Diversity Policy Statement

                                                               September 17, 2019

In Reply Refer To:
1400-713 (CA-910) P

EMS Transmission   10/16/2019
Information Bulletin No. CA-2019-008

To:                      All Employees          

From:                 State Director                      

Subject:             Diversity Policy Statement

I want to emphasize my commitment to the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) diversity strategies, which leverage and embrace a diverse workforce.  In embracing a diverse workforce, we all need to respect all individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences, as well as each individual’s culture, race, religion, ethnicity, age, and gender, ensuring that they are fully included, valued, and respected by their peers, supervisors, and managers. This commitment is the foundation for building and maintaining a high-quality workforce in support of the BLM’s mission.

Diversity is a core value and strategic business imperative that contributes to BLM’s strength. Diversity allows BLM to benefit from talents, abilities, ideas, and viewpoints of a workforce drawn from our diverse society.  Diversity sparks innovation by incorporating new approaches and fresh perspectives to problem solving.  We must strive to ensure that we recruit, retain, and sustain a diverse, talented, and highly skilled workforce.

Within BLM California, there are many resources to assist us in continuing to create a more diverse and inclusive organization.  The Diversity Change Agent (DCA) and Special Emphasis Programs (SEP) are both programs which serve to advance our diversity and inclusion mission.  The DCAs are a trained cadre of BLM employees throughout the state who champion our goal of creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace.  The Special Emphasis Programs Committee provides resources, support and training to all BLM employees on topics which specifically highlight communities who have traditionally been underrepresented within the federal workforce. In addition, the Special Emphasis Programs conduct routine barrier analysis to determine if there are obstacles to equal employment and seeks to ensure our policies and practices are aligned with principles of equality and inclusion.

Each one of you has responsibilities as it relates to this Diversity Policy Statement.  For all managers and supervisors it is your responsibility to ensure that the standards established within this policy and the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Program are adhered to within your respective area of responsibility; to familiarize yourself with the procedures in all EEO documentation; and to ensure engagement and leadership of employees to act in a non-discriminatory manner.  As an employee it is your responsibility to cooperate with any measures introduced to ensure equality of opportunity; report any discriminatory acts or practices; not induce or attempt to induce others to practice unlawful discrimination; and not reprise against anyone for pursuing the discrimination complaint process.

In closing, a diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve fosters a healthy and productive work environment where all employees feel included, valued and respected. I appreciate your efforts in helping to create this environment.

Signed by:                                                                    Authenticated by:
Joseph Stout                                                               Larry Weitzel
Acting State Director                                                  GIS/Applications Mgmt Branch, CA-946