PLEASE NOTE:
Due to circumstances of an unforeseen situation, the April 2024 version of the Diversity Moments may not be available for this month. We appreciate your understanding. All will resume as soon as possible.
Submitted by:
Thomas W. Bamford, ANACO-DVd
Deputy Assistant National Commodore – D&I
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
“Enthusiasm, Encouragement, Empowerment”
USCG Auxiliary Diversity Moment
Shipmates, please take some time with this topic to start a discussion with your unit at your next meeting.
Utilizing these “Moments” fulfills Goal Category 1.3 in the NACO 3-Star Diversity application.
March 2024
Unity In Diversity
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“Unity, not uniformity, must be our aim. We attain unity only through variety. Differences must be integrated, not annihilated, not absorbed...” ~Mary Parker Follett
The quote above emphasizes the importance of unity amidst diversity, highlighting the idea that true unity is not achieved through enforcing uniformity but rather through respecting and integrating differences.
Let's examine each part of the quote:
"Unity, not uniformity, must be our aim." Unity refers to a common goal or purpose, and ours should be focused primarily on saving lives, property, and protecting the marine environment. It implies harmony and coherence amongst the membership. Uniformity, in this case, suggests sameness or homogeneity.
Uniformity belongs to uniforms, not people. It implies a lack of diversity or variation. While it's essential to strive for unity to accomplish anything, it's crucial to understand that unity doesn't necessitate everyone being the same. Instead, it's about finding common ground and being respectful to our membership.
"We attain unity only through variety." This part underscores the idea that diversity is not an obstacle to unity but rather can be employed in a positive manner to achieve unity. It suggests that embracing variety is essential for achieving creativity and mission success.
"Differences must be integrated, not annihilated, not absorbed." Destroying or absorbing differences implies a form of assimilation or domination over others, which can lead to marginalization and shutting down communication. Seriously reach out for feedback and see where ideas, or parts of ideas can be integrated, then implemented. We want our shipmates to feel they are part of the family. This is part of how we can strengthen our units to achieve goals.
Striking the proper balance between unity and diversity is a dynamic and situational thing, which is perhaps easier said than done. We should always advocate for a paradigm of inclusivity, cooperation, and mutual respect. It should become a mindset for all of us to find ways to advance respect. Let’s continue to involve our membership in all aspects of our missions, big and small, and in doing so, we promote retention and unity.
Michael Brown, BC-DUP Outreach (Diversity & Inclusion Directorate)
Submitted by:
Thomas W. Bamford, ANACO-DVd
Deputy Assistant National Commodore – D&I
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
“Enthusiasm, Encouragement, Empowerment”
USCG Auxiliary Diversity Moment
Shipmates, please take some time with this topic to start a discussion with your unit at your next meeting.
Utilizing these “Moments” fulfills Goal Category 1.3 in the NACO 3-Star Diversity application.
February 2024
Prepare For Your Breakthrough
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“Eliminating barriers is just good for the workforce. It makes it easier for everyone to serve honorably and support their families. We recruit an individual, we retain families.”
~ADM Linda Fagan
Admiral Linda Fagan became the Coast Guard’s 27th Commandant on the 1st of June 2022, an achievement hard earned for anyone. Joining the U.S. Coast Guard Academy only five years after the first group of women had been granted admission, she graduated in 1985. Her success is attributed not only to building upon the accomplishments of those who preceded her, but also to her personal determination to strive for excellence. She has proven to be unbeatable.
In our nation today, most barriers are as thin as tissue paper, where desire acts as the iron, and opportunity as the magnet, separated only by this thin barrier. Changing attitudes and laws have fostered more opportunity for individuals who genuinely and sincerely aspire to succeed. The United States has led this effort, especially through the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Eliminating barriers not only promotes fairness but also brings tangible benefits to individuals and organizations. Doing so sets a positive cycle in motion where a supportive environment leads to increased productivity, success, and satisfaction for everyone involved. The result? People want to stay and continue to contribute.
Eliminating barriers has been a crucial approach that not only promotes fairness but also brings numerous tangible benefits to both individuals and organizations alike. It creates a positive cycle where a supportive environment leads to increased productivity, success, and satisfaction for everyone involved. The result? People want to stay and continue to contribute. We need to always be willing to help our shipmates prepare for success to give them reasons to stay. Part of this equation is preparing each other and ourselves through training.
When people feel that their organization values and supports them, they are more likely to stay with their institution for the long term, in other words--retention. Makes sense: Diversity in a team, such as our Auxiliary, will result in a richer pool of ideas, talents, and skills, contributing to leading progress for ourselves and within our organization. People like success. Others notice that success, especially families. Families in turn, support us in carrying out our mission. All this is to prepare us for a chance at something worthwhile of which to be proud. If we show each other that we genuinely care, encourage and celebrate excellence, then we too are unbeatable.
Michael Brown, BC-DUP Outreach (Diversity & Inclusion Directorate)
Submitted by:
Thomas W. Bamford, ANACO-DVd
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
“Enthusiasm, Encouragement, Empowerment”
USCG Auxiliary Diversity Moment
Shipmates, please take some time with this topic to start a discussion with your unit at your next meeting.
Utilizing these “Moments” fulfills Goal Category 1.3 in the NACO 3-Star Diversity application.
