.

DEFENDING WOMEN FROM GENDER IDEOLOGY EXTREMEISM

Sent: Friday, January 31, 2025 9:47 AM

To: VA All Mailboxes

Subject: MESSAGE FROM THE ACTING SECRETARY

MESSAGE FROM THE ACTING SECRETARY

DEFENDING WOMEN FROM GENDER IDEOLOGY EXTREMEISM

Fellow VA Employees,

I am writing regarding President Trump’s Executive Order (EO) entitled Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.

VA’s leadership team has received guidance from the Office of Personnel Management and is working to execute the EO fully, faithfully, and thoughtfully.

The complete implementation timeline for the EO is 120 days, and during this time we ask all VA employees to take no action until specifically directed through subsequent guidance, which will be issued by the Office of the Secretary.

Thank you.

Todd B. Hunter

Acting

I have to be honest. This one . . . got me.

I have blacked out the VISN (region for my VA) in this to protect myself and other staff members.

As stated, I am a social worker. I follow a code of ethics for my clinical practice. This includes service to those in need, social justice, and dignity and worth of the person.

Gender identity is such a crucial part of people’s ability to feel whole and healthy. We have made leaps and bounds in the mental health field to learn about people, how to help them, and respect them.

We have veterans who identify as trans, non-binary, and cis gendered in our service, and as patient facing professionals it falls to us to treat them holistically.

My team has been concerned, once again, if we will be ordered to not perform our social work practice as our code of ethics expects of us. And how this could affect our patients.

Time will tell what changes are expected from us.

On a personal note, the title of this order seems . . . . . . As a woman, I have never felt a need to be “defended” from any gender discussions or ideas. I feel confident in my ability to review many different ideals and come to my own conclusions. I myself am not trans, and I do not feel any sway from anyone I know as trans for me to “become so”. My sexual identity is just for me to decide, just as my non-sexual identity is.

Disclaimer: this post is for educational purposes and is in no way supporting any particular political party and is not meant to incite any political activity

[the1younevernoticed]

Jsyk Reddit has a r/fednews if you're wanting to talk to other people in federal jobs who are dealing with the bullshit.

Thanks. It’s a tightrope to be able to discuss this without triggering the Hatch Act.

[the1younevernoticed]

Federal worker email series continued (VA social work):

I am editing some things down. I will be sharing non-political facts and personal concerns as they relate to me on a personal level through my job. My opinions and beliefs do not represent the VA, the government, or any political party. These posts are to encourage transparency for all.

FAQ Fork in the Road:

From: HR <[email protected]>

Sent: Thursday, January 30, 2025 10:02 PM

Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fork in the Road FAQs

Importance: High

We have received a number of questions regarding the deferred resignation program. Below are our top FAQs:

Q:

Am I expected to work at my government job during the deferred resignation period?

A:

No.

Q:

Am I allowed to get a second job during the deferred resignation period?

A:

Absolutely! We encourage you to find a job in the private sector as soon as you would like to do so. The way to greater American prosperity is encouraging people to move from lower productivity jobs in the public sector to higher productivity jobs in the private sector.

Q:

Will I really get my full pay and benefits during the entire period through September 30, even if I get a second job?

A:

Yes. You will also accrue further personal leave days, vacation days, etc. and be paid out for unused leave at your final resignation date.

Q:

Can I take an extended vacation while on administrative leave?

A:

You are most welcome stay at home and relax or to travel to your dream destination. Whatever you would like.

Reminder that the deferred resignation program is available until Thursday, February 6.

Additional FAQ’s and instructions on accepting deferred resignation can be found on the OPM website by navigating to “Fork” from the top menu.

A doozy. Though this appears to be sent with the idea to ease tensions and reassure those on the fence, my team still had a meeting over it with skepticism and nervousness.

Again, how tempting would it be to finally be able to be debt free? If true I could open my private practice. Help people. Help my finance. Pay off my debt.

But trust is earned, and mine has not been.

Articles warn us about legality of such a program. And working in a federal position, if something can be taken away, it will. We are all struggling in this economy. Sweet promises off the backs of taxpayers through a system that was never green-lit? Come on.

This offer is through an official federal email chain. Our government. The idea that this can be pushed through official government channels should make us all nervous.

We can see they are throwing all they can to see what can stick. And as a social worker AND a federal employee, I’m scared to see what will.

If any other federal employees read this, I want to encourage you to take your time. Look at the cons they aren’t putting in these emails. They’ve stated they wanted to get us to resign and quit, and the protections of our unions and jobs make it hard for us to fire. I understand the appeal in leaving. Staying right now is so hard, I think all of our mental health is suffering. But they can’t force you to leave.

