DC Office of Human Rights Newsletter | Volume XXVI | September 2020
Transgender and Nonbinary Employment Survey is Live
Do you identify as trans or nonbinary and work in the District? We would like to hear from you!

OHR launched our #TransRespect survey this month. Your voice is vital to creating more inclusive workplaces in the District. If you take this quick, 15-minute survey, you will get a prepaid e-card that you can use at your choice of national or local brands.

The goal of this project is to understand job-seeking barriers, employment experiences and workplace harassment faced by the transgender and nonbinary community that live and work or are seeking work in the District. The data from this survey will be included in a subsequent research report published by OHR examining the employment landscape for this community prior to the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. 

The survey opened Wednesday, September 2 and will close on Friday, October 9, 2020 at 11:59 pm (EST). Eligible survey respondents must identify as trans or nonbinary and fulfill one or both of the following criteria:
  • Currently resides in the District of Columbia; or
  • Has recent work experience, sought and/or applied for employment in the District of Columbia in the last five (5) years (prior to March 1, 2020). 
This Month's Spotlights
September is African Heritage Month! Make sure to visit the Mayor's Office of African Affairs social media pages (@MOAA_DC) to learn how you can join the celebration. Read the MOAA Director Kaba's note below for additional details on events and activities for African Heritage Month 2020.
Trait of the Month: Matriculation
This protected trait makes it illegal to discriminate against someone based on being enrolled in a college, university or some type of secondary school. For more information or to file a complaint, visit our website; ohr.dc.gov.
Back to School Resources: Bullying Prevention
School is in session in the District of Columbia. With most of our schools starting the year virtually through Term 1, we wanted to share some helpful information about the city's Youth Bullying Prevention Program (YBPP) housed within OHR. The Bullying Prevention Program aims to reduce incidents of bullying across the District by emphasizing prevention and proper procedures for responding when incidents occur. The program works with youth-serving government agencies, District schools and youth-serving government grantees to ensure bullying prevention policies are adopted and implemented in ways consistent with best practices.


Helpful resources:
Get Civic and Become a Poll Worker
The DC Board of Elections is currently accepting applications for Election Day Workers for the 2020 Elections this November. We encourage interested workers to register to vote in the District before submitting their Election Day Worker applications. Election Day Worker training will begin in September 2020.

If you have questions please call (202) 741-5283 or email [email protected]. 
Guest Director's Note
Greetings, 
 
My name is Aly Kaba. I am the director of the Mayor's Office on African Affairs here in Washington, DC. Our office is charged with ensuring that the District's African immigrants have greater awareness, access, and civic engagement in D.C. government programs and services for their economic and social development.
 
As the cradle of civilization, Africa's cultural influence spans the globe. D.C. is no exception. The city has a vibrant and thriving African community from all over the continent. This is one of the reasons I was drawn to the city.
 
One of the unique aspects of Washington, D.C. is its rich mix of people. I am a proud Mandinka and love seeing so many Africans here in the District. While there is such diversity among different groups, shared values of courtesy, respect, and integrity bring people together. 
 
Due to the public health emergency, this year, we will have to celebrate African Heritage Month a little differently than we would under normal circumstances. Instead of in-person events, we will be hosting a virtual African dance class and highlighting a DC-based African restaurant every Friday this month. Please follow us on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook) to stay up to date on all things #AfricanHeritageMonthDC. 
 
Happy African Heritage Month, DC!
Aly Kaba, Director of the Mayor's Office on African Affairs
DC Office of Human Rights | 202.727.4559 | ohr.dc.gov