Over The Bow Volume 74 Issue 1 Spring 2016 | Page 33

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those different perspectives and ideas. Leveraging the skills of our members enhances the quality and outcomes of mission performance.

Diversity is about inclusion and engagement; the most important issues being human dignity and respect. Every member adds talent and value to the mission. A leader who develops and implements a diversity plan based upon the talents of their members not only improves mission readiness, but also helps to eliminate prejudices by developing high performance teams. Our National Commodore states, “members are responsible to each other for promoting an inclusive atmosphere of acceptance and respect, for demonstrating a commitment to fair and equal opportunity, and for moving beyond simple tolerance to embrace and celebrate our different backgrounds.”

The key to diversity management is training. Our district leadership has made the training of our leaders a priority at all levels. The Leadership Academy which is held each year at the Coast Guard Academy helps to develop leadership skills which support inclusion and ensures that each person knows their role in diversity and how it ties into the mission.

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Ken Jacobs describes the objectives af the Auxiliary diversity program at the Leadership Conference 2016.

USCG Auxiliary photo