Professional Development Workshop 

3 

Working Styles Lunch and 

Learn 3 

Success ‐ 2010 Planning Meeting 

3 

News You Can Use  5 

Holiday Outreach Success  6 

Celebrating Diversity  7 

2012 Awards Luncheon  9 

2012 Conferences  10 

Inside this issue:

AIM-IRS Houston Chapter Post Office Box 741615 

Houston, Texas  77274‐1615

OUR PURPOSE:

The Association for the Improvement of Minorities in the Internal Revenue Service is an educa‐

tional organization, which serves as a medium to identify and address the career concerns of mi‐

norities.  Its purpose is to educate and develop its members to their fullest career and personal 

potential, and instill in them the highest degree of confidence in their abilities in a manner that is 

free from negative influence and discriminatory policies and practices. 

TO ACHIEVE OUR PURPOSE WE WILL:

Educate and counsel our members as to opportunities for career and personal advancements; 

Foster Equal Employment Opportunity; Provide a self‐help network to further the general welfare 

of our members. Promote local and community‐wide services that assist individuals seeking ca‐

reer and educational support. Cooperate with all governmental agencies and other organizations 

in taking lawful actions to ensure the removal of discriminatory policies and practices.

The Association for the Improvement of Minorities

Volume 3, Issue 4

Farewell Address from Houston Chapter President, Gloria Gibson White

On the web at: www.aimirs‐houston.org

Email us at:

info@aimirs‐houston.org

AIM‐IRS National www.aimirs.org 

 AIM SWR

www.aim‐swr.org 

It’s been an exci ng and fulfilling ride, now it’s me to “turn the page” and start a “new chapter in AIM‐IRS his‐tory book.” So, all that’s le for me is to find a way to say goodbye. Regardless of the language used: farewell, adiós, aloha, au revoir, cheerio, hasta la vista, I can’t leave without expressing my true feelings about my me as your President. It has been my pleasure to serve you as Houston Chapter President for the past 5 years, which has been a remark‐able experience of teamwork, growth and giving. As we end 2011, let’s stop to reflect on all that we have accom‐plished. Before we begin, I pause to congratulate the

2012 administra on led by President‐elect, Jamie Mar n and encourage your full support. I’m sure that the new leadership team will guide the organiza on to new heights using cu ng edge technology and social media, while maintaining teamwork. I will remain connected as an advisor and commi ee chair. My challenge to you is to search within yourself and commit to con nue to use AIM‐IRS to make a deposit in someone else’s life that makes a difference. My par ng gi to you is to share four principles (by D. Miguel Ruiz) that I use to maintain focus and perspec ve through the challenges of AIM‐IRS and life in general: (1) Be impeccable with your word (consistent words and ac ons),

(2) Don’t take things personally (consider the facts with a posi ve perspec ve) , (3) Don’t make assump ons (ask clarifying ques ons), and (4) Always do your best.

Continued on page 2

Page 2 Together We Can Make a Di f ference Volume 3, Issue 4

I have considered these four simple life principles in decisions and ac ons leading AIM‐IRS over the past 5 record‐se ng years and if used, they will posi vely impact your life. As I reflect, my first thought is “thanks” to all who contributed in any way, star ng with our 184 members, who answered the call, paid their dues for 2011” and took the step of ac ve membership by serving on com‐mi ees or as presenters (thank you and keep up the good work). You are each an important part of our team. Next, I want to thank the dedicated leadership teams, the Board of Directors from 2007 through 2011. There were many new faces over the years, but the same commitment to excellence, the same sacrifice and service (thank you). Yes, we’ve a racted the “best and the brightest” that the IRS offers; and it has shown through “servant leadership” and the record‐se ng accomplishments of the Hou‐ston Chapter! The current Board is listed below.

Execu ve Council: 

 

 Directors: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Special Commi ees: 

 

Yes, it’s the “Leadership of AIM” working as a team to make a difference through service. I’m o en amazed at the level of dedica on, me and energy required and expended to accomplish our “stretch” goals in each area of focus, including career advancement, networking, scholarships and community projects. We thank you one and all for giving “the best of you” to make a difference within the IRS, the community and for students! We know that investment of your me proves profitable to all. Through the collec ve and crea ve efforts of many members, we have impacted careers and created an environment for mutually benefi‐cial rela onships.