If you’re like me, remember what good you do for citizens every day. They are why I show to work.

If you do take the offer, I hope they do follow through on these shaky promises, and you do some good with the time and money awarded to you.

But please don’t go in blind.

Disclaimer: this post is for educational purposes and is in no way supporting any particular political party and is not meant to incite any political activity

[the1younevernoticed]

Federal worker email series continued (VA social work):

I am editing some things down. I will be sharing non-political facts and personal concerns as they relate to me on a personal level through my job. My opinions and beliefs do not represent the VA, the government, or any political party. These posts are to encourage transparency for all.

The Fork in the Road email.

I know most everyone has seen the email for federal workers titled The Fork in the Road. I’ll post the full email we received here:

1)

Return to Office: The substantial majority of federal employees who have been working remotely since Covid will be required to return to their physical offices five days a week. Going forward, we also expect our physical offices to undergo meaningful consolidation and divestitures, potentially resulting in physical office relocations for a number of federal workers.

2)

Performance culture: The federal workforce should be comprised of the best America has to offer. We will insist on excellence at every level — our performance standards will be updated to reward and promote those that exceed expectations and address in a fair and open way those who do not meet the high standards which the taxpayers of this country have a right to demand.

3)

More streamlined and flexible workforce: While a few agencies and even branches of the military are likely to see increases in the size of their workforce, the majority of federal agencies are likely to be downsized through restructurings, realignments, and reductions in force. These actions are likely to include the use of furloughs and the reclassification to at-will status for a substantial number of federal employees.

4)

Enhanced standards of conduct: The federal workforce should be comprised of employees who are reliable, loyal, trustworthy, and who strive for excellence in their daily work. Employees will be subject to enhanced standards of suitability and conduct as we move forward. Employees who engage in unlawful behavior or other misconduct will be prioritized for appropriate investigation and discipline, including termination.

Each of the pillars outlined above will be pursued in accordance with applicable law, consistent with your agency's policies, and to the extent permitted under relevant collective-bargaining agreements.

If you choose to remain in your current position, we thank you for your renewed focus on serving the American people to the best of your abilities and look forward to working together as part of an improved federal workforce. At this time, we cannot give you full assurance regarding the certainty of your position or agency but should your position be eliminated you will be treated with dignity and will be afforded the protections in place for such positions.

If you choose not to continue in your current role in the federal workforce, we thank you for your service to your country and you will be provided with a dignified, fair departure from the federal government utilizing a deferred resignation program. This program begins effective January 28 and is available to all federal employees until February 6. If you resign under this program, you will retain all pay and benefits regardless of your daily workload and will be exempted from all applicable in-person work requirements until September 30, 2025 (or earlier if you choose to accelerate your resignation for any reason). The details of this separation plan can be found below.

Whichever path you choose, we thank you for your service to The United States of America.

*********************************************************************

Upon review of the below deferred resignation letter, if you wish to resign:

1)

Select “Reply” to this email. You must reply from your government account. A reply from an account other than your government account will not be accepted.

2)

Type the word “Resign” into the body of this reply email. Hit “Send”.

THE LAST DAY TO ACCEPT THE DEFERRED RESIGNATION PROGRAM IS FEBRUARY 6, 2025.

Deferred resignation is available to all full-time federal employees except for military personnel of the armed forces, employees of the U.S. Postal Service, those in positions related to immigration enforcement and national security, and those in any other positions specifically excluded by your employing agency.

DEFERRED RESIGNATION LETTER

January 28, 2025

Please accept this letter as my formal resignation from employment with my employing agency, effective September 30, 2025. I understand that I have the right to accelerate, but not extend, my resignation date if I wish to take advantage of the deferred resignation program. I also understand that if I am (or become) eligible for early or normal retirement before my resignation date, that I retain the right to elect early or normal retirement (once eligible) at any point prior to my resignation date.

Given my impending resignation, I understand I will be exempt from any “Return to Office” requirements pursuant to recent directives and that I will maintain my current compensation and retain all existing benefits (including but not limited to retirement accruals) until my final resignation date.

I am certain of my decision to resign and my choice to resign is fully voluntary. I understand my employing agency will likely make adjustments in response to my resignation including moving, eliminating, consolidating, reassigning my position and tasks, reducing my official duties, and/or placing me on paid administrative leave until my resignation date.

