AN OPPORTUNITY TO FULFILL THE CONCEPT OF DIVERSITY
The Garrett A. Morgan Association (GAMA) was founded in 1991 by African American employees of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The Association's purpose is to provide a forum for open discussion about careers, training, and personal development that will help carry the Department of Transportation's (DOT) policy of diversity to all levels of management.
Through candid discussion GAMA members are able to encourage one another to excel professionally, identify challenges in the work place, and offer solutions to the DOT management.
GAMA is an open association. All interested employees are invited to participate.
THE NEED
Work force diversity in the DOT makes good business sense. A diverse work force will bring to the DOT, employees who possess a rich variety of viewpoints and qualities... a work force that reflects the mix of people within our Nation's population. Future generations of workers will challenge the DOT to tap new resources and continue to assess the skills needed to achieve our Agency's mission.
HOW THE ASSOCIATION OPERATES
GAMA meets on the third Thursday of each month, under the operation of elected officer.
CURRENT FOCUS IS BETTER COMMUNICATION
The current focus is to identify challenges to and provide advice about valuing diversity in the workplace. The Association encourages greater communication among and between African American and other employees at the Washington, DC Headquarters. Open participation has proven an exceptional way to learn more about different ethnic backgrounds and build greater comradery for the good of the DOT.
Join in to create opportunities for your personal and professional development through information exchange. You can contribute to the agency-wide dialogue about managing diversity.
A SPIRIT OF COOPERATION
GAMA's spirit of cooperation has already been demonstrated from the beginning. In February 1991 members participated in the Listening Session on Valuing Diversity and provided feedback to the Administrator. Members also volunteered in significant numbers to facilitate diversity awareness sessions and work as team members with Associate Administrators to carry our the total plan.
Supporting and recommending ways to improve the dialogue on diversity will remain a priority. Active involvement in all aspects of the initiative will ensure that the spirit of diversity continues well into the next century.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Training Opportunities available through the DOT are also a GAMA focus. A portion of each monthly meeting is devoted to career themes of interest to all employees including supervisory and managerial topics. Resources include the DOT training video library, written materials, and GAMA members who have experience in training.
