OUR LIVES | MINNESOTA NATIONAL GUARD FEATURE
Diversity & Inclusion at the Minnesota National Guard BY ISAAC JOHNSON | PHOTOS COURTESY OF MINNESOTA NATIONAL GUARD PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
The Minnesota National Guard has been way ahead of the game when it comes to diversity and inclusion compared to other military organizations. Major Corey Robinson, the current Director of Diversity and Inclusion, says that their efforts started more than ten years ago, which is twice as long as other national guards. He recalls a time when the conversation was limited to race and affirmative action. He is glad that where previously it was like walking on eggshells, there can be open and honest discussion about these topics and not just lecturing. Major Robinson says, “It’s the inclusion
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LAVENDER JUNE 16-29, 2022
aspect that we have to educate people on and it’s finally turning on light bulbs. It’s a great thing when you’re just talking to them, not trying to teach, getting their thoughts out on the table.” They are realizing they are not there to be “bashed” for their privilege but to establish a culture where everyone has a seat at the same table. Major Robinson and this team travel to all the different units throughout the state educating on what diversity and inclusion means for the Minnesota National Guard and what the goals are. Which is to sustain the Minnesota National Guard, by broadening perspectives,
incorporating strengths, and providing opportunities for service members to engage in Minnesota’s many diverse communities, according to their annual report. In order to actualize those goals the Minnesota National Guard has eight Special Emphasis Councils, which are ??synonymous with employee resource groups. The councils aid significantly in retention because they are connecting individuals to a group and aiding in visualizing representation. “When you first come into the guard you don’t know anybody. You get yelled at for weeks at basic training and then we want you to