I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition during my remaining time at my employing agency. Accordingly, I will assist my employing agency with completing reasonable and customary tasks and processes to facilitate my departure.

I understand that my acceptance of this offer will be sent to the Office of Personnel Management (“OPM”) which will then share it with my agency employer. I hereby consent to OPM receiving, reviewing, and forwarding my acceptance.

*********************************************************************

Upon submission of your resignation, you will receive a confirmation email acknowledging receipt of your email. Any replies to this email shall be for the exclusive use of accepting the deferred resignation letter. Any other replies to this email will not be reviewed, forwarded, or retained other than as required by applicable federal records laws.

Once your resignation is validly sent and received, the human resources department of your employing agency will contact you to complete additional documentation, if any.

OPM is authorized to send this email under Executive Order 9830 and 5 U.S.C. §§ 301, 1103, 1104, 2951, 3301, 6504, 8347, and 8461. OPM intends to use your response to assist in federal workforce reorganization efforts in conjunction with employing agencies. See 88 Fed. Reg. 56058; 80 Fed. Reg. 72455 (listing routine uses). Response to this email is voluntary. Although you must respond to take advantage of the deferred resignation offer, there is no penalty for nonresponse.

To see this from an official federal service is so damn jarring. And it gives us hints on how this will likely play out.

This new email was sent in waves directly to federal front line staff. We were informing our supervisors of the email before they ever received it. There were panicked messages in our online chats to see if this was real. Especially with the passage about our jobs not being guaranteed.

I admit, with the mental exhaustion they have put us through, and the promise to be paid through September, I was tempted at first read.

I fantasized about opening up a private practice with the money, and setting myself and my fiancé up to finally try and be debt free. It would be a hell of a boon. One desperately needed.

But I didn’t trust it. It was too vague.

So I did some more searching. And like many others I found the Twitter “Fork in the Road” email from when Elon took over Twitter a few years back.

We know from Elon’s previous “Fork” email plan that he did not keep promises

These employees had promised pay broken and in times such as these, with rising costs, most Americans can’t afford to miss a single paycheck.

There are no guarantees for federal employees to be treated any better.

There have been talks of pay caps, of employees being forced to work through September even if they choose this option, and worst of all, not being paid at all.

With those in the government reminding citizens that congress controls funding, and that there is no budget for this, we are all sitting with what feels like uncertainty manifested as a weight on our collective shoulders.

We have no way to know if we will lose coworkers to this. And it takes an average of 6+ months to onboard someone into federal service (yes literally. I took 6 months from my FJO “final job offer letter” to get into my position). And that doesn’t account for all the hiring freezes. And work never stops. We will just shoulder any works that comes in and try to make sure our patients are still getting helped.

Cheesy as it sounds, as I stated before, this is really weighing on the mental health of the staff around me. As well as myself. I can feel the fear and uncertainty in the air. All we can do is keep working. And it doesn’t feel right

Disclaimer: this post is for educational purposes and is in no way supporting any particular political party and is not meant to incite any political activity

[the1younevernoticed]

Keeping up momentum.

I am editing some things down. I will be sharing non-political facts and personal concerns as they relate to me on a personal level through my job. My opinions and beliefs do not represent the VA, the government, or any political party. These posts are to encourage transparency for all.

I’ll continue to show the exact emails we have been getting in federal service (VA social worker)

The next email to come through:

MESSAGE FROM THE ACTING SECRETARY

To increase the efficiency and accountability of our workforce, I intend to ensure the Department of Veterans Affairs is in full compliance with President Trump’s January 20, 2025, memorandum, Return to In-Person Work, which states:

Heads of all departments and agencies in the executive branch of Government shall, as soon as practicable, take all necessary steps to terminate remote work arrangements and require employees to return to work in-person at their respective duty stations on a full-time basis, provided that the department and agency heads shall make exemptions they deem necessary.

This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law.

To take these steps, I will provide more detailed guidance for managers and supervisors in the coming days, including on exemptions.

I appreciate your support in this effort and your continuing focus on service to Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.

Todd B. Hunter

Acting

This one may take some background to explain why those in my department and team reacted so negatively to it.

For those that have been watching and reading the news, it’s not a surprise that a mandate to go full time in office is would come through. Elon and those in the DOGE said they would.

I cannot speak personally to the narrative of other sections of the federal workforce. I haven’t worked in those. We have heard, just like they mention in the news, that other systems have empty buildings sitting around with everyone working fully remote. That is not the case for the VA.

