A Review of Diversity for Auxiliarists

Diversity is about people. It’s about the environment we work in and all of us reaching our panacea of accomplishments. It’s about how we value those who are unlike ourselves. It’s about how we think and how that translates into how we act in all that we do with members of the “Team”. The Coast Guard considers diversity a matter of readiness….and believes in training its people with the tools for an excellent mission and seriously engages the Team to learn about its perceptions through assessments.

Diversity is NOT affirmative action, sensitivity training or awareness, or total assimilation.

It’s important to talk about diversity because recruitment and retention are the foundation of what diversity engenders. And, the demographics of this country have been dramatically changed forever.

Understanding diversity is understanding the differences that make each person unique. It’s important to each of us because it can enrich your life and your world. Understanding and appreciating differences helps. Individuals can gain new insights and outlooks. Communities can tap the very talents of their members. Groups that appreciate diversity have the advantage in today’s global market.

People are unique in the following ways:

Ethnicity – culture, customs, language and sense of identity

Family life – family size, values, traditions and social class

Beliefs – religion, or philosophy of life

Geography – how one feels about being from a certain city or country

Experiences – school, work, travel, recreation, interaction with others

These differences can affect the way we see people. Their “uniqueness” can take form in social aspects; such as in body language: standing too close or too far, or eye contact. Or, listening while looking at the speaker or looking away. Or, speaking while looking at the listeners or looking away. Other traits of uniqueness may affect expressing opinions, wherein some cultures believe it is rude to complain or say “no”. Or, work styles may manifest a cultural value to “get down to business”.

Get more out of relationships. Be open about relationships, don’t assume anything, encourage questions, make it a point to become friends with people who are “different” from you. Don’t make anyone a spokesperson, avoid telling ethnic or sexual jokes, make your feelings known, and remember that mistakes happen.

Celebrate diversity ! Take pride in your own uniqueness. Welcome others as individuals and enjoy your similarities as well as your differences. When you appreciate diversity, you enrich your world.