[Comm-Council] FW: NEWS RELEASE: Governor Encourages State Agencies to Diversify Workforce

Tue Aug 19 11:32:08 PDT 2008

Lonn Hoklin

Public Affairs Manager

Oregon Department of Administrative Services

503.378.2627

503.428.2169 (cell)

________________________________

From: GOVERNORS Press [mailto:Governors.Press at state.or.us] 
Sent: Tuesday, August 19, 2008 11:30 AM
Subject: NEWS RELEASE: Governor Encourages State Agencies to Diversify
Workforce 

Theodore R. Kulongoski

          Governor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEWS RELEASE

August 19, 2008

Contact: 
Anna Richter Taylor, 503-378-6169

Rem Nivens, 503-378-6496

Jillian Schoene, 503-378-5040 

Governor Encourages State Agencies to Continue Work on Diversifying
Workforce and Creating an Inclusive Work Environment

Governor issues executive order outlining directions for agencies to
improve affirmative action efforts

(Salem) - Governor Kulongoski today announced he signed Executive Order
08-18, which directs agencies to continue to improve affirmative action
efforts and outlines tools agencies can use to create a more inclusive
work environment. The executive order builds on an executive order
issued by the Governor in 2005 and updates agencies with information on
programs that will lead to a more inclusive work environment.  

"State government must respect the rights of all employees," Governor
Kulongoski said. "State agencies need to foster an inclusive work
environment and continue to take all steps available to them to create a
diverse workforce and ensure employees are respected and treated
fairly." 

The executive order directs agencies to review affirmative action plans
and encourages them to work with Governor's Affirmative Action Office to
continue training designed to improve employees' skills and competency
in managing affirmative action and diversity issues. The executive order
also encourages agencies to use an exit interview process developed with
the Department of Administrative Services to offer state employees the
opportunity to provide feedback on their experiences in their employment
before moving to another agency or job. The Department of Administrative
Services will also conduct periodic audits on management effectiveness
in achieving specific agency affirmative action goals.  

"This executive order will strengthen our efforts to open the doors for
many Oregonians that have traditionally faced barriers of gaining
employment or advancing in the workplace," Governor Kulongoski said. "We
can achieve the goals of a diverse workforce through open minds and a
commitment to an inclusive culture in state government." 

To view a copy of the executive order, click here
<http://governor.oregon.gov/Gov/docs/executive_orders/eo0818.pdf> . 

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