PAD Bulletin

The latest edition of the PAD Bulletin is available for viewing on the Diversity Web Page. This edition is dedicated to "Core Values."

November is Native American Heritage Month

The month of November marks the celebration of National Native American Heritage Month. This month provides an opportunity to recognize the service and significant contributions of American Indians and Alaska Natives to our Nation. This years theme is Serving our People, Serving our Nation: Native Visions for Future Generations.

Read the Coast Guard's message on Native American Heritage Month. Resources to celebrate this Month can be found at the Library of Congress and information on Native Americans can be found at the US Coast Guard Historian's Office.

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EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND ANTI-DISCRIMINATION/ANTI-HARASSMENT

The USCG released a message re-affirming its Equal Opportunity and Anti-Discrimination/Anti-Harrassment policy. The Coast Guard is dedicated to being the employer of choice for both military and civilian members and ensuring every member of our workforce, as well as those seeking to join our organization, are treated fairly and equally in recruitment, selection, assignment, training, and advancement. We will provide a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.

This message is ALCOAST 4310/12.

More information for civil rights and diversity may be found at the Civil Rights Directorate CG-00H and the Office of Diversity CG-12B.

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OPERATIONAL TASKING (OPTASK) DIVERSITY FY2012 SITREP TWO

The US Coast Guard Office of Diversity has released SITREP Two for OPTASK Diversity Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 to update efforts to operationalize the Commandant's Diversity Strategy.

The previous ALCOAST for FY12 OPTASK Diversity SITREP One provided updates for the first half of fical year 2012.

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NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Hispanic Heritage Month will be September 15 - October 15, 2012. This year's theme is "Diversity United, Building America's Future Today." During Hispanic Heritage Month, this country will celebrate the rich history and cultural background of individuals whose ancestors originate from Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

Visit the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) for a 29 page observance presentation or 2012 observance poster.

The Coast Guard has released an ALCOAST for Hispanic Heritage Month 2012.

For historical information on Hispanic Americans in the Coast Guard and its predecessor services visit the Historian's Office for US Coast Guard at http://www.uscg.mil/history/Hispanic_Americans.asp. General information and biographies of notable Hispanic-American Coast Guardsmen are available there.

Seaman Apprentice William R. Flores, USCG, was posthumously presented the Coast Guard's highest service medal. Read more at: http://www.uscg.mil/history/people/Flores.asp.

"Pioneers of Diversity: Hispanic Americans in the U.S. Coast Guard" is an illustrated, printable, color historical pamphlet available as a downloadable PDF from the Historian's Office.

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USCG Message for 2012 Women's Equality Day

USCG ALCOAST 378/12 message from the Civil Rights Directorate was released for the Coast Guard observance of the 2012 Women's Equality Day.

Women’s Equality Day, observed annually since 1971, spotlights American women’s progress toward the elimination of barriers to equality. Historically, a firm commitment to equality for all empowered women to join forces to demonstrate and lobby for equal opportunities in education, employment, voting rights, and other civil/human rights.

The USCG Diversity Staff (CG-12B) provides information on Gender Diversity within the Coast Guard.

The USCG Historian's Office provides information and references on the history of women in the Coast Guard and its predecessor services on its webpages, as well as PDF files and PowerPoint presentations.

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Women's Equality Day is 26 August 2012

The national Women's Equality Day is 26 August 2012. The theme is Celebrating Women's Right to Vote. For special observance presentations for Women's Equality day visit DEOMI at www.deomi.org. President Barack Obama released a Presidential Proclamation for Women's Equality Day.

Women's Equality Day

In 1971 the U.S. Congress designated August 26 as “Women’s Equality Day” at the behest of Representative Bella Abzug (D-NY).

The date was selected to commemorate the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote. This was the culmination of a massive, peaceful civil rights movement by women that had its formal beginnings in 1848 at the world’s first women’s rights convention, in Seneca Falls, New York.

The observance of Women’s Equality Day not only commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment, but also calls attention to women’s continuing efforts toward full equality. Workplaces, libraries, organizations, and public facilities now participate with Women’s Equality Day programs, displays, video showings, or other activities.

NACON 2012 Understanding Diversity Workshop

The US Coast Guard Auxiliary will host its National Conference for 2012 (NACON 2012) at San Antonio, Texas. The Department of Diversity & Inclusion will present an Understanding Diversity workshop on Friday, 24 August from 1300-1430 and again on Saturday, 25 August from 0800-0930.