I am hybrid remote. My agreement is “AD HOC”, or “as needed” for remote work. My whole team is. My job requires me to work directly in the primary care clinics at the VA for various psychosocial problems veterans could be facing. I work directly with the primary care providers and RNs. And a chronic issue has always been space.

In my position I do not have the recommended space to do my position. We do not have enough desks for our staff to be on site and we do not have the “consult” rooms (where we can meet veterans for walk ins) for our service either. Other discipline, such as nutritionists, mental health providers, pharmacists, and others, are all taking turns for the limited rooms and space we are allowed to take. I often see my veterans in rooms I beg for from RNs and PCPs, even though veterans are uncomfortable meeting me in an exam room, I try to make it work.

Working remotely is the only way we get our work done. I can make calls one after the other in my home office in ways that don’t put HIPAA and privacy at risk, and I don’t have to worry about taking turns with several other workers (for calls that can last 30+ minutes at times).

Forcing us back into the office would do exactly what Elon and his colleagues predicted: we would quit. It is not because we are not adaptable and “hate to be inconvenienced”. It’s because we physically couldn’t do our jobs effectively.

Our team is already doing more than double the work (more like x4 for some) recommended in our handbook. We are fighting to make sure that any and all requests for our veterans can be done within a 7 day timeline. But this would be the straw for many of us.

The solution for us to be in office full time would be to give us the space to do so. But this is not feasible. Getting new spaces approved takes (literal) years. I wish I was joking. And we also do not have the budget for it, as we have been told time and time again.

My discipline is important, but any additional space to see patients in person would HAVE to go to RNs and PCPs and specialties. I want it to.

Remote work is not laziness. Studies show how productive people can be when in an environment without distractions of the office. I know I personally get much more work done when I’m home and able to set up my focus.

This mandate shook our whole service. Even as I write this, we still have not been mandated to return to office, as it’s logistically not possible. We receive daily updates telling us that “more news will be coming soon”.

I hope it’s good news

Disclaimer: this post is for educational purposes and is in no way supporting any particular political party and is not meant to incite any political activity

[the1younevernoticed]

Picking up where my last post left off.

I am editing some things down. I will be sharing non-political facts and personal concerns as they relate to me on a personal level through my job. My opinions and beliefs do not represent the VA, the government, or any political party. These posts are to encourage transparency for all.

More emails started to come through.

The next emails we got were strange. As federal employees we are held to federal level of safety and HIPAA compliance. So we often see phishing scams and tests in our emails to test for security vulnerabilities.

They looked like this:

1/24/2025

The lack of information or notice on this was strange. We had service wide morning meetings about if this was a scam. People were hesitant about responding. I personally chose not to. I’ve lived long enough on the internet to know that no action is better than hasty responses.

We were tentatively reassured by our leadership that the emails were “legit”. I still chose not to respond. None of it felt right.

We had a meeting with our team about the previous email. About how divisive the wording was. How scary it felt to be told we could face consequences for not “reporting” on each other. But again. Our supervisors are held to the Hatch Act. They couldn’t say anything except they they know that “some of our staff may be having strong feelings and they’re here for us”.

I feel bad for my coworkers. We’re sitting on the rockiest foundation and still trying to show up daily to help others.

As silly as it seems to be stressed over some emails, they feel like much bigger omens to things we are unable to prevent.

Us leaving is what they want, but staying is hurting myself and the team around me.

I saw the post on Reddit when I looked up OPM (who apparently sent the email). It only solidified my suspicions that something in these emails wasn’t right.

Disclaimer: this post is for educational purposes and is in no way supporting any particular political party and is not meant to incite any political activity

[the1younevernoticed]

I work in the government. At the VA as a social worker. I want to document what I have seen so I’m not gaslit into thinking it isn’t as crazy as it clearly is right now.

I am editing some things down. I will be sharing non-political facts and personal concerns as they relate to me on a personal level through my job. My opinions and beliefs do not represent the VA, the government, or any political party. These posts are to encourage transparency for all.

This may be a long one.

It started with an email. And then continued with many more.

First email:

1/22/2025

MESSAGE FROM THE ACTING SECRETARY

We are taking steps to close all agency diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) offices and end all DEIA-related contracts in accordance with President Trump’s executive orders titled Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing and Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions.

These programs divided Americans by race, wasted taxpayer dollars, and resulted in shameful discrimination.

We are aware of efforts by some in government to disguise these programs by using coded or imprecise language. If you are aware of a change in any contract description or personnel position description since November 5, 2024, to obscure the connection between the contract and DEIA or similar ideologies, please report all facts and circumstances to [email protected] within 10 days.

