The Reserve Organization of America has faced many challenges since its inception more than one hundred years ago. We all have seen the acceleration of change throughout our lifetime, and we are living in an environment that can feel tumultuous at times.
We have seen the demographics of our uniformed services shift. When I joined the Air Force in 1981, women made up only nine percent of the total military population. Today, it is over twenty percent and rising. Military demographics continue to evolve and reflect shifts in the US population. It is time for ROA to consider how we can better represent diversity in the ranks of the reserve components.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) provides a framework to promote fair treatment and full participation for all people. That is what we want for ROA; a place where everyone is welcomed and valued. Beyond that, there are also significant benefits to the organization, including:
- Representation and Access: The Reserve Component community is remarkably diverse. It is essential that ROA represents everyone in the community equally. Embracing DEI ensures that we are accessible and welcoming to people of all backgrounds, including those who have historically been marginalized or underrepresented.
- Improve Effectiveness: Diverse perspectives and experiences can strengthen our organization by providing innovative ideas, approaches, and solutions. When we collaborate with others from different backgrounds, we can better understand the communities needs and develop more effective strategies to address them.
- Engagement and Retention: Members are more likely to stay engaged and committed to an organization where they feel valued, respected, and included. DEI seeks to create an environment where members feel comfortable expressing themselves in fellowship with ROA members and in contributing their skills and talents to the ROA mission.
Let us join together to respect our heritage while embracing the diversity in our ranks. Let us make ROA a welcoming and inclusive organization that represents the full spectrum of military diversity.