WHAT IS DIVERSITY: The term "diversity" is used broadly to refer to many demographic variables, including, but not limited to, race, religion, color, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, age, education, geographic origin, and skill characteristics. America's diversity has given this country its unique strength, resilience, and richness.
Diversity
in the National Park Service means valuing employees in all occupations,
at all levels and providing them the opportunities for working at their
full potential and making their maximum contributions toward achieving
the organization's mission and goals. Diversity encompasses more than
the differences in race, religion, national origin, disabilities, age,
gender or sexual orientation; it includes respecting and appreciating
individual differences and ensuring all employees are included as full,
contributing and influential team members; encouraging initiatives designed
to empower and motivate employees; creating and maintaining an inclusive
approach to all systems, policies and practices; providing equitable treatment
and opportunities; educating the work force on the nature of diversity;
encouraging employees to offer differing views and suggestions toward
achieving program goals and objectives; showing flexibility toward non-traditional
quality of worklife efforts and facilitating culture change to support
new behaviors.
The foundation of our diversity philosophy must be clearly communicated to our employees and potential employees that the National Park Service is committed to providing an environment in which:
Employees
are treated fairly;
Employees are recognized and rewarded based upon ability and merit for
their contributions;
Employees have equal access to opportunity for growth and advancement;
Employees respect each other and are free from harassment, discrimination,
and intolerance;
The diversity of society is represented at all levels throughout the National
Park Service; and
The management and development of employees are recognized as crucial
to the success of the National Park Service.
As we move into the 21st century, there will be major changes in the demographics of this Nation's population. As a result, the visitor base, donors, and the civilian labor force will also change. In order for the National Park Service to remain a viable organization for preserving and maintaining our national treasures for the use of all visitors, we must accelerate our efforts to be inclusive by having the face of America at all levels and sites. Workforce diversity is a mission-related goal, which is as important as safety, housing, and park management. Our workforce should be as diverse as the National Park System we both serve and represent.
