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Five Steps to Creating a Culture of Data Literacy in Your Organization

Five Steps to Creating a Culture of Data Literacy in Your Organization

Data literacy has become a core capability for Government agencies seeking to improve informed decision-making, accountability, and public trust. As agencies manage increasingly complex programs and growing volumes of data, empowering staff at all levels to understand and use data is essential to mission success. Building a culture of data literacy calls for intentional investments in access, skills, governance, and incentives. These five steps outline practical, proven ways agencies can strengthen data literacy and embed data-driven practices across their workforce.

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Maribel Fernandez
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Map Your Community's Hidden Resources Before a Disaster Strikes

Map Your Community's Hidden Resources Before a Disaster Strikes

Every neighborhood has untapped skills and resources that become critical during an emergency. Consider the street you live on. Do you know which of your neighbors has medical expertise? If someone owns a generator? Or if anyone can operate a ham radio? Having this information will help your community respond more effectively during the first hours of a disaster, when emergency services are often stretched thin and may not reach everyone immediately.

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Clare Casper
Building Trust in Government through Accessible Information for the Public

Building Trust in Government through Accessible Information for the Public

More than one in four Americans have a disability according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Federal compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 increases the reach of Government by making Federal programs and resources accessible to all. To achieve 508 compliance, digital products must adhere to industry-wide standards for color contrast, alternate text, and PDF tags. 508 compliance is about more than just adhering to regulations – it gives everyone a fair chance to apply for benefits and stay informed.

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Jackie Lamb
Using AI to Strengthen Local Jurisdictions Against Human Trafficking

Using AI to Strengthen Local Jurisdictions Against Human Trafficking

Combating human trafficking requires sensitivity to the experiences of victims, whose trauma and fear can make identification and cooperation especially challenging. Significant resources and coordination must be managed across jurisdictions for law enforcement agencies and non-profit organizations to detect and investigate these complex crimes. Because of the significant resources and energy required, small and local jurisdictions often lack the capacity to identify, investigate, and prosecute these crimes.

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Maria Ventura
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When Every Moment Counts: How FEMA Works with State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Stakeholders

When Every Moment Counts: How FEMA Works with State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Stakeholders

Disaster management is a complex undertaking, one that requires smooth operation across all levels of the Government. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) works with a network of emergency managers and other stakeholders before, during, and after natural disasters, including state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) Government agencies. Each SLTT agency’s circumstances are unique, including their knowledge base, budget, resources, and relationships with other Government agencies.

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Michael Finnegan
From Checkpoints to Confidence: Building Security Through Public Trust

From Checkpoints to Confidence: Building Security Through Public Trust

Strong border security measures depend on earning the public’s trust and therefore, public cooperation. Recent updates to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) procedures highlight how small adjustments can have significant impact when it comes to building this trust. Changes such as eliminating the need for passengers to remove shoes or laptops under certain conditions not only reduce delays but also demonstrate responsiveness to the concerns of travelers. These shifts improve efficiency while sending a message: Security can adapt to meet both safety requirements and public expectations.

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Connor Fahey
Culture is the Strategy Engine: Empowering Managers to Lead with Data

Culture is the Strategy Engine: Empowering Managers to Lead with Data

Strategy is a set of decisions about what an organization will – and will not – do to achieve its goals. The larger the organization, the more challenging it is to implement a strategy. A clear, well-understood strategy helps focus resources and effort on an organization’s most important priorities. Culture, however, is the key to making strategy happen, especially in large, complex organizations like the Federal Government.

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Lynn Ann Casey
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Picture This: How Information Graphics Tell a Story to Key Stakeholders

Picture This: How Information Graphics Tell a Story to Key Stakeholders

Effective communication is essential for Government program leaders, especially when conveying complex or mission-critical information to stakeholders. While traditional methods like written or spoken updates can fall short, infographics offer a powerful alternative by making data more accessible, memorable, and engaging. By mastering the key principles of infographics in storytelling, leaders can transform stakeholder communication. Using well-crafted infographics not only enhances clarity but also drives stronger project outcomes.

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Christian Duncan
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Taking a Human-centered Approach to Address Challenges at our Border

Taking a Human-centered Approach to Address Challenges at our Border

In today’s global landscape – shaped by increased migration, globalization, and evolving security concerns – agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) must balance national security with the efficient processing of individuals entering the country lawfully. To manage risk and maintain security, CBP can continue to prioritize the needs of travelers who must enter the country quickly by taking a human-centered approach.

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Arc Aspicio
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Enhancing Homeland Security Operations with GenAI

Enhancing Homeland Security Operations with GenAI

Every month, artificial intelligence (AI) increases in both popularity and capability. AI refers to a computer’s ability to perform automated tasks in a manner that mimics human intelligence. In today’s fast-paced environment, AI provides Federal agencies with a solution to reduce time spent on repetitive tasks (e.g., data entry and analysis) to prioritize complex, mission-critical work.

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Jackie Lamb
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