With recent work force reductions, many Special Emphasis Program Managers are asked to perform more tasks with fewer resources (time, energy and money). Agencies are combining special emphasis programs and expect one person to handle the issues of many target groups. This requires that SEPMs become subject matter experts in a wider variety of issues.

The career barriers faced by black women in Federal employment vary from the barriers faced by black men and also vary from the barriers faced by white women. Even though racial ties may bring some commonality to the barriers of black men and women, gender considerations also play a role. And, even though gender ties may bring some commonality to the barriers of all women, racial considerations also play a role.

This seminar will provide hands-on workshops to evaluate specific agency settings allowing participants to analyze statistics and other facts to identify barriers and ways to work with management to develop solutions to remove or minimize the barriers.

• Overview of the differences between EO, affirmative action and diveristy
• Potential policies, practices and procedures to review for EEO impact
• Barrier analysis techniques and tips
• Understanding backlash issues
• Identifying barriers causing glass ceiling concerns
• Developing skills to communicate with all levels of the organization
• Identifying the difference between goals and action items
• Participant sharing of agency projects: Each participant will have an opportunity to make a presentation to the class on a project they have implemented in their Special Emphasis Program area OR to present a question/concern for class input
• Workshops: Career path analysis, applicant flow analysis, mentoring programs
  

Who should attend: Individuals with basic experience or training in equal opportunity with specific responsibilities in Special Emphasis Programs.

Course prerequisites: This course is designed for individuals who have equal employment opportunity and affirmative action backgrounds. Newly appointed SEPMs and EO Specialists should consider enrolling in the three-day session The Role of the Special Emphasis Program Manager. Experienced EO practitioners should consider enrolling in MD-715 training.

Participants must have received basic training on special emphasis programs or have at least one year of experience as an EO Specialist or two years of experience in an active collateral duty position.

Bring to Class: To enhance networking opportunities and to facilitate building on the successes of others, participants are asked to bring the following to the class:

• Employment statistics for one of their agency’s most populous series, broken down in gender and RNO categories AND relevant CLF data for that series.
• Information on a project, action item or concern in their SEP area for use in the Networking reports

The employment statistics will be reviewed during class. Participants are asked to bring 20 copies of their employment statistics and any materials supporting their individual networking presentations.

General Agenda

Day One

• Overview of responsibilities of special emphasis program managers
• Refresher on disparate treatment and disparate impact
• Understanding affirmative employment backlash issues
• Potential policies, practices and procedures to review for EEO impact
• Statistical comparisons using participant charts
• *Networking reports from participants

Day Two

• Problem identification techniques
• The difference between symptoms, goals and action items
• Evaluating progress in an agency
• Assisting in barrier analysis
• Utilizing charts and statistics to make a point
• *Networking reports from participants

Day Three

• Career path analysis
• Mentoring programs
• Advising management and employees
• Effective communication techniques
• *Networking reports from participants

*Networking reports will be interspersed throughout each day.

Nomination procedures Agencies and companies should submit nominations on an agency training form, purchase order or in a letter showing participant's name, title, agency/ company, mailing address, phone number and billing instructions. Personal checks, company vouchers, VISA and Mastercard are accepted.

Send registration information to Send registration information to
Rushford & Associates
615 South Xenon Court
Lakewood, CO 80228-2820
Fax forms to: 303-985-4996

Tuition: $795

Cancellation policy:
Nominations cancelled 30 days prior to class date, no charge.
Cancellations from 30 to 15 days prior to class, 50% fee charged.
Cancellations 14 days or less, full fee charged.
Registration deadline: Two weeks prior to the start of class

Your training expenses-including tuition, travel, meals and lodging-are tax deductible according to Treasury Reg. 1.162-5 Coughlin vs. Commissioner, 203F 2d307.

Space is limited - Please register early

For more information on the class, a list of hotels near the training site or other questions, contact Rushford & Associates at 303-989-3796 or fax 303-985-4996 or email to carushford@aol.com