The Understanding Diversity workshop will provide tips for building a more diverse and inclusive organization, providing best practices and basic foundations of cultural awareness exploring ways diversity and culture impact individual interactions. Our mission is to build a positive environment for all personnel, regardless of their similarities or differences, and a climate of respect for people of all backgrounds.

"Dependability, Integrity, Diversity
logo of Diversity & Inclusion department

Diversity is about our commitment to embrace men and women of all racial, cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds as full, equal, and vital members of our organization.

Read the Department's Diversity & Inclusion news at http://cgaux.org/leadership/diversity-inclusion/news.php.

22nd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Today, 26 July 2012, marks the 22nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – landmark legislation that advanced the civil rights of people with disabilities throughout the nation. However, the ADA is only one of many laws that ensure equal access for everyone. Other examples include the Assistive Technology Act, Fair Housing Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). More than 54 million people in the United States live with a disability of some kind, be it sensory, physical, intellectual, developmental, emotional or mental.

The federal government website Disability.gov provides comprehensive information on disability programs and services in communities nationwide, offer hundreds of resources on protecting your civil rights. Learn about your rights on the job, different types of discrimination, how to file a complaint and what the federal government is doing to enforce the ADA and other laws.

The ADA was the world's first comprehensive declaration of equality for people with disabilities. It was a collaborative effort of Democrats, Republicans, the legislative and the executive branches, federal and state agencies, and people with and without disabilities.

The ADA Anniversary is a time that we can reflect positively on a law that has made a great impact on the lives of people with disabilities and our country over the past 22 years. The message within the Preamble and history is powerful because it clearly states the Congressional intent that the law is intended “to assure equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities."

At the signing of the ADA on July 26, 1990, President George Bush stated: “Three weeks ago we celebrated our nation's Independence Day. Today we're here to rejoice in and celebrate another 'independence day,' one that is long overdue. With today's signing of the landmark Americans for Disabilities Act, every man, woman, and child with a disability can now pass through once-closed doors into a bright new era of equality, independence, and freedom."

May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

The month of May 1-31, 2012 is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.   This year's theme is Striving for Excellence in Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion.   The month-long observance was officially designated in 1992 and the month of May was chosen to commemorate the first Japanese immigrants to the U.S. on May 7, 1843 and to recognize the Chinese immigrants who helped lay tracks for the transcontinental railroad, which was completed on May 10, 1869.

Click here to read the US Coast Guard's ALCOAST for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.   Visit the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Instutute [DEOMI] for special observance presentations for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.  For more information visit the website for Asian Pacific Heritage Month at http://asianpacificheritage.gov/ to learn more about the contributions of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States.   The Coast Guard's webpages from the Historian's Office provide historical information on Asian Pacific Americans in the Coast Guard and its predecessor services.

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April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

The month of April has been designated Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in the United States. The goal of SAAM is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to educate communities and individuals on how to prevent such acts from occurring. Sexual assault is defined as intentional sexual contact, characterized by use of force, physical threat or abuse of authority, or when the victim does not or cannot consent. National statistics show that more than one million women are raped each year. Within their lifetimes, one in six women and one in 33 men will be sexually assaulted. Women ages 16 to 24 experience the highest rates of rape and sexual assault. The Coast Guard is not impervious to these statistics either. In FY11 there were more than 70 reported cases of sexual assault with 32 of those cases involving rape.

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April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is National Child Abuse Prevention month.  ALCOAST 144/12 encourages all indivduals and organizations to play a role in making communities and homes better places for children and families.  Read the ALCOAST for suggestions on how each of us can make a difference and to learn the six protective factors.

For more information visit the Child Welfare Information Gateway at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Adminstration for Children and Families.

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U.S. Coast Guard Academy honors first black graduate of 1966

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy will honor its first black graduate Merle Smith during Eclipse Week. Click here to read more.

Nominate Someone for USCG Auxiliary Diversity Champion of the Quarter

Do you know someone who’s made a positive impact on the workplace climate of your District, Division or Flotilla?   Nominate them as a Diversity Champion of the Quarter to the Diversity/Inclusion department representative Bruce Perri, BC-DAE.

