Diversity Policy Statement

December 21, 2017

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

EMS TRANSMISSION: 01/08/2018
Information Bulletin No. CAIB2018-004

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 leverages and embraces 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 BLM’s mission. 

Diversity is a core value and strategic business imperative that contributes to our 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 California BLM, there are many resources to assist us in continuing to create a more diverse and inclusive organization.  One such resource is the Diversity Change Agents (DCA).  The DCAs are a trained cadre of BLM employees throughout the state who champion our goal of creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace.  Another group is the Special Observances Committee whose goal is to educate us about the annual special observances, such as African American/Black History Month or LGBT Pride Month.  The newsletter and speakers this Committee creates and brings in gives all of us an opportunity to learn more about our shared heritages.  Both of these groups are open to all employees and if you are interested in contributing to either group, please contact the EEO office for more information.  

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 their respective area of responsibility; to familiarize themselves with the procedures in all EEO documentation; and to ensure that they are not engaging in or leading employees to act in a 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, as we all contribute to the lands and resources we are entrusted to manage, we recognize the importance that diversity plays into ensuring healthy ecosystems.  It is no different with an organization, a diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve fosters a healthy and productive work environment where all employees feel included, valued and respected. 

Signed by:    
Jerome E. Perez    
State Director           

Authenticated by:   
Larry Weitzel    
GIS/Applications Mgmt Branch, CA-946