Reaching out for help - whether it is to a friend, Employee Assistance Program, or one of your board members -- is a sign of strength.  We are here for each other, and I hope we are building our community of support.

For FAA and DOT employees, as we are coming to the end of the year, you may have some excess Annual Leave (use or lose), or you may want to help a fellow employee who is in need. Consider donating some leave to other employees.

We have a member who has reached out to me and is in need of donated leave. They are registered and approved to receive leave donations.  In the next few days, I will send an email with the instructions on how to donate leave, and if you would like to donate to this member of our employee association, please contact me directly to get the employee's name to donate. Give a gift of stress relief to our community!  

If you have used your leave and are in need of donated leave, the instructions will be on the website to register and become approved to receive donated leave through the Voluntary Leave Donation program.  Once you are registered, please let me know, and I notify our members there is someone who needs a leave donation.  I will hold your information private and provide your name only if asked by a donor. I do not need to know the reason(s).

Were you recruited into the FAA at a career fair or a job event? I have been working with Human Resources, and the FAA has purchased rainbow stickers and tablecloths with the FAA logo and FAA Job site to better advertise to a diverse audience.  

Fall also brings the preparation for the new Federal Employee Health Benefit season. I will be hosting an event with some of the health insurance companies to discuss selection of health insurance and why it is important to look beyond the simple $$ to the rest of the benefits. I'm also working with Pride in Federal Service to establish a chart to compare LGBTQIA+ health care options.

If you have any questions, please reach out to me! 

James  A. Hatt

FAA Pride President

If any person is experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors -- you can call for help.  PLEASE call or Text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.