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”