January 2024
The Test of Our Civilization
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“As society sees what women can do, as women see what women can do, there will be more women out there doing things, and we’ll all be better off for it."
~ Sandra Day O'Connor
Just last month, the Coast Guard recognized the pivotal 1973 ruling ending the branch of the Reserves known as the SPARS, thus integrating women fully into the enlisted and officer corps. There was a time when women rarely worked outside the home, and if they did, most were not in leadership roles. Exceptions were made temporarily during the World Wars, and participation at those levels increased in World War II. Despite being scaled back immediately following, the idea took hold and we never looked back since.
Chief Warrant Officer Alice T. Jefferson became the first woman to be commissioned as an active-duty officer in the Coast Guard at the 1973 ceremony held at Coast Guard Headquarters. Vice-Admiral Vivien Crea was the first female to be a presidential aide. YN2 Olivia Hooker was the first Black woman to join the Coast Guard. Captain Beverly Kelley became the first Coast Guard woman to command a military vessel of any branch of the armed services. These Coast Guard leaders broke multiple barriers and shattered long-held stereotypes.
Women were put to the test and passed superbly. As of 2023, the Coast Guard stands at the forefront of this transformation, with a remarkable surge in the inclusion of women in our ranks. The statistics reveal a significant stride with the Auxiliary boasting three times more women compared to active-duty. A journey that began with women serving as lighthouse keepers and support staff 200+ years ago has culminated in an environment where women are now integral to every domain within the Coast Guard, including its highest echelons of leadership. Today, those leaders include our Commandant and our Auxiliary Vice-National Commodore.
As we look forward to the next 50 years, we can confidently say that they have more than just passed the test. The Coast Guard has set the stage for many firsts for all women as a powerful indicator of the level of civilization and progress our society has achieved: understanding the imperative of inclusivity. The journey, begun two generations ago, is now a legacy of progress and a blueprint for a more inclusive future. That was the true test all along. Let’s empower our shipmates to contribute fully to the collective advancement of our organization, country, and civilization. Certainly, we will all be better off for it.
Michael Brown, BC-DUP Outreach (Diversity & Inclusion Directorate)
Submitted by:
Thomas W. Bamford, ANACO-DVd
Assistant Nat’l Commodore – D&I-Directorate Deputy
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
“Enthusiasm, Encouragement, Empowerment”
USCG Auxiliary Diversity Moment
December 2023
The Hand Speaks
Please take some time to start a discussion with this topic with your shipmates at your next meeting.
Utilizing these “Moments” fulfills Goal Category 1.3 in the NACO 3-Star Diversity application.
***
“Generous leaders are servant leaders. They always come with open hands and an open heart.”
―
Our directorate created a striking challenge coin several years ago, where the obverse side shows a circle of eight hands of different colors, all surrounding the Coast Guard shield in the center. The different color symbolism of hands should be evident enough, and the symbolism shouldn’t stop there: that superficial image on the coin prompts us to look beyond the simple outward appearance of our shipmates (indeed, all people) and to focus on the best qualities they bring to our Auxiliary and how we can effectively utilize them in all aspects of our missions in our communities.
The open palm has long been a symbol of openness, honesty, and acceptance. According to those who study body language, those thoughts and gestures are closely linked subconsciously. Gestures such as the open palm are nearly universally positive. The open hand has been described as an invitation, progressive, free, collaboration, etc. This is how we should approach one another if we are to fully realize the success that the Auxiliary is capable of. Applying this attitude speaks volumes of us.
Once again, this narrative is ultimately about respecting our shipmates and how we can lead others and lead positive change in the Auxiliary. But, it all starts with our being generous in spirit and time to assist others in our programs; being generous isn’t limited to just the “season” that is upon us; it is a continuous approach that guides our hands to action.
Michael Brown, BC-DUP Outreach (Diversity & Inclusion Directorate)
Submitted by:
Thomas W. Bamford, ANACO-DVd
Asst Nat’l Commodore – D&I-Directorate Deputy
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
“Enthusiasm, Encouragement, Empowerment”
For posting...
V/r
Thomas W. Bamford, ANACO-DVd
Asst Nat’l Commodore – D&I-Directorate Deputy
AUC – CGSTA Ft Myers Beach
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
Seventh District U.S. Coast Guard
“Enthusiasm, Encouragement, Empowerment”
PRIVACY: USCG - USCGAUX acknowledges the importance of protecting the privacy of its members. The information contained in this transmission is privileged and confidential information, and this communication and its attachments are restricted to the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary program, and the addressed recipients. If the reader is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited unless permission is received from the originator. If you have received this transmission in error, delete it.
David,
Please post.
/r Tom
V/r
Thomas W. Bamford, DVC-DA
National Division Chief – Diversity & Inclusion Administration
AUC – CGSTA Ft Myers Beach
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
Seventh District U.S. Coast Guard
“Enthusiasm, Encouragement, Empowerment”
PRIVACY: USCG - USCGAUX acknowledges the importance of protecting the privacy of its members. The information contained in this transmission is privileged and confidential information, and this communication and its attachments are restricted to the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary program, and the addressed recipients. If the reader is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited unless permission is received from the originator. If you have received this transmission in error, delete it.
