USCG Auxiliary Diversity Moment
Diversity Officers, here’s an opportunity to start a discussion with your unit at your next gathering, and doing so, fulfills Goal Category 1.3 in the NACO 3-Star application. Leadership at all levels: Please consider adapting these ideas expressed in leading your units, programs, and teams.
September 2024
More In Common
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“Society is unity in diversity.” – George Herbert Mead
"Society is unity in diversity" implies that a functional country is composed of individuals from various backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, and perspectives. This quote recognizes the richness that results when different elements come together harmoniously, contributing to a dynamic and inclusive social fabric. Let’s apply this concept to our organization and substitute “Auxiliary” for “society.”
A diverse team such as ours encompasses a wide spectrum of differences in every aspect. Each of these differences brings a unique set of experiences, knowledge, and traditions that enrich the abilities of our team. When our team members respectfully interact and collaborate in service of our mission, a wide range of ideas, innovations, and solutions arise that benefit the Auxiliary and the public we serve.
Unity means a sense of togetherness, mission-focus, and mutual respect among all members despite their differences. It involves recognizing and valuing the contributions and abilities of the entire workforce, fostering an environment where leadership and management is more effective, and everyone feels included and are encouraged to contribute.
One of the Auxiliary’s key strengths that is enhanced though this approach to unity is our ability to adapt and evolve - despite having a somewhat rigid framework of regulations we operate in. We are constantly being challenged to advance to higher levels of skill and knowledge, and we have consistently met that challenge for over 85 years. By drawing upon the collective wisdom and experience of our membership, we can better address complex challenges and achieve excellence in all we do.
“Society is unity in diversity" emphasizes that a truly successful society (or organization) is one that embraces and respects its differences while promoting a shared sense of belonging and cooperation among all its members. In pursuing these virtues, we find we have more in common with each other than not. Through encouraging unity and diversity, we can achieve greater resilience and innovation, ultimately contributing to mission success as “America’s Volunteer Lifesavers.”
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 Change Agent
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
U.S. Coast Guard Seventh District
“Enthusiasm, Encouragement, Empowerment”