The Foreign Service Journal, January 2012

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 2 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 61 A F S A N E W S is that the lack of diversity at the senior levels translates into fewer mentors who can advise and support those trying to join their ranks. So what can be done to fulfill our commitment to amore di- verse Service? How do we create an institution that goes beyond a compliance focus on“diversity by numbers,”and celebrates the benefits of a diverse work force? Incorporation of diversity precepts into work requirements statements and promotion panel decisions offers incentives for individuals to ensure that their actions enhance diversity. Institutional support for affinity groups based on gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation en- sures that all-important mentoring networks flourish and, in turn, help to recruit and de- velop the next generation of diverse leadership. Presidential appointments at the ambassador or assistant sec- retary level address the temporal under-representation that is found in our meritocratic system, as the results of other efforts begin to take hold. However, throughout this process, we must remember that our conversation on diversity must be inclusive so that all employees — regardless of minority or majority sta- tus — feel comfortable participating in it. America requires a more diverse Foreign Service in order to engage with a more diverse world. Our challenge, as colleagues and stakeholders at the Department of State, is to live“diversity” in our everyday lives. Wemust promote diversity-friendly work- places, where no one would question the ap- pointment of a non-minority person as director of civil rights, and where State maga- zine’smonthly“DiversityNotes”column is read by all employees —not just by some. Matthew Asada is a fourth-generation Japanese-Amer- ican and third-generation public servant originally from Michigan. He is a member of the 2011-2013 AFSA Gov- erning Board and a political officer currently serving as a 2011-2012 American Political Science Association congressional fellow. The genesis of this article was the author’s participation in a panel dis- cussion on “Diversity in Politics and Governance,” held at the University of Pennsylvania on Oct. 2, 2010, as part of that university’s inaugural alumni diversity celebration weekend. Diversity • Continued from page 51 America requires a more diverse Foreign Service in order to engage with a more diverse world. LEGAL SERVICES ATTORNEY WITH 30 YEARs’ successful experience SPE- CIALIZING FULL-TIME IN FS GRIEVANCES will more than dou- ble your chance of winning: 30% of grievants win before the Grievance Board; 85% of my clients win. 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