Debbie Slocum Named Dignity and Respect Champion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Melissa Marullo

412.969.2530

mam@judith-kelly.com

Debbie Slocum Recognized as Dignity and Respect Champion for

Embracing the Philosophy of the D&R Campaign

Personnel Analyst at Allegheny County Department of Human Services

Advances Inclusion in Her Daily Work and Life

(PITTSBURGH, PA) August 18, 2011– Debbie Slocum spends a lot of quality time with people who work at the Department of Human Services. With each encounter, she is consistent in doing the little things to show them respect.

“We do not make a big noise [about our Dignity & Respect Campaign], and maybe that’s a good thing. It is one person at a time. One more person saying thank you today than yesterday,” Debbie said.

Nominated by Brendan Hanschen, Debbie was selected as the August Dignity & Respect Champion for promoting dignity and respect in her everyday life, as well as at her job at the Allegheny County Department of Human Services.

“Debbie seizes every opportunity to include dignified and respectful treatment of her colleagues. She has been the driving force of the Dignity & Respect campaign in the Department of Human Services, and has truly shown herself to be a champion in every way,” Brendan said.

Debbie is a resident of Penn Hills and has been working at the Allegheny County Department of Human Services for almost six years as a personnel analyst, a job she continues to find rewarding.

“I get to know what people’s concerns are, what their job is, and what they need. I try to find out how I can help them, and give them what I have to offer. When someone leaves having enjoyed my class, I am rewarded.”

Debbie thinks that it is important to treat each other with respect because it would make everyone feel appreciated and recognized, and brings the community together.

“We are all so much alike, but we just dwell on our differences. I think we’ve become isolated, and it is time to do something to bring back a sense of community. We are all going through stress and we all have problems, but if we can just say hello in the elevator, or smile, we might just make someone’s day better,” Debbie said.

The Dignity & Respect Campaign is an awareness campaign designed to join individuals, community leaders, community organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and corporations under the common notion that everyone deserves dignity and respect.

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