There will be no adverse consequences for timely reporting this information. However, failure to report this information within 10 days may result in adverse consequences.

In addition to the above, all personnel are directed to withdraw any final or pending documents, directives, orders, materials, and equity plans issued by the agency in response to now-repealed Executive Order 14035, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) in the Federal Workforce (June 25, 2021). These actions must be taken immediately, but no later than January 31, 2025.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Todd B. Hunter

Acting Secretary

This is an OFFICIAL email to federal employees. The language was shocking to our whole team. We are social workers. We work in kindness and helpfulness and we have been told there would be consequences if we do not report our coworkers.

There were messages between coworkers in fear of what this meant. If this would mean we couldn’t do our jobs.

Our morning meeting was cryptic and fearful. As federal employees, there are rules in place that extend beyond “appropriate language” that the community has. We are not allowed to discuss politics, express opinions on any party or figure or ruling, or protest of any kind. It’s called the Hatch Act 1939.

So we all sat there. All 30 of us. Unsure what could be said. We could see the smiles on one or two of those on the team that had spewed hate in the past, but at large we were all in shock.

I moved to the VA from hospice. I saw veterans dying and wanted to be part of the system to help them pass peacefully. Even though I am not pro-military, I am pro-senior care. And the VA is one of the few free systems that can actually help. I feel like I can actually help.

But god is it hard to work here right now. There is no shame in being conservative or liberal in beliefs. It’s a valid point. But the system I personally work in is suffering with this administration change right now.

This VA system is a socialist system that veterans can come to make up for the gaps in services that those in the community can’t escape. I have veterans coming to me concerned for their services. I can only offer hope to them. I’m frustrated daily now with the emails coming through.

I moved to the VA because, as a social worker, the community was so limited on options that I would feel depressed daily on what I couldn’t help with. Now I feel like I losing my mind even more. I think of quitting daily, but I want to stay and help if I can.

Our government has so much power and capacity for good. I want to be a part of that.

I’ll post more emails as well.

Be safe everyone

Disclaimer: this post is for educational purposes and is in no way supporting any particular political party and is not meant to incite any political activity

[the1younevernoticed]

And if I asked you to name all the things that you love, how long would it take for you to name yourself?

Unknown

[the1younevernoticed]

Writers are desperate people, and when they stop being desperate, they stop being writers

Charles Bukowski 

[the1younevernoticed]

They've promised that dreams can come true, but forgot to mention that nightmares are dreams, too.

Oscar Wilde

[the1younevernoticed]

My God," he gasped, "you're fun to kiss.

F. Scott Fitzgerald

[the1younevernoticed]

What if all women were bigger and stronger than you? And thought they were smarter? What if women were the ones who started wars? What if too many of your friends had been raped by women wielding giant dildos and no K-Y Jelly? What if the state trooper who pulled you over on the New Jersey Turnpike was a woman and carried a gun? What if the ability to menstruate was the prerequisite for most high-paying jobs? What if your attractiveness to women depended on the size of your penis? What if every time women saw you they'd hoot and make jerking motions with their hands? What if women were always making jokes about how ugly penises are and how bad sperm tastes? What if you had to explain what's wrong with your car to big sweaty women with greasy hands who stared at your crotch in a garage where you are surrounded by posters of naked men with hard-ons? What if men's magazines featured cover photos of 14-year-old boys with socks tucked into the front of their jeans and articles like: "How to tell if your wife is unfaithful" or "what your doctor won't tell you about your prostate" or "The truth about impotence"? What if the doctor who examined your prostate was a woman and called you "Honey"? What if you had to inhale your boss' stale cigar breath as she insisted that sleeping with her was part of the job? What if you couldn't get away because the company dress code required you to wear shoes designed to keep you from running? And what if after all that women still wanted you to love them?

For the Men Who Still Don’t Get It, Carol Diehl

What’s more terrifying than that reality is that more than half of the population is living a version of it every day already. 

And that we roll our eyes at it. 

[the1younevernoticed]

A lot of parents will do anything for their kids except let them be themselves.

Banksy

[the1younevernoticed]

Though we have the courage to raise our daughters more like our sons, we've rarely had the courage to raise our sons like our daughters.

Gloria Steinem

[the1younevernoticed]

The truly creative mind in any field is no more than this: A human creature born abnormally, inhumanly sensitive. To him, a touch is a blow, a sound is a noise, a misfortune is a tragedy, a joy is an ecstasy, a friend is a lover, a lover is a god, and failure is death.

Pearl S. Buck