Volume 3, Issue 4

EEDITORIALDITORIAL SSTAFFTAFF

Ho u s t o n Ch a p t e r T i m e s

Editor‐in Chief ‐ Jamie Martin

Editor‐in‐Charge ‐ Gloria Gibson White

Assistant Editor ‐ Rhonda Randall

Volume 3, Issue 4

Next Issue: March 2012

HOUSTON CHAPTER TIMES is a quarterly publica on from the AIM Hou‐

ston Chapter. Please send ar cle submissions for publica on to in‐

fo@aimirs‐houston.org with ‘AIM Ar cle Submission’ in the email subject

line no later than February 27 for March publishing.

Please limit ar cle submissions to 300‐500 words. Photos should be in

jpeg or gif format. Please note, all submissions are subject to edi ng for

content, grammar, format, and length.

Continued on page 4

Continued from page 1

Bylaws – Dawana Taylor Fundraising – Arthur White

CAMP – Sameka Estes Issues & Research – D. Holmes

Community Service – Debra Walker Membership – Lynne e Dawkins

Conference & Planning – Mary Kemp Nomina on – Rhonda Randall

Fair Elec on – Barbara Taylor Scholarship & Awards – Carolyn Dailey

Program & Development – Darlene Otubusin

President – Gloria Gibson White Secretary – Vonda Mims

1st VP – Monica Hayes Treasurer – Arlene Good

2nd VP – Jamie Mar n

Southwest Region Conference – Suzan Rush

Golf Tournament – Johnny Johnson

Page 3 Together We Can Make a Di f ference Volume 3, Issue 4

AIM-IRS Participates in Professional Development Workshop at Rice University

On October 24, 2011, AIM‐IRS in partnership with Rice Uni‐versity’s Na onal Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Rice’s Empowering Leadership Alli‐ance (ELA), and Rice’s Center for Career Development (CCD) provided the most talked about Professional Development Workshop for the college students. The goals of the workshop were to help students develop skills that will help them learn how

to be er market themselves when looking for future in‐ternships, jobs, or further academic opportuni es.

Represen ng AIM‐IRS was Godwin Ndukwe, an Interna‐

onal Examiner with Large Business and Interna onal (LB&I) in Houston. Mr. Ndukwe par cipated in the three segments of the work‐shop, including: Resume Cri‐

quing, Fishbowl Interviews, and Networking. The work‐

shop lasted from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Mr. Ndukwe reflected on the‐se ac vi es as part of “his natural calling”, which he said is “assis ng and helping oth‐ers to find and improve on the quali es they already possess to accomplish their professional goal, and in turn become contribu ng ci zens of their immediate communi‐

es and the wider world.”   

Godwin O. Ndukwe, LB&I International Examiner

Ronald (Ron) Taylor, LB&I Interna onal Team Manager, gave a wonderful presenta on on work styles by using a power point presenta on that basically showed how one’s tone of voice and faci‐al expressions can have a posi ve or nega ve effect on others. Each a endee was given a color coded personality test in which one ranked preferences to certain situa ons. The sum of the col‐umns determined whether one was a blue, gold, green or orange. He passed out a sheet explain‐ing each color. The colors define personality traits such as “golds” value loyalty, perfec on, de‐pendability, responsibility, honesty, order, consistency and punctuality. “Oranges” are opposite “golds” and they value adventure, excitement, spontaneity, risk‐taking, flexibility, uniqueness, independence and success. Ron explained that we all have some of each color; however, we have two colors that tend to dominate. The sheets described stressful situa ons for each color and ways to reduce stress. Ronald en‐couraged us to learn our color and the traits, and those of our co‐workers. He also emphasized that we should be mindful of our stressors and ways to reduce that stress.