Each nomination letter should be no more than one full page in length, and should describe the nominee’s actions in support of the NACO’s Diversity Policy Statement and Strategic Plan for Managing Diversity.  Nominations should include the member’s name, District, Division, Flotilla, and a photo.

Actions that support the Diversity/Inclusion mission include, but are not limited to mentoring members, conducting local outreach; positively representing the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in underrepresented and/or diverse communities; and improving the workplace climate for all members.  Any member may be eligible for nomination.

Operational tasking (OPTASK) diversity FY2012 SITREP one

ALCOAST 143/12 announced that the USCG Office of Diversity (CG-12B) released SITREP One for Operational Tasking (OPTASK) diversity for fiscal year 2012. Click here to read this general message.

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Rear Admiral Sandra Stosz named one of Newsweek's "150 Women for Shake the World"

Rear Admiral Sandra L. Stosz, the Superintendent of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) at New London, Connecticut, was honored by Newsweek Magazine as one of the "150 Women Who Shake the World".  Newsweek Magazine's the Daily Beast lists 150 Fearless Women and credits Stosz with "knocking down gender barriers in the U.S. military since she joined more than 30 years ago."   Explore the list of 150 Fearless Women honored at Newsweek's Women in the World - The Daily Beast.

Read the USCGA's news release or Jennifer McDermott's article in the Military News section of the Connecticut "The Day".

Rear Admiral Stosz is the first female Superintendent of a U.S. military academy.   Stosz was also recently appointed to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Academic Advisory Council by DHS Security Secretary Janet Napolitano.

2012 National Women's History Month

ALCOAST 096/12 announces March 2012 as the 25th anniversary of Women's History Month. The U.S. Coast Guard Office of Diversity (CG-12B) provides information on its gender policy. The USCG Historian's Office provides information on the history of women in the Coast Guard and its predecessor services at its Women and the U.S. Coast Guard web page.

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Auxiliary Flotilla 44, District 1SR is USCG Diversity Champion

Flotilla 44 from the First District, Southern Region, Division 4, in of Sewaren, New Jersey became the USCG Diversity Champion of the Week for 13 February 2012. Flotilla 44 met the needs of its local Hispanic community by offering a New Jersey approved safe boating course that met National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) requirements. Read about Flotilla 44's efforts in the USCG Auxiliary SITREP eMagazine article entitled, "Flotilla Meets Needs of Hispanic Community." Flotilla 44's citation for USCG Diversity Champion may be seen at the USCG's Diversity Champions of 2012 webpage.

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March is Women's History Month 2012

The theme for March 2012 National Women’s History Month is "Women’s Education – Women’s Empowerment."

Visit the website of Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) for resources on special observance presentations on Women's History Month.

For facts from the U.S. Census Bureau on Women's History Month: March 2012, visit their webpage at Profile America Facts for Features & Special Editions or download the PDF version (35K) Women's History Month. In addition the U.S. Library of Congress has resources on its website for Women's History Month.

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U.S. Coast Guard Office of Diversity (CG-12B) Multicultural Calendar

A new 2012 Multicultural Calendar is available online from the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Diversity (CG-12B) home page. This Multicultural, Diversity, and Inclusion Calendar for 2012 was developed by the Office of Diversity and the Civil Rights Directorate as an education and training tool to enhance mutual understanding and respect among the various religious, ethnic and cultural groups. This twelve month calendar for 2012 is about honoring our differences and increasing awareness of the numerous important national and international observances and celebrations that may be commemorated in the United States.

Flotilla Meets Needs of Hispanic Community

Flotilla 44 of Sewaren, New Jersey, First District Southern Region, Ruritan Division, was approached by the local Hispanic community of boaters requesting a New Jersey approved safe boating course that was also approved by and meets the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) standard.

None of the local commercial providers have offered this course to the community and as a result we have a large number of boaters operating on New Jersey waters without the New Jersey State Marine Police permit. The requirements state an eight hour course that is approved by the state police and authorized to be provided by state permitted instructors. The Auxiliary meets all the requirements, plus the “About Boating Safety” (ABS) text and exam are in Spanish for those that do not speak or are not fluent in English.

Read about the service of this Flotilla, now on SITREP, www.teamcoastguard.org the Auxiliary's National e-magazine.

