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The importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in the federal government

The federal government has something no other organization has: the unique mission of service to the American people. It is responsible for ensuring our food is safe to eat, our water is potable, our skies are safe to fly and our land is defended from our adversaries. No other organization, public or private, is responsible for these missions, and that is why federal agencies must be diverse, equitable and inclusive.

Their mission success depends on these three principles because they are the strength of our country. Our nation is home to more than 330 million people of varying ethnic, cultural, societal, political, religious, geographic, economic and educational backgrounds and identities. And this diversity should be represented in our federal agencies.

Such representation isn’t simply an ideal to uphold. It’s also good business practice. Numerous research studies and articles from organizations like the Harvard Business Review and Forbes show the many benefits of diverse teams. People with a range of unique perspectives help a team enhance performance, boost innovation and focus more keenly on facts.

But giving everyone a seat at the table is only the start. Their voices must also be included and equally considered. As leadership expert and bestselling author Ken Blanchard once said: “None of us is as smart as all of us.”

The Partnership also is dedicated to building a culture of inclusion for our organization, one in which a diverse workforce has equitable opportunities to contribute, succeed and grow. In our diversity statement, the Partnership outlines our commitment to that goal, and we encourage everyone to read the statement, learn about what we are doing and think about how you can make your agency more diverse, equitable and inclusive.

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