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***Diversity.* Diversity is defined as: \"Those human qualities that are
different from our own and outside the groups to which we belong, yet
present in other individuals and groups.\"**

Diversity includes everyone; it is not something that is defined by race
or gender. It extends to age, personal and corporate background,
education, function, and personality. It includes lifestyle, gender,
sexual orientation, geographic origin, physical abilities and qualities,
tenure with the organization, exempt or non-exempt status, and
management or non-management status.

**Past 1^st^ Place Diversity Award Winners**

##### 1993 - Central Region,

Medical Administration Service Pilot Program

1994 - Tuscaloosa VAMC, Educational Opportunities for Career Development

1995 - Atlanta VAMC, VA Leadership Upward Expectation Management
Development Program

1996 - Washington VAMC, Our Reflection of Success

1999 - Bronx VAMC, Patient Focused Training Program

2001 - New Jersey HealthCare System, Expanding Horizons/New Frontiers
Mentoring Programs

For more information or questions contact:

Dorothy Anderson, Ph.D.

Chairperson

\(919\) 680-6841 x270

# David Rabb

## Executive Assistant

\(612\) 725-2000 1477

**Under Secretary For Health's Diversity Awards Program**

Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration

Administered by

Diversity Advisory Board

"Our Strength is Our Diversity!"

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**Diversity Award Program**

Established in 1993 by the Under Secretary for Health's Diversity
Advisory Board, the award program recognizes those facilities that have
advanced the cause of diversity in the workplace and provided a positive
role model for other facilities.

Any VHA facility, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN), or VHA
Headquarters program office that has developed initiatives to increase
awareness and improve diversity within the organization is eligible for
this award.

Recognition is given to organizations that have developed an innovative
successful program based on achievements in diversity (mentoring,
education and training, career advancement, etc.).

Award winners will receive the Diversity trophy and the Honorable
Mention recipients will receive framed certificates:

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Application Process

A subcommittee of the Diversity Advisory Board screens application
packages. This ad hoc committee comprised of members who have the
background and expertise to serve on the committee chooses Winner(s) on
the basis of their application. The determination of the winner(s)
depends fully on the information provided in the application package.
The nominated program, program, or activity should demonstrate a
commitment to policies and programs that promote diversity in the
Federal workplace.

Deadline for receipt of applications is August 30, 2002

#### Award Screening Criteria

The Award Program will consider applications from projects, programs, or
activities that empower employees and/or teams, and:

a.  Demonstrates the involvement and support of senior leadership in the
    planning process and implementation

b.  Encourages a diverse environment

c.  Recognizes and support employee development

d.  Supports the organization's strategic goals for diversity

e.  Has established outcome measures with results demonstrated over time

f.  Effectively communicates diversity plans and goals for the
    organization to employees

g.  Assesses impact through planned and continuous feedback to and from
    employees