AFPC officials establish diversity council

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Gina M. Vaccaro
  • Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) --  Air Force Personnel Center officials drafted a charter and established working groups for its diversity council, the center's most recent endeavor to advance diversity initiatives Feb. 26. One of the first of its kind in the Air Force and comprised of military and civilians, the council will serve as an advisory committee to the commander for diversity issues.

"AFPC is committed to fostering appreciation for diversity," said Maj. Gen. K.C. McClain, AFPC commander. "By increasing the diversity of an organization, you increase the aperture that organization views issues through; essentially you're expanding the organization's capabilities."

The council has representatives from the active duty, guard and reserve, and civilian workforce within AFPC who each volunteered for a one-year team. The 14 primary members along with the council advisors will meet monthly to develop programs aimed at improving understanding of diversity and that highlight the value of diversity within AFPC and the surrounding community.

"Diversity enhances our Air Force," the general added. "As Airmen, we are working together toward a common mission and our collective strengths, perspectives, and capabilities surpass our individual contributions. The AFPC diversity council will emphasize that fact."

Maj. Gen. McClain identified AFPC as a Diversity Champion Organization with a goal of demonstrating a commitment to diversity. Identifying diversity champion organizations is just one of many initiatives taking place across the Air Force that will raise awareness of diversity issues.

The council members will be responsible for reviewing AFPC programs, policies, and initiatives as they relate to diversity and developing strategies to utilize the diversity within AFPC to accomplish the mission. Additionally, the council will develop programs to improve awareness and understanding of diversity within the center and the local community and will recommend improvements to existing programs to enhance fairness and diversity.

"The work we do here in the center affects every Airman from the moment one enters the Air Force until he or she decides to separate or retire," General McClain said. "Since the Air Force we are serving is diverse, it is critical that AFPC embraces diversity in order to provide the best possible service to all Airmen."

In the council's first two meetings, the members have discussed their intent to educate and promote diversity within the organization and the different perspectives of diversity within the center. The next meeting will be in April.

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