African American History Month

ALCOAST 040/12 announces African American History Month for February 2012. This year's theme "Black Women in American Culture and History" honors African American women and the myriad of roles they played in the shaping of our nation. The theme, chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History urges all Americans to study and reflect on the value of their contribution to the nation. For more information on African American History Month visit http://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/index.html.

Historical Information on African-Americans in the Coast Guard and its predecessor services can be seen at the U.S. Coast Guard Historian's page at African-Americans and the U.S. Coast Guard.

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February is African American/Black History Month

February is African American/Black History Month. For special observance materials for February 2012 on Black Women in American Culture and History as a PowerPoint presentation or PDF file, visit the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute or DEOMI.

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Commandant of Coast Guard Released Shipmates 19 Message

The Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, Admiral Admiral Robert J. Papp, Jr., has released his 19th Shipmates Message as ALCOAST 037/12. The Shipmates messages may be found at an archive at http://www.uscg.mil/seniorleadership/shipmates.asp.

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Multicultural Education Internet Resource Guide

The U.S. Coast Guard Office of Diversity (CG-12B) has provided a new tool called the Multicultural Education Internet Resource Guide available as a seven page PDF document. This multicultural guide, covering ten categories, provides links to over 50 web sites for multicultural information. The categories are general multicultural, world geography, environmental education, art, interactive, language, regions & ethnic groups, professional organizations & journals, anti-hate resources, and multicultural education.

U.S. Coast Guard 2011 Diversity Action Plan Report to Stakeholders

The Fiscal Year 2011 Diversity Action Plan Report to Stakeholders has been released as an eight page PDF report by the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Diversity CG-12B. The report presents the many accomplishments, initiatives, and outcomes associated with the five strategic goals outlined in the United States Coast Guard Diversity Strategic Plan.

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Auxiliarist Raymond Birnbaum is Coast Guard Diversity Champion of the Week

Congratulations to Auxiliarist Raymond Birnbaum, the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Diversity CG-12B Diversity Champion of the Week for 9 January 2012! The Coast Guard Diversity Champion distinction is bestowed upon individuals or units who have made significant contributions in support of the Commandant's Diversity Strategic Plan and OPTASK Diversity.

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Diversity Messages from the MCPOCG and MCPO-CGRF

Videos of diversity messages from MCPOCG Michael P. Leavitt, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard and from MCPO-CGRF Mark H. Allen, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Reserve Force have been released and may be viewed or downloaded from the Coast Guard Visual Information Gallery. Links to Coast Guard Diversity highlights and messages are available at http://www.uscg.mil/diversity. The diversity message of Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Robert J. Papp, Jr. may also be viewed or downloaded.

2012 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service

Monday, 16 January 2012 is the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service. It is a Federal holiday recognizing the many accomplishments and contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The theme for this holiday is "Remember-Celebrate-Act. A Day On, Not a Day Off." Click here to read the ALCOAST 028/12 for this day.

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Coast Guard Auxiliary Celebrates Diversity

On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his famous 17 minute "I Have a Dream" speech in front of 250,000 people at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.: “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold those words to be self-evident that all men are created equal...”

That was almost 48 years ago and had he not fallen to an assassin’s bullet on April 4, 1968 at the age of 39, he might have probably lived to see – at age 79 – some of this dream come true, when Barrack Obama was elected President of the United States. To read the rest of the article go to Coast Guard Auxiliary Live, Official Blog of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary at http://live.cgaux.org/?p=775.

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2011 A Year of Coast Guard Achievements in Diversity

Coast Guard news, an online source for the latest news concerning current and recent operations of the U.S. Coast Guard, has published an online article "2011 a Year of Coast Guard Achievements in Diversity". Coast Guard news reports that: The Coast Guard was cited by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management as a government-wide leader in diversity and inclusion best practices during 2011. That designation was earned through the hard work of the men and women in the Coast Guard’s Office of Diversity."

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Summary of 2011 Diversity Statistics for Auxiliary

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Department of Diversity & Inclusion has provided a summary of the diversity statistics, from 01 January 2012, in PDF format. This summary covers all age groups, all units, all unit locations, all genders, and all ethnicities of active Auxiliarists.

