An affirmative action plan (AAP) is a written document designed to promote equal employment and career opportunities for minorities. The term “affirmative action” was first coined by President John F. Kennedy in a 1961 executive order. He requested that employers “take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during employment, without regard to their race, creed, color, or national origin.” Today, affirmative action has transformed, encompassing affirmative action programs that target underrepresented groups in the workplace. AAPs use company data from previous years to determine which underrepresented groups to recruit, hire, and support.
Organizations that engage in business with the federal government and qualify for the government’s AAP criteria must have a written plan. Other companies which aren’t required to have a plan can voluntarily develop an AAP according to government guidelines.