Cooperative Extension System Annual Award for Diversity

(The OSUEA Recognition and Awards Committee oversees the Cooperative Extension System Annual Award for Diversity. Because the national due date for state nominations is earlier than the OSUEA awards programs, nominations will be forwarded the following year [for example, nominations received in August 2004 will be forwarded in June 2005]. Members of the OSUEA Awards Committee are available to help nominators refine the packet in the five following months.)

Purpose: To recognize outstanding accomplishments in achieving and sustaining diversity and pluralism in Extension.

The Meaning of Diversity and Pluralism: The Award for Diversity is presented in support of the Cooperative Extension system's Emphasis on Diversity - program by the Cooperative Extension system to achieve and sustain pluralism as an integral part of every aspect of Extension: mission and vision, workforce, programs, audiences, and relationships with other people, groups, and organizations. The concepts of "diversity" and "pluralism" are defined in "Pathway to Diversity: Strategic Plan for the Cooperative Extension System's Emphasis on Diversity":

Diversity is differences among people with respect to age, class, ethnicity, gender, physical and mental ability, race, sexual orientation, spiritual practice, and other human differences. Pluralism is an organizational culture that incorporates mutual respect, acceptance, teamwork, and productivity among people who are diverse in the dimensions of human differences listed above as diversity.

This is not an award for EEO/AA programs. The Award for Diversity supports efforts that go beyond EEO/AA programs to develop a culture and environment in which diversity is valued and pluralism is achieved. People are encouraged and supported to bring all of who they are into the workplace and programs. Strong and effective EEO/AA programs form an important part of the foundation for the Emphasis on Diversity. The distinguishing features between EEO/AA programs and the Emphasis on Diversity are:

1. EEO/AA includes specified legal requirements for "non-discrimination," a complaints process to address discriminatory employment and program practices, and a process to encourage workforce and program representation of underrepresented groups.

2. The Emphasis on Diversity is voluntary. It includes activities beyond EEO/AA that are needed to achieve and sustain diversity and pluralism. It is a strategic response to changes in the U.S. population and workforce, designed to maintain an effective and productive workforce in Extension and programs relevant to the people of the nation, states, and territories. it applies to Extension audiences, programs, initiatives, administration, staff, policies, advisory and decision making groups, funding, coalitions, educational materials and delivery methods, structure, technology, and other aspects of Extension.

Nominations: The Award for Diversity is presented for accomplishments for diversity and pluralism in any aspect Extension: operations, staffing, programs, audiences, advisory councils, etc. The Award recognizes innovations and outstanding effort that demonstrates achievements. The recipient(s) can be an individual, team, or organization in the Extension System. Anyone can recommend potential awardees.

Selection Process: The Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP) and Extension Service, USDA (ES-USDA) have asked the Subcommittee on Extension Diversity of the Personnel and Organization Development Committee (PODC-SED) to solicit and manage nominations for the Award for Diversity. PODC-SED has appointed the Diversity Award Panel to receive and review nominations and recommend the Award recipient(s) to the ECOP Chair and ES-USDA Administrator who select the Awardee(s) prior to the annual Land Grant meeting in November.

Award Presentation: The Annual Award for Diversity is presented to the Award recipient(s) by the ECOP Chair and ES-USDA Administrator during the Extension Section meeting of the Land-Grant Institutions in November each year. The Extension System "Award for Diversity" is a plaque. The name(s) of the annual awardee(s) is recorded on a permanent plaque displayed in the ES-USDA Administrator's office.

Guidelines for Nominations: Nominations will be evaluated for outstanding accomplishments in achieving and sustaining diversity and pluralism in Extension. The following elements should be incorporated int he justification of the nomination:

(1) Purpose(s) of the effort and the activities involved?
(2) Reason(s) the effort deserves recognition for outstanding accomplishments--Obstacles overcome? Innovation? Impact(s)? Other reasons?
(3) Way(s) the effort has fostered an organizational culture that respects and values diversity and pluralism?
(4) Way(s) the effort has conveyed cultural sensitivity and appreciation for diversity?
(5) Significant achievements and impacts or potential impacts resulting from the effort?

National Due Date: The deadline for receipt of the state nomination by the Diversity Panel is June 15. (Because the national due date for state nominations is earlier than the Oregon awards packets, nominations will be forwarded the following year [for example, nominations received in August 2003 will be forwarded in June 2004]. Members of the OSUEA Recognition and Awards Committee will help nominators refine the packet in the five following months.)

(Before completing this form, please copy the text and prepare it in a word processing software program.)

Nomination Form for Cooperative Extension System Annual Award for Diversity

1. Name, title, address, and phone number of nominee(s); use additional sheets if necessary:

2. Nomination submitted by (name, title, address and phone number):

3. Please provide specific wording for award citation (30 words or less):

4. Basis for nomination. Please use a format that follows the guidelines for nominations. Use this cover sheet and no more than four (4) additional sheets if necessary. Please do not include videotapes, bound publications, and other support materials with nomination.

Award nomination packets are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, August 6, 2004/FONT>