What exactly is a "Diversity Moment"? As the name implies, it's a short time in a meeting or upon later reflection when a positive aspect of Diversity is highlighted and shared, typically as it relates to the Auxiliary. We have many wonderful, diverse moments from our society and organization that we hope will shed light and inspiration for a better tomorrow. As the first female Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, Admiral Fagan has stated, "Tomorrow looks different, and so will we." To our first female elected Vice National Commodore, Mary Kirkwood, progress is being made, and there is much we can take inspiration from to become a better organization reflective of the Country we serve.
The current National Commodore, Gus Formato, has as his leadership words, Integrity, Inclusion and Inspire. Under his guidance and supervision, in January 2024, all Districts will roll out a new program referred to as Auxiliary ILEAD with a link on their website. The acronym stands for Inclusive Leadership Excellence and Diversity. It is modeled after the active duty program and is designed to positively impactleadership and diversity. We want to ensure that all members have a voice, are heard, are valued, and are provided an opportunity to advance so we can improve the culture of our service.
So, what does all this mean? Looking at the acronym ILEAD, Inclusive is the first word. No longer is it enough to be invited to the party; you need to be able to participate and dance. Leadership comes at all levels, and it means providing everyone an opportunity to advance and lead. Excellence is seeing something that works, is incredible, and motivating,and you may wonder why everyone isn't doing it. Diversity is all of us:our ages, our likes, our differences, our orientations, our skin colors, and on and on.
That's ILEAD. But how is this a diversity moment? How can you have your voice heard? In January 2024, all Districts and many Division, Flotilla, and unit sites will have a link that discusses ILEAD further but,more importantly, will provide another link to a submission form where you can submit a concern or best practice. All submissions are anonymous unless you wish to be contacted. Submissions will offer an area to express your concerns or best practices as well as an area to recommend what you would like to see happen. The report goes to the highest levels in both the District where the report originated and National. Trends will be identified, and steps will be put in place to improve the culture of our service. Everyone sharing concerns along with solutions or best practices to enhance the culture of our organization or, helping others to do so, or simply knowing the opportunity to make a difference has been provided, is indeed a positive and diverse moment.
Concerns addressed by ILEAD will revolve around its primary words: Inclusive, leadership, and Diversity. ILEAD and its submission form are not designed to be a complaint department. There is a difference between a concern that a unit is not offering opportunities to a specific orientation versus a complaint about having pepperoni pizza for the fifth potluck in a row.
The wheels of an organization can move slowly; however, when these wheels get going, we have the finest helmspeople imaginable to guide us and the Coast Guard Auxiliary into a bright, positive, and productive future reflective of our society.
You have the opportunity to share your voice anonymously without repercussion. I guarantee you will be heard, and your comments will be valued.
Tracy Schultz, Ph.D.
Assistant National Commodore—Diversity and Inclusion
ASOC--Instructor
USCG—Certificated D&I Change Agent Specialist
USCG—AIM Lead