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Equal Opportunity, Diversity Key to Productivity, Readiness
Jun 16, 2009 (DEFENSE DEPARTMENT DOCUMENTS AND PUBLICATIONS/ContentWorks via COMTEX) --
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (NNS) -- More than 300 military and civilian equal opportunity (EO) professionals attended the Navy's 2009 Equal Opportunity Advisor (EOA) and Command Managed Equal Opportunity (CMEO) Symposium May 19-22 at the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) at Patrick Air Force Base.
"Equal Opportunity: Accountability Driven--Compliance Based," was the theme of the symposium.
"EO compliance is the vehicle for our highest ideals regarding teamwork and productivity which benefits retention," said Cmdr. George Bradshaw, director, Navy Equal Opportunity.
"Leadership and individual accountability are critical in ensuring this is being achieved. If we're going to be a 'Top 50' employer, recruitment and outreach will be fruitless if we aren't creating a climate to retain our talent at every Navy command. Our EOAs and CMEOs are critical personnel to our commanders in assisting them with this mission. This symposium was designed to provide all in attendance with tools to help them achieve this," added Bradshaw.
Rear Adm. Daniel P. Holloway, director, Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education addressed a packed auditorium of EOA and CMEO professionals on the first day of the symposium at DEOMI -- the Defense Department's Center of Excellence for equal opportunity, equal employment opportunity training and cross-cultural competency research.
"We have a world-class Navy, and we demand world-class performance. Our CMEOs and EOAs are stepping up to the plate to ensure every single Sailor is included," said Holloway. "Knowing that our strengths derive from our differences, as well as shared values, goals and ethics, I am impressed with our equal opportunity and equal employment education and training programs, which form a strong foundation in the building of our military leaders."
The primary goal of the symposium was to conduct professional development training addressing equal opportunity and diversity issues for command-level EOAs, CMEO managers and other leadership.
"There's a lot of value added to having our fleet CMEOs attend the symposium at DEOMI -- the heartbeat of our EO program," said Command Master Chief David Carter of the Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center, Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Norfolk, Va. "Our CMEOs and EOAs provide important advice on how to run an inclusive command where everyone feels valued."
The symposium included briefs from senior leadership, diversity and equal opportunity subject-matter experts and experienced training professionals. The training focused on effective interpersonal communications, current diversity strategies, equal opportunity policies and the Navy's diversity campaign plans.
"Communication is the most important part of my job -- whether it's in written or spoken form, and you can pick up a lot of tips at events like this. I also enjoyed the Navy Pride and Professionalism portion of instruction," explained Senior Chief Damage Controlman (SW/AW) Carl Phillips, an equal opportunity advisor with Naval Air Systems Command.
Chief Operations Specialist Antonio Taylor, a CMEO for Maritime Expeditionary Security Group 2, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, Va., said he enjoyed being able to share helpful tips about his job with others in attendance.
"I've been a CMEO for about a year and hearing what works and doesn't work from those with more experience is a great way to improve our programs. I want to do all I can to be the best CMEO possible."
The Navy strives to demonstrate its commitment to equal opportunity and diversity through continued training extended to its Sailors and civilians, support of affinity groups, a career-long mentoring continuum and other initiatives designed to enable members to develop personally and professionally.
"If we have a climate in every command that everyone feels comfortable being a part of, then every Sailor can easily be a recruiter. People will know when someone honestly feels good about the organization they belong to," said Capt. Cynthia Macri, special assistant for diversity for the chief of naval operations.
Those in attendance at the symposium were also the first public audience to view DEOMI's latest video production titled "Who's On Your Team," a video that addresses the core issues of human dignity and worth for all individuals. The video also explained that equal opportunity for all individuals is a fundamental aspect of readiness. The video can be used for training events or as a motivator in other venues which addresses equal opportunity and equal employment opportunity.
The Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute was established to address the education and training of military and civilian personnel in the areas of diversity, equal opportunity and equal employment opportunity.
For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel - Diversity Directorate, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp-diversity/.
Story Number: NNS090615-11 - Release Date: 6/15/2009 3:12:00 PM
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