This report provides a foundation for a practical action program to open meaningful employment opportunities for the culturally disadvantaged in state and local government employment. The first part of the report describes the problem and the existing legislation to give public policy makers and administrators an overview of the need for affirmative action in terms of specific objectives, policies, and programs. Part 2, directed toward personnel officers and staff, suggests specific techniques and innovative methods for accomplishing defined program objectives without destroying the merit principle of public employment. (Author/GEB)