USAGM Watch Commentary

Because of its significance for the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) and the Voice of America (VOA) journalists, USAGM Watch is reposting the text of the Message from the Acting USAGM CEO Kelu Chao: Opportunity to Support the DHS Volunteer Force. An appeal from the agency head to journalists to volunteer for work for a law enforcement entity of the federal government is unprecedented in the agency’s and the Voice of America’s history. Several former VOA reporters, editors and news managers have told USAGM Watch that they are shocked by this appeal addressed, among others, to current Voice of America journalists.

USAGM E-MAIL

From: USAGM House Announcements
Date: July 15, 2022 at 3:55:53 PM EDT
To: All Staff 
Subject: Message from the Acting CEO: Opportunity to Support the DHS Volunteer Force

Colleagues, 

I am excited to share an opportunity for you to serve on a detail with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a member of their Volunteer Force.   

As U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) continues to encounter large numbers of individuals along our Southwest Border, DHS needs your assistance to help ensure our nation has a safe, orderly, and humane immigration system. 

Over the last year, nearly 1,400 personnel — including from USAGM — have answered that call by supporting personnel along the Southwest Border and helping to resettle thousands of vulnerable Afghan nationals.

Once again, there is a need to tap into the federal government’s greatest resource: the skills of our talented and diverse workforce. Today, I ask you to consider stepping forward to support the DHS Volunteer Force. 

The Volunteer Force is seeking any current federal, civilian employees to serve on 60-day reimbursable details along the Southwest Border (note: this is not a promotion opportunity). Specifically, DHS needs volunteers to support two critical areas: 

1.General Support (no special skills needed); and  

2. Data Entry (with Spanish language skills; IT training will be provided).   

If you are interested in volunteering, please speak with your supervisor. If you have any questions, please direct them to […] at HR.

For more information, refer to the attached flyer. 

Thank you for heeding the call to serve over and above your current, dedicated service to the American people and USAGM.   

Thank you, 

Kelu Chao 

Acting Chief Executive Officer 

U.S. Agency for Global Media 

END OF USAGM E-MAIL TO STAFF