Story by Michael Smith, DSO-DV, 8th Coastal District
The Auxiliary as a whole has made leaps and bounds towards diversity for many years. Demographics in the 8th Coastal Region show 18.04% of the District consists of ethnic minorities and around 15% Auxiliarists are women. We have made strides in recruiting a more diverse corps and will continue our success to date. There is great potential for increaseddiversity in leadership now as well, and we hope those willing to serve in that capacity will step forward and be heard. Outreachefforts are only in the beginning stages and the possibilities are endless, whether we focus on age, economic background, religion, gender, ethnicities or abilities to provide an all-inclusive workplace.
What's wonderful about recruitment is that anyone can get involved. One idea from an SO-DVs, is to visit the schools in low income areas and provide boating education. The Boy Scouts of America partnership of Sea Scouts is a great opportunity also to improve diversity in the District. This program is coed and involves youth from 14-21 years of age. These are our next members of the Gold Side as well as Silver Side. Now is an exciting time to be a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary as we step foot in what many are calling again the New roaring 20s! Let us all take a page from our Scouts and Do our Best, to do our duty! Semper Paratus!
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Edited by: BC- DAE Robert A. Fabich Sr.