By Commodore Tracy Schultz, Ph.D.
One word to define our Auxiliary and ensure its success is acceptance.
We accepted the responsibility of volunteering and being the best, most well-trained and supportive component of Team Coast Guard that we can be. We accepted that mission when we pledged our oath. We must accept that "tomorrow looks different," as Commandant ADM Linda Fagan has noted.
It does not end there, however, as we need to accept one another and our similarities as well as accept our differences. One of the differences that we have to accept is that of employment and parenting. Some members are retired, while others work and/or parent. As such, we must be cautious of falling into the conscious/unconscious bias that members who work or parent cannot do the job or move up in office, as they are too busy.
Our members are amazing and do amazing things. Somework, some parent, some are caretakers, some travel, some play sports, some have hobbies, etc., but they all volunteer. By and large…they do all of these things incredibly well.
We have working members who participate in Auxiliary activities and do so in their free time or have to use their vacation time. Some lose pay, and depending on what they do, that could be a significant amount to join us and interact. Their views, contributions, and organizational involvement are invaluable and should not be overlookedor minimized.
Be aware and accept that when setting up meetings online or in person, some members may be unable to participate due to work or differing time zones. It does not mean they are not just as passionate or committed as someone with more free time. They have conflicting responsibilities that we must accept.
We also need to be aware of and plan for succession, as that and inclusion are the future and lifeblood of the Auxiliary. No one is indispensable. Members holdingoffice need to be willing to step aside to allow others the opportunity to lead. Doing so encourages and shows value to all members who want to take on a new role or challenge. Accept that working members or those who still parent can do the job and are committed to getting the job done. They may do the job differently or spend less time at it than others who have more free time, but different is not wrong or bad. It is simply different.
Few areas or tasks within our organization are so time-sensitive or critical that we cannot wait until a member finds the time to complete that task. Some members devote much of their lives to the Auxiliary. Most prioritize the Auxiliary behind their families, work, and themselves. We all need to evaluate what is within the scope of our abilities as we anticipate our challenges and commitments.
We expect those stepping into positions to be aware of the minimum time commitments and responsibilities for what they have indicated they were willing to do. We also need to be patient to allow those members the time to do what is required. Try not to compare or be critical of the volume of work from one person who had copious amounts of time to that of someone still parenting or working.
It amazes and humbles me to see what many of our members and leaders do on a daily basis.
For example, our current NACO, Gus Formato always answers the bell and represents us tirelessly (even when his back goes out and he is in tremendous pain). Our VNACO, Mary Kirkwood not only volunteers at DIRAUX and at a Coast Guard medical clinic twice a week for 8-10 hours each day (in addition to a long drive), but she also cares for a parent in addition to her responsibilities as second in command. Commodore David Porter works sixty hours weekly in a high-stress law enforcement-related job. He also provides parenting to his gold award-achieving daughter and works on Diversity and Inclusion and leadership-related projects for the Auxiliary. Commodore Mark Villeneuve works full-time as a surgeonwhile tackling his District Chief of Staff (DCOS) and the Advanced Senior Officer Course duties. Commodore Wally Smith spends countless hours on patrols, creating classes, teaching classes, and is a QE while tending his remote multi-acre property. DCOS Jodie Nelson works full-time as an elementary teacher and comes from Guam to attend meetings. Her air travel to NACON is about 26 hours….one way. Rod Donohue is an accomplished and practicing martial artist who still maintains a thriving law practice in addition to his DCOS duties. Director Amanda Constant always supports teaching or addressing technical issues with her knowledgeable skillset. Yet, virtually every time she travels to attend NACON, NTRAIN, DTRAIN, etc., she works remotely in her free time at these events.
The above are just a few examples of many members (working, non-working, parenting, and non-parenting) who go above and beyond the call by sacrificing their skills, money, and time to benefit our organization. Every working person knows that time away from work often means more and harder work when you return to it.
We hope and expect all members will be provided the opportunity to contribute/excel/advance and feel valued and appreciated as we apply ourselves to the Auxiliary and Team Coast Guard.
While I was at NACON last August, a member asked me to address the conscious/unconscious bias against working/parenting within our organization as they seek elected or appointed positions. The bias was that they could not give enough or do enough to do the job.
When I was younger (a lot younger), I was blessed to have run the mile in under four minutes. I aspired to go faster and to achieve more, but circumstances intervened. So how fast is fast enough? How much is enough? How healthy can a person be? How diverse or inclusive is enough?
When pondering this, I always harken back to my parents,who taught me to give to the best of my ability. Sometimes, that meant to train more, learn more, rest more, do more, be more patient, etc. The goal was to always give to the best of my ability and to increase my abilities. To be as fast as I could be, to be as inclusive as I could be, to be as fair and committed as I could be.
Time, circumstances, and commitments often determine what our bests are. They also can change moment by moment, day by day, and year by year. However, if you give your best in everything you do (working, parenting, running, the Auxiliary, from member to NACO, etc.), then there is every reason to believe you will do a great job and walk away satisfied.
Therefore, the next time someone is working full time or is parenting children or grandchildren and wants to take on a new position, give them your support and encouragement. We will be a better organization as a result.
Submitted by:
COMO David G. Porter
Asst. National Commodore
National Diversity Team
US Coast Guard Auxiliary
