For as many forms of injustice we can find in the world, we can find examples of disruptors, innovators, peacemakers, and activists countering by creating inclusive spaces and policies, doing the work of truth telling, developing opportunities for belonging, and claiming empowerment.
Inclusion
Inclusion is the act of creating environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to fully participate. An inclusive and welcoming climate embraces differences and offers respect in words and actions for all people. Inclusion creates trust, belonging, happiness, bonding and even better engagement and productivity.
Resources
This article from NWEA makes the case for including disability in conversations about race, and vice versa, suggests defining disability, acknowledging that disability is complex, addressing ableism and ableist phrases, centering intersectionality and being wary of “helper” mentality.
Anyone who speaks more than one language can tell you that languages live together and work together in our heads. Therefore, including a learner’s first language in instruction, or translanguaging, helps learners use all their language tools and understanding to learn more about a new language, or anything really. This example from teaching is just another reminder of the power of inclusion rather than exclusion.
This article from the National Library of Medicine explores the use of the term Latinx and its implications for gender inclusivity versus gender neutrality.
Reflection
Are there inclusion concerns in your community? If so, what are they?
How can you create inclusivity in your own space?