U.S. Coast Guard diversity statistics, from CG-12B Office of Diversity, for active duty, reservists, and civilians as well as historical data from the years 2006 through 2010, and are provided on the Coast Guard's diversity resources page.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration on January 16, 2012

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday will be observed on Monday, 16 January 2012 and a Day of Service. The theme is: "Remember! Celebrate! Act! A Day On...Not a Day Off." Martin Luther King Jr. was a fundamental force behind the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. For observance presentations for MLK day visit the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) online at http://www.deomi.org/SpecialObservance/presentations.cfm?CatID=1.

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Commandant's Holiday Video Message

Shipmates,

Happy Holidays! We are grateful for your continued service to the Coast Guard and our Nation.

To view our holiday message to you and your families, please click on the link below:

http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1479741

Semper Paratus,

Admiral Bob & Linda Papp, Commandant
Master Chief Michael & Debbie Leavitt, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard

USCG OPTASK DIVERSITY FY 2011 SITREP 4

FY 11 OPTASK Diversity SITREP Four - ALCOAST 555/11 has been released. For more valuable Diversity Initiative Information, visit the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Diversity website at www.uscg.mil/diversity/resources.asp.

New Coast Guard Ethos

Shipmates,

This message announces the release of the Coast Guard Ethos to reflect the enduring values and character of Coast Guard men and women in the active, reserve, civilian and auxiliary force. It pays homage to our long line of proud Coast Guardsmen and sets the standard for the men and women who serve today, and will serve in the future.

Earlier this year, a senior-level work group convened to examine the Guardian Ethos and determine whether adjustments were needed to make the ethos a more enduring service charge. The work group recommended minor changes to the existing language. After consulting with the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard and other senior leaders, I approved the change. The resulting Coast Guard Ethos will serve as an enduring statement of the fundamental character and spirit of our Service in a way that honors our profession and affirms our distinguished heritage.

The Coast Guard Ethos: I am a Coast Guardsman. I serve the people of the United States. I will protect them. I will defend them. I will save them. I am their shield. For them I am Semper Paratus. I live the Coast Guard core values. I am proud to be a Coast Guardsman. We are the United States Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard Ethos will replace the Guardian Ethos effective December 1, 2011, at Training Center Cape May, USCGA and OCS. Coast Guard Recruiting Command will transition from existing materials as they are expended to the new Coast Guard Ethos. All Coast Guard units and offices shall discontinue use of displays and materials featuring the Guardian Ethos by July 1, 2012.

A digital version of a Coast Guard Ethos poster for local printing is available at http://www.uscg.mil/top/about.

Stand a taut watch,

Admiral Bob Papp, Commandant
Master Chief Michael Leavitt, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard

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DSO-DV Diversity Training at NTRAIN 2012

The National Training Meeting (N-TRAIN) will be held Sunday, January 22, 2012 through Sunday January 29 in St. Louis, Missouri at the Sheraton Westport Lakeside Chalet Hotel. DSO-DV Training Sessions on Diversity are currently scheduled over Friday night 1900-2200, Saturday 1015-1600, and Sunday morning 0800-1200.

“Dependability, Integrity, Diversity”
Diversity is about our commitment to embrace men and women of all racial, cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds as full, equal, and vital members of our organization.

New Diversity Guides Available

The US Coast Guard Office of Diversity (CG-12B) has two new Diversity Guides available in Adobe PDF format:

The US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has a best practice reference website called Building and Maintaining a Diverse Workforce. An Adobe PDF version of this guide may be downloaded at http://www.opm.gov/diversity/guide.PDF.

November is Native American Heritage Month

November 1-30, 2011 is National American Indian Heritage Month. The theme is Service, Honor, Respect: Strengthening Our Cultures and Communities.
For more information visit http://nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov/ and for observance presentations visit DEOMI at http://www.deomi.org/SpecialObservance/presentations.cfm?CatID=8

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Paying it forward: PO Suarez

Each year, the President of the United States designates September 15 to October 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month – a national celebration of the history, culture and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The official blog of the U.S. Coast Guard, Compass’ recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month 2011, brings you the story of Petty Officer 3rd Class Ahmed Suarez who became a U.S. citizen while serving in the U.S. Coast Guard and has gone on to excel in the very service that saved his life.

NATIONAL WORK AND FAMILY MONTH

October is National Work and Family Month. As highlighted in the Commandant Papp's State of the Coast Guard Address, 2011 will be the Year of the Coast Guard Family. Together we will improve the quality of life for our Coast Guard members and military families.

