1709.11_10
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FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK
ALASKA REGION (REGION 10)
JUNEAU, ALASKA
FSH 1709.11 – CIVIL RIGHTS HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 10 – CIVIL RIGHTS PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
Supplement No.: R-10 1709.11-2005-1
Effective Date: January 14, 2005
Duration: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
Approved: /s/ Steven A. Brink (for)
DENNIS E. BSCHOR
Regional Forester
Date Approved: 01/03/2005
Posting Instructions: Supplements are numbered consecutively by Handbook number and
calendar year. Post by document; remove the entire document and replace it with this
supplement. Retain this transmittal as the first page(s) of this document. The last supplement to
this Handbook was 1709.11-96-1 to chapter 10.
New Document
1709.11_10
8 Pages
Superseded Document(s) by
Issuance Number and
Effective Date
1709.11,10 (1709.11-96-1, 11/18/96)
7 Pages
Digest:
14: Updates the Civil Rights Advisory Committees and Civil Rights Action Group Charter and
Bylaws.
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 1709.11-2005-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 01/14/2005
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSH 1709.11 – CIVIL RIGHTS HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 10 – CIVIL RIGHTS PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
14 - CIVIL RIGHTS COMMITTEES
The Civil Rights Advisory Committees are responsible for providing advise to management at
the Regional Office or Forest levels on civil rights programs and to work closely with the
Director, Civil Rights, the Region’s Civil Rights Staff, and Special Emphasis Program Managers
to coordinate civil rights efforts. Committees are responsible, at their respective levels, for the
following: reviewing proposed civil rights guidelines and operating procedures; responding to
emerging issues as they relate to civil rights; making recommendations to management to
correct, modify, or eliminate problems and barriers to accomplising civil rights programs,
including equal opportunity goals and objectives; and monitoring the implementation of actions
based on recommmendations. Committee memebers are appointed by their unit managers.
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 1709.11-2005-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 01/14/2005
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSH 1709.11 – CIVIL RIGHTS HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 10 – CIVIL RIGHTS PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
REGION 10
REGIONAL OFFICE
CIVIL RIGHTS ACTION GROUP
CHARTER AND BYLAWS
I. CHARTER.
The Forest Service Region 10 Civil Rights Action Group (hereafter referred to as the Group) is
established to advise the Regional Forester on Region-wide implementation of the Department's
Civil Rights policy and Forest Service's Affirmative Employment Program. The Group is
authorized under DPM, Chapter 713, subchapter 2-6d (13) as amended, and the Affirmative
Employment Plan signed by the Chief of the Forest Service. In addition to EEO requirements,
the Group will also advise and counsel the Regional Forester on Region-wide implementation of
the Department's Civil Rights policy as outlined in Secretary's Memorandum No. 1662 and
subsequent supplements as follows:
Secretary's Memorandum No. 1662
Provides for equal access and opportunity in all aspects of USDA programs and services.
Secretary's Memorandum No. 1662, Supplement 1
States USDA's policy on Civil Rights.
Secretary's Memorandum No. 1662, Supplement 2
Strengthens efforts by developing a public notification plan which will see that all eligible
people--particularly minorities and underprivileged are informed of all USDA program
benefits.
Secretary's Memorandum No. 1662, Supplement 3
Provides for development and presentation of training courses in civil rights for staff to
increase awareness of minority group problems and improving services to them.
Secretary's Memorandum No. 1662, Supplement 4
Directs the USDA to include civil rights and environmental impact consideration in its
analysis of proposed and pending legislation where appropriate.
Secretary's Memorandum No. 1662, Supplement 5
Promotes parity of participation by minority groups in the benefits of USDA programs and
provides approved targets against which performance can be measured.
Secretary's Memorandum No. 1662, Supplement 6
Establishes an Upward Mobility Advisory Board to see that employees are given an opportunity to
acquire skills and abilities needed to complete an advancement to positions of greater
responsibility.
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 1709.11-2005-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 01/14/2005
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSH 1709.11 – CIVIL RIGHTS HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 10 – CIVIL RIGHTS PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
The Group will function under the overall leadership, direction, and guidance of the Regional
Forester, R-10, designated as the Region’s Equal Employment Opportunity Officer. As specified
in FSM 1236.11, the Regional Forester has the authority to perform all duties commensurate
with delegated responsibilities.
In fulfilling its advisory role, the Group will a) review regional issues which relate to or impact
Civil Rights within the Region, making such recommendations and suggestions as it feels
appropriate and necessary; b) assist in planning and conducting Regional Office Special
Emphasis Program (RO SEP) activities; and c) provide recommendations on recruiting,
advancing, and retaining minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. As its basic approach
to operating, the Group (working in concert with the region’s civil rights staff) will discuss and
recommend to the Regional Forester methods which will assist in an effective Civil Rights
Program, as outlined in Secretary's Memorandum No. 1662 and subsequent supplements.
The Group representation is comprised of Forest Service employees who vary in interests, race,
sex, and skills. Participation in the Group is established in accordance with the criteria and
requirements for membership as set forth in the bylaws.
/s/ Jacqueline Myers (for)_________
Dennis E. Bschor, Regional Forester
November 10, 2004______________
Date
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 1709.11-2005-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 01/14/2005
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSH 1709.11 – CIVIL RIGHTS HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 10 – CIVIL RIGHTS PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
II. BYLAWS
Article I. Name. The name of this organization shall be the Regional Civil Rights Action Group
(RCRAG).
