A new course enabling access to practical tools to support diversity and inclusion conversations and cross-cultural cross-generational learning is now available to all Coast Guard personnel at no additional cost.
The course is "Diversity and Inclusion Foundations" (Course #100455) and is delivered via the Coast Guard Learning Management System. It will take students roughly eight hours to complete this course. Themes unpacked include:
Diversity, inclusion, and belonging;
Emotional intelligence;
Civility in the workplace;
Microaggressions;
Unconscious bias; and
Generational diversity.
“Making this course widely available is just one of the many ways the Coast Guard strives to create a work environment that is consistently Fair, Open, Cooperative, Supportive and Empowering (FOCSE),” said Michelle Godfrey, director of Civilian Human Resources, Diversity and Leadership, U.S. Coast Guard.
“Cultivating a culture that builds diversity and inclusion is not a discrete act — a project with a conclusion — but rather an ongoing activity that will increase the Coast Guard’s mission effectiveness and performance,” said Hope Balamani, chief, Office of Diversity & Inclusion, U.S. Coast Guard. “This course may help personnel learn how to identify and counteract inequity, how to have honest, difficult conversations, constructively, and how to maintain environments where everyone feels valued. All of this may empower individuals and teams to deliver their best work,” she said. “Completing the course is especially useful for those interested in serving or already serving on Leadership and Diversity Advisory Councils (LDACs).”
The purpose of LDACs is to foster environments that promote open communication, respect for all, professional development, cultural consciousness, and inclusion, so everyone can achieve their full potential and maximize their contribution to the Coast Guard.
The new course and its accompanying leader guidebook help Coast Guard community members facilitate meaningful conversations that address diversity, equity, and inclusion at the unit and office level, Godfrey said.
For questions regarding the Diversity & Inclusion Foundations Course, email the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (CG-127).
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