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NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH

National Disability Employment Awareness month is observed annually in October. This year’s theme is "profit by investing in workers with disabilities." Read more of ALCOAST 4586/11.

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October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

It might cost less than you think to accommodate employees with disabilities. For instance, employers typically spend $500 or less—often nothing!—to accommodate blind employees. Yet about 70% of blind working-age Americans are unemployed. Part of the problem is that many employers don’t know how to attract, hire, and retain disabled workers. The free reference guide Diversifying Your Workforce explains the business advantages of hiring disabled people. DEOMI provides observance presentations on National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

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FIFTH ANNUAL WOMEN ON THE WATER CONFERENCE

The 5th Women of the Water (WOW) conference will be held from 27-29 October 2011 at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Buzzards Bay, MA. For more info read ALCOAST 444/11.

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Coast Guard Celebrates Hispanic Heritage

The US Coast Guard celebrates Hispanic Heritage month each year from 15 September to 15 October. Read the Commandant's message ALCOAST 432/11 on National Hispanic Heritage Month. Eleventh District commander, Rear Admiral Joseph "Pepe" Castillo, USCG has written about his heritage and the role diversity plays in the service at Coast Guard Compass, the official blog of the US Coast Guard.

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Repeal of the Law Known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

At midnight of 19 September the 18 year old law “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) was repealed. Read ADM Papp's message about DADT. For more coverage go to the Coast Guard Compass, the official blog of the U.S. Coast Guard.

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Shipmates 15 - Off-duty Safety & Suicide Prevention Message

The 15th Shipmates Message on Off-duty Safety & Suicide Prevention Message has been released.

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DCDR Ernie Stevens is USCG Diversity Champion of the Week

The US Coast Guard Diversity Champion of the Week is Division Commander Ernest Stevens of the Potomac Guardians. DCDR Stevens is recognized for his hard work and passion for providing and supporting Outreach programs in the metropolitan Washington DC area.

US Coast Guard Office of Diversity (CG-12B) resources are available at http://www.uscg.mil/diversity/resources.asp.

Government-wide Initiative to Promote Diversity and Inclusion in the Federal Workforce

On August 18th, 2011, President Obama signed Executive Order 13583 - Establishing a Coordinated Government-wide Initiative to Promote Diversity and Inclusion in the Federal Workplace.

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Standing for Diversity

The official diversity policy of National Commodore Vass states, "the Auxiliary is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, a journey guided by the deeply held values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty, as America's Guardians, we understand that diversity is not a problem to be solved, but is an asset to be developed." The Auxiliary Department of Diversity and Inclusion has been stood up to respond to this need. Standing for Diversity, written by Kenneth Jacobs, Division Chief of Communication Services (DVC-UC) of the Auxiliary's Information Technology Group User Support & Services as well as the Diversity & Outreach Officer at the US Coast Guard Academy Admissions Office, shows how the Auxiliary will reach our goals.

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September is Suicide Awareness Month

September is Suicide Prevention Awarenss Month and this is a brief reminder of what each of us can do to recognize and help others who may be thinking of suicide.

"IS-PATH-WARM" is a memory aid developed by the American Association of Suicidality to help recognize the signs of persons who may be thinking of suicide. An addditional memory aid for what to do when you suspect someone may be thinking of suicide is "ACE".

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News at NACON 2011 from the Diversity & Inclusion Department

See the latest news from NACON 2011 from the Diversity and Inclusion Department of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary at http://vimeo.com/28387501. ANACO-DV Don Lloyd speaks on what's new for Diversity.

Operational Tasking (OPTASK) Diversity FY2011 SITREP Three

US Coast Guard OPTASK DIVERSITY Sitrep Three provides updates outlining the progress and initiatives that were accomplished in the last quarter for FY11. For more information on USCG diversity initiatives, visit the US Coast Guard Office of Diversity at http://www.uscg.mil/diversity/.

Hispanic American Heritage Month 2011

Hispanic American Heritage Month will be observed 15 September-15 October 2011.

National and Department of Defense USD (P&R) Theme is "Many Backgrounds, Many Stories…One American Spirit."
Source: National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers

For historical information on Hispanic Americans in the Coast Guard and its predecessor services, visit the USCG Historian's Office.

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