1. IOWA H ispanic E mphasis P rogram Iowa NRCS Civil Rights Committee Des Moines, IA Iowa HEP Manager Paul Vondra (319)267-2756 paul.vondra@ia.usda.gov Monthly Iowa Civil Rights Committee Meeting Second Thursday Quarterly February, May, August, November Calendar of Events and Employment Websites http://www.ia.nrcs.usda.gov/about/Hispanic.htm l http://www.ia.nrcs.usda.gov/about/civilright s.html http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/about/civilrights/ http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ National Hispanic Heritage Month Observance September 15-October 15 U.S. Department of Agriculture Iowa Natural Resources Conservation Service Hispanic Emphasis Program P.O. Box 324 Allison, IA 50602

2. BACKGROUND On November 5, 1970, President Richard Nixon formally established “The Sixteen Point Program.” The name of the Program highlighted sixteen major employment issues presented in the original Presidential Directive. On January 23, 1973, the Program was renamed to “Spanish Speaking Program (SSP)” to emphasize the value of bilingual skills. And, on February 28, 1978, the Program was again renamed to “Hispanic Emphasis Program (HEP).” The HEP focuses on Hispanic employment in the Federal Government and emphasizes the under representation of Hispanic Americans across the Federal Government. OBJECTIVES *Provide information on employment, training, and educational opportunities to all individuals seeking such opportunities. *Ensure Hispanic Americans are valued and represented in the workforce at all levels, and in program activities in support of the overall mission of the USDA. *Assist management officials in implementing viable results-oriented program activities in USDA. Role of HEP Managers Provide advice to senior managers, equal employment officials, managers and supervisors on employment policies and practices that will contribute to the increase of Hispanic representation in the Federal government. Analyze workforce data by organization, occupation, grade levels, training and career development to identify areas of under-representation of Hispanics. Review employment policies, practices, and other management processes to identify existing barriers to hiring, career advancement, promotions, and retention. Review, analyze and participate in the development of affirmative employment plans for minorities, women and persons with disabilities, and other annual reports. Participate in succession planning, recruitment and outreach activities. Facilitate interaction between management officials and representatives of organizations that support the employment needs of Hispanics. Publicize the HEP program and educate managers, supervisors, employees, and the Hispanic community on the role of HEP Managers. Establish and maintain productive working relations with internal and external organizations, EEO advisory committees, special emphasis program managers, employee groups/organizations, and human resources staff to disseminate employment opportunities and services. Promote employment, training, and career advancement opportunities across federal agencies and departments. USDA Policy The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Yes! You too can take an Active Role… By “Communicating, Working Together, and Sharing Opportunities” with USDA HEP Managers, professional organizations, educational institutions, and others. By “Assuring the Diversity of Hispanic Americans are Represented” along with other Americans in the workplace, leadership decisions, and other forums. By “Doing the Right Thing!” as federal employees and entrusted public servants. By “Supporting, Participating, and Attending” program activities and events. USDA is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer