R 111645Z JUL 12 ALCOAST 329/12 COMDTNOTE 5050 SUBJ: COAST GUARD PARTICIPATION AT THE 2012 ASSOCIATION OF NAVAL SERVICES OFFICERS (ANSO) PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING GENERAL CONVENTION A. U.S. Coast Guard Diversity Strategic Plan 1. The ANSO 2012 Annual Professional Development and Training General Convention has been approved by COMDT (CG-8) for CG-wide attendance and will be held 7-9 August 2012, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego in San Diego, CA. This years convention theme is "ANSO Todays Vision - Tomorrows Reality." 2. The annual ANSO Convention is a professional development and training opportunity designed to enhance attendees knowledge on topics such as leadership, career planning, and mentorship while increasing awareness of issues affecting the sea services. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with nationally recognized speakers, high-ranking military and civilian leadership, industry executives, and elected officials. 3. ANSO membership includes active duty, reserve and retired officers, enlisted, and civilian employees of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. ANSO was established to actively support the sea services in the recruitment, retention, and career development of Hispanic officers and those desiring a commission. ANSO serves as an essential element in maintaining operational readiness, provides professional development and mentoring, and supports cultural diversity. 4. Although the general convention may be of special interest to Hispanics serving in the sea services, it is open to all officers, enlisted personnel or civilian employees of any background. As indicated in reference (a), the Commandant directed leaders from all levels to participate in various affinity groups with the express goal of creating increased awareness of the diversity of missions, people, and careers in the Coast Guard. Commanding officers are encouraged to promote and support crew attendance at affinity groups, such as this conference, to the extent practical. Use of TDY orders is authorized for attendance at government expense. If unit funds are not available, permissive orders are also authorized. 5. Limited funding is available through the Office of Diversity, COMDT (CG-12B), to assist those interested in attending but who cannot obtain funding by other means. Requests for funding must have command approval, confirmed availability to attend, and be received by COMDT (CG-12B) NLT 18 July 2012. Requests must indicate whether this is your first conference attended or, if not, the date of the last conference attended and funding source. Please state your current membership status, member or non-member, with your ANSO funding request. Priority will be given to enlisted E-6 and below, junior officers O-3 and below, and civilians GS-11 and below. Funds will cover per diem, registration, local mileage and/or airfare. ANSO membership fees will not be funded and rental cars will not be authorized. Each request must include estimated cost (per diem, registration, local mileage or airfare) submitted to YNC Roberta Storey, email: Roberta.C.Storey(at)uscg.mil. 6. Online registration can be completed at www.ansomil.org. Attendees may register for the entire conference or on a one or two-day basis. The full conference registration fee includes three (3) luncheons and banquet dinner. Daily registration includes luncheon. Registration fees: A. On or before 11 July: members 325 dollars, non-members 400 dollars. B. On or after 12 July: members 375 dollars, non-members 450 dollars. C. On or before 11 July: midshipmen and cadets 100 dollars. D. On or after 12 July: midshipman and cadets 150 dollars. E. Daily rate before 11 July: members 125 dollars, non-members 150 dollars. F. Daily rate on or after 12 July: members 150 dollars, non-members 175 dollars. 7. Lodging will be at the convention hotel, Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. When reserving your room, please use the online link from the ANSO website to receive the government rate. Information on the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego can be found at http://manchestergrand.hyatt.com. 8. Uniform of the day for all training sessions will be Tropical Blue for military and business casual for civilians. Uniform for the formal banquet on Thursday, 9 August is as appropriate by paygrade, Dinner Dress White Jacket, Dinner Dress White, and Dinner Dress Blue. Black tie for civilian attendees and guests. 9. For more information on the 2012 general convention agenda, visit the ANSO website, www.ansomil.org. You may also contact the Coast Guards ANSO representative LCDR Martha Rodriguez at Martha.A.Rodriguez(at)uscg.mil. 10. Point of contact for the Office of Diversity COMDT (CG-12B) is YNC Roberta Storey at 202-475-5252, Roberta.C.Storey(at)uscg.mil. 11. Mr. Curtis B. Odom, Director of Civilian Human Resources, Diversity and Leadership, sends. 12. Internet release authorized.