I See Your True Colors - Working Styles Lunch and Learn by Darlene Otubusin

The Houston Chapter Knows that Preparation + Opportunity = by Jamie Martin

The Houston Chapter gathered on December

3rd to conduct a Planning Mee ng in prepara‐

on for a successful 2012 year. In a endance

were 2011 Board Members along with SWR

VP, Wendy Mooring, and Houston Chapter

Management Advisor, Kathryn Houston. The

budget was reviewed, ac vi es were planned,

and calendar dates were set for the en re

year. The Houston Chapter wants to make

sure that when the opportuni es arise, we are

prepared to successfully fulfill our organiza‐

ons’ purpose and mission. The 2011 AIM‐IRS Houston Board and

Management Advisor, Kathryn Houston

Jamie Martin, Gloria Gibson White, Wendy

Mooring and Kathryn Houston

Page 4 Together We Can Make a Di f ference Volume 3, Issue 4

Continued from page 2

Teamwork in Ac on 

Our structure has always been built on teamwork ‐‐ Board leadership and membership support have earned us recogni on locally, regionally and na onally. I want to share a few of the outstanding successes resul ng from our teamwork over the years.

2011 and 2008 Recognized Na onally as Chapter of the Year.

2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 Recognized as SW Region Chapter of the Year.

2011 and 2007 Hosted successful SWR Spring Conferences and chaired more than half the commi ees.

2008 Hosted the 20th Anniversary Celebra on of Houston Chapter

2008 Created an “award‐winning” website, used as a model by other Chapters

2008 Implemented CAMP (Na onal Career Assistance Mentoring Program)

2011 and 2010 set na onal records for CAMP graduates (40 for 2011 & 20 for 2010)

2011 SWR VP joined Houston Chapter and chaired na onal bylaws commi ee

2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 Members served on various ABMTS commi ees

2011 1st Vice‐President recognized na onally with the EEO Meritorious Award

2008 President recognized na onally with the EEO Meritorious Award

2007‐2011 Distributed 6 to 11 scholarships annually to outstanding students

2007‐2011 Co‐hosted a VITA site and provided free tax prepara on for the community

2007‐2011 Coordinated 10‐20 career development workshops annually

2007 – 2011 Partnered with other employee organiza ons and senior management to coordinate joint workshops, such as “the Annual State of the IRS”

2011 ‐ Partnered with employee organiza ons and developed a mock interview process for the IRS Houston community

I’m so proud of the Houston Chapter and its outstanding leadership that I salute and congratulate you on 360 degrees of success in:

(1) “Paying forward” by sharing your knowledge to help others grow and succeed (2) Posi vely impac ng the community through service and scholarships, plus (3) Providing a pla orm to build las ng rela onships for members.

I’m confident that Houston will con nue the successful momentum and move to the “next level” of excellence. As each member do “their part, the new administra on will take us “above and beyond our wildest dreams.” As always remember that “together, we make a difference, today and into the future!” Sincerely,

Gloria Gibson White President, Houston Chapter

Page 5 Together We Can Make a Di f ference Volume 3, Issue 4

MEMBERSHIP

It’s that time again!  Don’t delay.  Join or renew your AIM‐IRS Houston Chapter membership TODAY!  Now it is more convenient than ever.  To renew, go to www.aimirs‐houston.org.  If you have not done so, please login and create a password for your profile.  Your username will be your personal email address. Once you obtain your username and password, click on “View Pro‐file”, and then click “Renew until Monday, December 31, 2012” and then follow the steps.   You can also update your personal information and update the committees you would like to be ac‐tive with.    If you are a new member, you can go to www.aimirs‐houston.org/Join_Renew and print a hard‐copy application and mail it in with your dues, or you can submit an online application.  It is as simple as that!   

If you have any questions about joining or renewing, email us at info@aimirs‐houston.org.

Share the Good News

about AIM‐IRS Houston!

FUNDRAISING

The 2012 AIM‐IRS Houston Chapter

Scholarship Golf Tournament

Saturday, April 14, 2012

The AIM‐IRS Houston 2nd Annual

Super Colossal End‐of‐Summer Garage Sale

Saturday, August 25, 2012

CAMP

The Higher You Climb…

The Better the View!

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

11:30am—1:00p

Leland, Room 12M

Keynote Speaker, Allen Jones—National CAMP Chair

40 protégés will graduate from the AIM‐IRS Houston Chapter

CAMP Program. You do not want to miss this historic event!

