Special emphasis programs--focusing on the interests of women and minorities--can play an important role in a Federal agency's equal employment opportunity (EEO) efforts. For these programs to be effective, agency management and special emphasis program coordinators need a clear understanding of the work they are to do, how they are to do it and with what resources, and how their activities will fit into the agency's overall EEO goals. Special emphasis programs were established in Federal agencies because women and minorities perceived that their needs were not being adequately considered or met in existing EEO programs. There are five Government-wide programs: the Federal Women's Program; the Hispanic Employment Program; the Selective Placement Program for the Handicapped; the Minority Outreach and Upward Mobility Program; and the Veterans Employment Program.