Functions, Responsibilities, and Membership of the 
NRCS Oregon Civil Rights Committee

WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS COMMITTEE?

The Oregon Civil Rights Committee is responsible to the NRCS Deputy Equal Opportunity Officer (State Conservationist). The committee serves as an advisory body to the State Conservationist to promote and assist meaningful and effective affirmative action consistent with the goals and objectives set forth by management.

The Committee provides feedback on the Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights program, identifies areas of weakness, and makes recommendation for improvements. Recommendations are also made to the State Conservationist regarding policies, practices and procedures as they affect Equal Opportunity in Oregon.

The Oregon Committee is unique in that it includes FSA employees appointed by the FSA State Executive Director. Together, the NRCS committee and the FSA appointed members work to help provide equal access to USDA program across the state of Oregon.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMITTEE

• Recruitment: The Committee shall review programs and make recommendations to ensure that equal opportunity and fair treatment is provided in recruitment.
• Training: The Committee shall review training programs and make recommendations to ensure that equal opportunity is provided for all employees to receive training which will increase their potential for advancement.
• Promotions: The committee shall review current personnel practices to determine whether the procedures set forth in the Merit Promotion Plan and other personnel regulations are being applied without discrimination for reasons of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, marital status, and any other non-merit reason.
• The NRCS committee members will conduct the field office civil rights reviews, and provide civil rights updates at various meetings in the state including the state leadership team meetings, basin team meetings, and staff meetings.

WHO MAKES UP THE COMMITTEE?

The Committee is made up of 9 NRCS members and 4 FSA members. The NRCS members include six Special Emphasis Program Managers and three at large members.

Meetings and Minutes

Committee meetings are held once every quarter. The schedule for meetings is determined by the state conservationist and committee members at the beginning of each fiscal year. All NRCS employees are invited to attend. Minutes from each meeting are made available to all Oregon NRCS employees.

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