Project of the Week: USAID Student Intern Programs – 4 January 2011

USAID (United States Agency for International Development) Most of us on GovLoop are a) employed and b) educated, but we all have children or know children who can benefit from the USAID’s Intern Program. Applications for “paid” programs preclude a security clearance – check with the USAID to determine if the window of opportunity isRead… Read more »

CON 090 Weekly Review: The First Day

Several weeks ago I mentioned I was going into CON 090: Federal Acquisition Regulation Fundamentals at DAU. I just completed my first day. Here are my first impressions: It will be a long, arduous course. (One person with 20+ years experience barely passed it last year). The instructors take the mission of the course veryRead… Read more »

Government and Social Media–Creating Meaningful Experiences

By Leonard Sipes We are witnessing a fundamental shift in how people communicate. There are few times in world history where that happens and we are witnessing major change right now. For centuries, we traded information about concepts, products and beliefs face-to-face. All that changed with social media and the internet (see “When Did WeRead… Read more »

Cory Booker is a Hero, But Could He Have Done More?

Cory Booker (@corybooker), the mayor of Newark, NJ made headlines recently with his heroic efforts to rescue residents from Snowpocalypse one tweet at a time. Whether its delivery diapers, shoveling entryways, or sending snowplows, he stepped out of bureaucracy to come across as a real, caring human being anxious to aid during a time ofRead… Read more »

How can we play our way to better government?

You may or may not have seen game designer Jane McGonigal’s TED talk, which lofts the idea that video games may actually be one of our paths to saving the world. Her argument is based in part on the feeling gamers typically experience–that is, confidence that they can succeed, patience when they don’t, and determinationRead… Read more »

The Most Important New Year’s Resolution You May Ever Make

Get important information on why and how to quit smoking in 2011. In early 2011, CDC published a feature article, eCard, tweets, and other social media in an effort to encourage smokers to make 2011 their year to quit. Materials include details on the adverse health effects of smoking and the benefits of quitting. MaterialsRead… Read more »

Federal Employee Fitness Initiative

I have just been tasked with putting together a physical fitness initiative for my agency. It is a little challenging since our headquarters office does not have a gym or any changing areas other than bathroom facilities. I was thinking of starting a walking/running group after work so employees could head straight home afterward andRead… Read more »