Page 6 Together We Can Make a Di f ference Volume 3, Issue 4

by Jamie Martin

This year, the Houston Chapter collected toiletries for 2 local Homeless Ministries, Save

Our Children Founda on (SOCF) and Main Street Ministries (MSM). We were over‐

whelmed with the abundance of dona ons that were received which made this project a

huge success. We would like to thank all of those who assisted with the toiletry collec on

at all four Houston‐area IRS

loca ons: Rebecca Joseph,

Arlene Good, Carolyn Dailey,

Susan Wilkerson, Anita Rob‐

inson, Jamie Mar n, Joseph

Moore, Godwin Ndukwe,

Vonda Mims, Eddie Hender‐

son, Johnny Johnson, Debbie

Walker, Beverly Sparks, Monica Hayes, Sherita Ryan, Darlene

Otubusin, Lynne e Dawkins, Keith Griffith, Rhonda Randall, and Ger‐

ald Jones. A er the items were collected, they were sorted by Boy

Scout Troop 1282 in Missouri City, TX.

The items were delivered to the ministries the first week of December. In

the picture to the le are Houston Chapter Board Members Arlene Good,

Debra Walker, Gloria Gibson White, and Vonda Mims. In the center is Bill

White, Director of MSM.

Because of the outpouring of dona ons that are con n‐

uing to come in even a er we concluded our Holiday

Project, we have decided to hold another toiletry drive

which will conclude in February. Please stay tuned for

more informa on on how you can help AIM help others.

AIM‐IR

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Boy Scout Troop 1282 in Missouri City, TX

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The AIM‐IRS Houston Chapter recognizes, values, and affirms that diversity contributes to the richness our workplace and en‐hances the quality life for us individually and for our employee organiza ons. Workplace diversity can provide tremendous ben‐efits in terms of improved morale, outside‐the‐box thinking, greater teamwork, and an atmosphere of mutual understanding and respect.  By embracing our diversity, we can also take pride in our various achievements as well as celebrate our differ‐ences. Join us in embracing workplace diversity by suppor ng other Houston‐area employee organiza ons.  Below is some of these organiza ons’ informa on, current events, and/or programs.  

ASPIRE On November 1, 2011, the following people were declared as the elected officials of the Houston ASPIRE Chapter for the 2012 – 2014 term:  

President ‐ Kelly Phan Vice President – Ray (Yao Lei) Tsai Treasurer – An Tran Secretary – Rebecca Henderson Membership Coordinator – Steven Chow

Congratula ons to the 2012‐2012 ASPIRE Board! For more informa on about ASPIRE, you can visit their Sharepoint link at h p://co.ds.irsnet.gov/sites/EmpOrg/ASPIRE/Central/Houston/default.aspx.

FEW Federally Employed Women (FEW) is a na onal organiza on formed in 1967 by female government employees. FEW concentrates in four major program areas: Compliance, Training, Diversity, and Legisla on. FEW is a three‐ ered structure of chapters, regions, and the na onal office with 10 regions and over 300 chapters worldwide. The Southwest Region itself is comprised of five states (Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana). FEW would like to invite you to join the Southwest Region of the Federally Employed Women (FEW) regional training program (RTP) 2012. RTP is being held locally in downtown Houston March 27 – 30, 2012. The theme this year is “Road Trip… Des na on… YOU, Energize Your Career with FEW” where we are engaging in some very exci ng service‐learning classes. A sample of past classes offered were How to Manage your TSP, Managing Genera onal Diversity at Home and in the Workplace, and Becoming Social Media Savvy. The 2012 RTP will have similar classes that cover our scope of program areas for all government employees. In conjunc on to the event FEW will have exhibit space where they will have a variety of vendors with diverse goods and services offered. An auc on will be held during the program that adds excitement and pleasure for all involved.  

Page 7 Together We Can Make a Di f ference Volume 3, Issue 4

Continued on page 8

We believe this is an event you will not want to miss. For more informa on please contact Susan Kirkman, Chairperson, at shjohn76@yahoo.com or 713‐882‐3358.

