JOE VELASQUEZ, CHAIRMAN
1025 Penn Avenue
Turlock, CA 95382-1329
(209) 632-6643 - FAX (209) 668-2705

Diversity, as defined for use in the Veterans of Foreign Wars:

     “An open and accepting environment of individual difference, where all members are encouraged to maximize their potential and to exhibit a commitment to provide quality leadership, regardless of race, gender, religion, disability, age, education or skill characteristics.

Culture: The behavior, patterns, beliefs and other products of a particular people passed from generation to generation.

     As our membership is represented by nearly every culture in the world, it is important to identify and acknowledged those specific cultures unique to our Posts. This will allow these distinctive groups to be better represented throughout our organization.

Ability: Ambulatory, senses (hearing, sight, speech), size, economic status, education and age.

     Persons with all levels of ability can make significant contributions to our group. They should be welcomed, so they feel comfortable in the Posts. An emphasis has to be made in bringing our Posts up to A.D.A. standards.

Ethnic Lifestyles: (very wide range) Identify lifestyle changes that are needed or desired.

     Many Posts, Districts and Departments have to be educated in the necessity of change. The “we’ve always done it this way” lifestyle is no longer appropriate. The new lifestyle has to be one of acceptance and productivity.

Create an environment that fosters diversity.

Mentor program: Put individuals or groups under the “wing” of more experienced leaders of the Post (District, Department), to act as a liaison, guide and troubleshooter.

Advanced education: Provide resources to learn more about diversity.

Communication: Get the word out. Newsletters, forums, presentations and videos can be made available to the membership.

Quality leadership: (possibly by example)

     By addressing these issues, improvements can be made in morale, recruitment, retention and motivation, and in our member’s self value. How one feels about him/herself in their environment reflects directly on their performance.

     Everyone has a contribution to make. We do not all think alike. We do not all have the same talents. We do not all identify with all the members we have. Yet, every member can and should be nurtured to be a positive influence on how the Veterans of Foreign Wars operates as a whole.

     Allow individuals to make a difference.

     Education breaks the barrier of fear of the unknown.

     The Veterans of Foreign Wars initiated the Diversity Program in 1999. The intent of the program is to assist our Posts and members to better appreciate the individual talents and abilities of all of our members. Each District and Post Commander should appoint a Diversity Committee Chairman to oversee this new program within their area of control. As this is a very new program, specific guidelines are still being generated by the National Diversity Committee. As more information and guidance is generated, the State Diversity Program Chairman will disperse it to all the members.