DIVERSITY AWARD NOMINATION FORM
The importance of creating and maintaining a diverse workforce at DNREC cannot be overestimated, as a greater understanding of diverse cultures allows for more effective relationships between coworkers, and between employees and diverse customers.
Diversity encompasses understanding, valuing and using employees’ own differences to create a greater, united strength that, in turn, will make DNREC a better and more effective workplace. Diversity establishes an internal workplace where all employees feel welcomed, challenged and rewarded for their contribution to the Department’s success.
The Secretary will present a Diversity Award once a year to any full or part-time permanent employee, a group of employees, or a Division of DNREC. The Diversity Award will be awarded each spring, and there will be no limit as to how many times any person, group or a Division can receive this award. Any Department Employee can nominate a potential recipient of this award.
The following criteria shall be followed when determining nominations for the Diversity Award:
- Demonstrate an awareness and knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of others and how their presence is important to the Department;
- Demonstrate the ability to create an environment within their section where employees are free to speak their mind and offer suggestions for a better workplace;
- Demonstrate a high regard of respect for colleagues and constituents and for the quality of work and the contributions of others;
- Aggressively seek and identify potential candidates for employment who have the potential to achieve excellence at DNREC;
- Mentor employees so they can achieve excellence;
- Ensure a working atmosphere that is supportive and accepting of differences through staff development, equal opportunity and personnel practices.
Each Division Director may nominate one employee or group of employees for this award by January 15th. Any individual may submit the nomination through the nominee’s supervisor, etc., up the chain to the Division Director. Additionally, the Diversity Action Committee or Cabinet Secretary may nominate one Division for this award by January 15th. Nominations shall be submitted on the proper form, which may be obtained from the division’s Recognition Committee member, to the Committee Chairperson and shall contain justification of one to three pages. An individual, group of employees, or Division may be so recognized more than once. The Committee Chairperson shall submit the nominations to the Secretary by February 1 for his final decision.
The Secretary will present a certificate and a plaque each spring to any full or part-time permanent employee, group or Division. The Department Employee Recognition Committee will provide the certificate to be presented. The Department will be responsible for the cost of the certificate and plaque.
Examples of Previous Award Recipients:
Providing Employment Opportunities for the Disadvantaged – Summer Youth Employment Program
Reaching out to Diverse Customers - Junior Duck Stamp Program; Environmental Justice Camp