To learn more about these organiza ons, visit their webpages listed below:  ASian Pacific Internal Revenue Employees (ASPIRE)  is a Service‐wide employee organiza on that supports the mission of the In‐ternal Revenue Service and helps to foster opportuni es for professional development and personal growth for its members. h p://aspire.web.irs.gov/ The mission of the Hispanic Internal Revenue Employee (HIRE) Organiza on is to recruit and develop Hispanics and provide service to our community. h p://www.hire.org/ Chris an Fundamentalist Internal Revenue Employees (C‐FIRE) is a group of Chris ans at various loca ons around the country within the Internal Revenue Service. Our goal is to represent Jesus Christ by providing IRS employees spiritual help, moral support, and various worship ac vi es. h p://cfire.web.irs.gov/ Federally Employed Women (FEW) works to end sex and gender discrimina on, to encourage diversity for inclusion and equity in the workplace, and for the advancement and professional growth of women in federal service. h p://www.few.org/

Page 8 Together We Can Make a Di f ference Volume 3, Issue 4

Continued from page 7

Awards Presentation, Awards Presentation, Board Induction Ceremony, Board Induction Ceremony, & Membership Drive Kickoff& Membership Drive Kickoff

Brady’s LandingBrady’s Landing 8505 Cypress Street Houston, TX 77012

tickets on sale nowtickets on sale now Saturday, January 14, 2012

11aM - 2pm

$30 for Adults and $15 for Kids (ages 5 - 10) Menu: Menu: Menu:

Unlimited Salad Bar

Fried Shrimp, Catfish & Hushpuppies

Chef’s Fresh Catch of the Day

Chef’s Chicken, Beef, & Seafood Entrees

Captain Brady’s Seafood Gumbo

Chef’s Homemade Soup Du Jour

Seasonal Vegetables, Rice, & Potatoes

Fresh Baked Rolls & Butter

Assorted Deserts

For Tickets For Tickets For Tickets ContactContactContact :::

Jamie Martin (4687), Monica Hayes (7285), Arlene Good (3543), Carolyn Dailey (4373), Jamie Martin (4687), Monica Hayes (7285), Arlene Good (3543), Carolyn Dailey (4373), Jamie Martin (4687), Monica Hayes (7285), Arlene Good (3543), Carolyn Dailey (4373),

Rhonda Randall (7828), Vonda Mims (4530), Darlene Otubusin (8027), Rhonda Randall (7828), Vonda Mims (4530), Darlene Otubusin (8027), Rhonda Randall (7828), Vonda Mims (4530), Darlene Otubusin (8027),

Lynnette Dawkins (5451), Arthur White (7720), Gloria Gibson White (4177)Lynnette Dawkins (5451), Arthur White (7720), Gloria Gibson White (4177)Lynnette Dawkins (5451), Arthur White (7720), Gloria Gibson White (4177)

For more information email info@aimirsFor more information email info@aimirs--houston.orghouston.org

If you were not able to make it to this year’s conference, make sure you mark your calendar's for next year when the AIM‐IRS ABMTS will be in Tulsa, Oklaho‐ma, August 6‐11, 2012. 

Page 10 Together We Can Make a Di f ference Volume 3, Issue 4

PresidentPresident Gloria Gibson White

1st Vice President1st Vice President Monica Hayes

2nd Vice President2nd Vice President Jamie Martin

SecretarySecretary Vonda Mims

TreasurerTreasurer Arlene Good

Issues and ResearchIssues and Research D (Deloise) Holmes

ByBy--lawslaws Dawana Taylor

Program and DevelopmentProgram and Development Darlene Otubusin

Evaluations, Scholarship, and AwardsEvaluations, Scholarship, and Awards Carolyn Dailey

Fair ElectionFair Election Barbara Taylor

Public Information and History Public Information and History Jamie Martin

NominatingNominating Rhonda Randall

MembershipMembership Lynnette Dawkins

FundraisingFundraising Arthur White

Conference and PlanningConference and Planning Mary Kemp

Community ServiceCommunity Service Debra Walker

CAMPCAMP Sameka Estes

713-209-4177

281-721-7285

713-209-4687

713-209-4530

713-209-3543

281-721-7580

281-721-7605

281-721-8027

713-209-4373

713-209-3804

713-209-4687

281-721-7828

713-209-5451

281-721-7720

713-209-4473

713-209-3972

713-209-4314