There has been a dramatic change in the past couple of weeks at the placement I am currently working in.  I work at Urban Justice Center specifically the Domestic Violence Project.  Urban Justice is a non-profit law firm who provide legal and advocacy services.  Unfortunately, as a result of budget cuts, the Queens branch of my project had lost its funding and is in jeopardy.  Although it’s a small branch (there are only three of us; 2 attorneys plus myself), it has been disheartening for the whole project.   It seems the director of our project is still trying to fight for the Queens branch trying to keep alive despite what seems to be the inevitable.  

            What I find remarkable in this whole ordeal, however, is the director’s handling of the situation and the employees’ reactions.  The director, Madeline, has been very open and supportive.  Because our project is located in three different boroughs, she mostly contacts everyone through emails.  Since the breakout of the unfortunate news, she has sent out mass emails to inform everyone of the status of what is going on.  This past week she has been trying to set up face-to-face meetings with everyone so they can voice their concerns and ask any questions.  Madeline has also set up casual meetings with “no agenda other than to support each other”.  She understood the limitations of the financial aspects but she is willing to listen to her staff and provide support.

            Being that I work directly with the two attorneys that are in danger of losing their jobs, I have observed their reactions.  Despite knowing that their days at the agency are limited, they are still working hard on the cases.  I can tell that they do not feel bitterness but sadness.  One can tell that they enjoy their work and work environment.  I was very impressed that the director was able to cultivate such a positive environment where workers are comfortable with their setting and have strong bonds with one another. 

            It was surprising to me that the staff members all work in different boroughs because it seems they are very familiar with each other.  I think this has to do with the constant conversation flowing between the staff via email.    They often send mass emails about the latest news on social justice regarding domestic violence and equality to share with one another.  The employees are also always announcing their whereabouts (for example, I’m in court in Brooklyn all day, accessible by phone).  I think another factor that helps with the openness of the agency is the director’s flexible working style—she would allow staff to work from home or to leave early to pick up children from school, etc. 

I think this type of management is commendable and worth emulating.  Madeline takes on the director’s role while trusting her staff to work independently.  She is also caring for her staff; she listens and takes into consideration their suggestions and needs.  As a result, the culture that it cultivates is an open-minded and comfortable environment.  It promotes communication between employees and employer and a sense of belonging for employees within the agency.