Article II. Management Direction. The Regional Forester, prior to each scheduled meeting, will
provide the Group with specific direction. As situations dictate, the Regional Forester may also
direct the Group to analyze and provide recommendations on specific items of concern, as they
relate to furthering the Region's Civil Rights/EEO programs.
Article III. Functions. The Group will serve in an advisory role to
the Regional Forester in carrying out its Civil Rights responsibilities. The Group will:
1. Provide active input to the Regional Forester on matters related to the accomplishment
of the Civil Rights Program as supported by the 10 components listed below:
a. Equal Employment Opportunity
b. Training Courses in Civil Rights
c. Civil Rights Policy and Awareness
d. Upward Mobility
e. Minority Business Enterprise
f. Public Notification
g. Civil Rights and Environmental Impact Consideration
h. Special Emphasis Programs
2. Recommend actions that:
a. Provide recommendations on recruiting, advancing, and retaining persons with
disabilities, minority, and women employees.
b. Assist Management in identifying community group leaders, institutions, and
sources of help in implementation of specific items in the Civil Rights Affirmative
Employment Program.
c. Review regional issues and make recommendations to management to eliminate
Civil Rights barriers.
d. Assist in planning and conducting Regional Office Special Emphasis Program
(RO SEP) events and activities.
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 1709.11-2005-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 01/14/2005
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSH 1709.11 – CIVIL RIGHTS HANDBOOK
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e. Provide an additional channel of communication between the Regional Forester
and all employees.
f. Work with the Forest level Civil Rights Advisory Groups (CRAG) to identify civil
rights related barriers and develop recommendations and actions to remove identified
barriers.
Article IV. Scope of Group Responsibility. The Group advises the Regional Forester on
Regional Civil Rights matters.
In order that the Group may have the advice, knowledge, and assistance of special field and
subject matter specialist, which it deems necessary in carrying out its functions, the Group is
hereby authorized to consult the aforementioned regarding matters relating to Civil Rights. This
communication will help in fostering an affirmative Civil Rights Program in Region 10.
Article V. Relationship to Management. By nature of its functions, the Group serves both
management and employees, giving advice and counsel in the best interests of employees and the
Region. While the Group serves as a channel of communications for all employees and gathers
information from both employees and management, it is dependent, in large measure, on
management to bring regional Civil Rights matters to the attention of the Group.
Through the Regional Forester, management is responsible for receiving and acknowledging
Group advice and counsel and for advising the Group as to the disposition of its suggestions and
recommendations.
Article VI. Membership and Organization. The Group will consist of two standing members
and seven rotating members.
1. Membership.
a. Standing members shall be the RO SEP Managers.
b. Rotating members shall consist of representatives from various regional office
staffs.
For the purpose of determining membership, the Region's CR Title VII (Employment) Manager
shall not be deemed a member of the Group, but shall attend all meetings in an
advisory/technical assistance capacity.
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 1709.11-2005-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 01/14/2005
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSH 1709.11 – CIVIL RIGHTS HANDBOOK
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2. Selection and Appointment of Members and Terms of Service.
a. Members will serve for a term of 2 years and expiration of terms shall be
staggered.
b. All rotating members shall be approved by the Regional Forester.
c. New members to the Group will be notified in writing by the Regional Forester of
their appointment. Prior to attending their first meeting, new members will receive an
orientation to the Group and its work, by the chairperson of the CRAG.
d. Resignation must be submitted in writing to the Regional Forester stating the
reasons for the resignation.
3. Duties of Members.
a. Members are expected to attend all meetings of the Group and to fully participate
in all its deliberations. Members must notify the Chairperson in advance if they
cannot attend and provide an alternate.
4. Selection of Chairperson and Duties.
a. Selection. A Chairperson shall be selected by the Group from the rotating
members and confirmed by the Regional Forester. The Chairperson position shall be
distributed as much as possible among the members. The term of office shall be 1
year. A Chair-elect shall also be selected by the Group from the rotating members
and confirmed by the Regional Forester.
The Chair-elect shall assume the duties of the Chairperson in the absence of an
appointed Chairperson due to transfer, illness, or travel.
b. Duties. The Chairperson shall chair all meetings of the Group, make arrangements
for the meeting site, prepare the agenda in coordination with the Region's Civil Rights
Program Manager, and prepare and disseminate minutes and other information to the
members. The Chairperson may appoint subcommittees to perform various Group
tasks and projects. The Chairperson shall serve as the link between the Group and the
Regional Forester. The Chairperson will: (1) receive and distribute meeting notices
to all Committee members, Forest Supervisors, and Staff Directors; (2) distribute
meeting agenda based on the Chairperson's and Group's recommendations; and (3)
take responsibility for the maintenance of Group records.
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 1709.11-2005-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 01/14/2005
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSH 1709.11 – CIVIL RIGHTS HANDBOOK
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5. Civil Rights Title VII (Employment) Manager Duties. The Manager will work with
the Chairperson by providing advise on meeting agendas, attend meetings, and
provide technical assistance relating to civil rights, and work with the groups and
others in planning and conducting SEP activities.
Article VII. Meeting and Agenda.
1. The regular meetings of the Group will be held monthly, depending on agenda items.
If necessary, the Chairperson may call special quarterly meeting(s). Any member of the Group
may recommend to the Chairperson the need for a special meeting.
2. The location and time of the meeting will be determined by the Chairperson.
3. Routine information items, such as continuing status and progress reports on Civil
Rights Programs, will be prepared by the standing member responsible for the information, and
transmitted to the Chairperson for inclusion with the agenda to be sent in advance of each
meeting. Time will be provided for discussion of these items at the meeting.