To effectively serve and meet the needs of our employees and a diverse public, maintain our image as the world's premier tax administration agency and our high standards for excellence, the IRS will recognize and respect the value of all those characteristics that make each individual different (race, gender, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, physical abilities, religion, marital status, education, military experience, etc.).

These differences affect how we work, interact and communicate with each other and taxpayers. By understanding and valuing these differences, the IRS will create and sustain an environment where:

• Each individual is responsible for ensuring that all employees and taxpayers are respected and valued for the richness that their uniqueness contributes to successful tax administration

• We capitalize on differences in the workplace to increase public satisfaction and maximize voluntary compliance through customized products and services

• Effectively managing a diverse workforce is the "way we do business" and our commitment is reflected in our actions behavior to manage the potential of all employees to achieve our goals and objectives

• We will ensure that policies, procedures, programs and management practices promote and encourage diversity; thereby maximizing the development, potential and contributions of all individuals.

By recognizing, promoting, and respecting the uniqueness of all IRS employees we will be a stronger organization, better able to respond to the needs of our diverse public as we seek to successfully accomplish our mission of enhancing voluntary compliance.