Be Inclusive

Home 9 Take Action 9 Be Inclusive

There are many ways that you can “be the change” throughout the community.  The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities offers these suggestions and invites you to create your own:

At Home

  • Evaluate the cultural diversity reflected in your home’s artwork, music, and literature. Add something new.
  • Point out stereotypes and cultural misinformation depicted in popular culture and media to your friends and family members.
  • Gather information about local volunteer opportunities, and let your family members select a group project.
  • Read books focused on diversity issues as a family and have designated times for discussions.

At Work

  • Organize a meeting or lunch forum on topics of diverse cultural and social interest.
  • Ensure that your workplace complies with the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  • Establish an internal procedure for employees to report incidents of harassment or discrimination.
  • Partner with local schools and encourage your colleagues to serve as tutors or mentors.

At School

  • Donate multicultural books, films, magazines, and other materials to school libraries.
  • Start a pen pal program. Get students in touch with people in different parts of the community, country, or world.
  • Research and work with local schools to develop a curriculum that reflects the diversity of the community.
  • Support guest speakers and class trips that expose students to diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

At Worship

  • Note how your faith addresses issues of inclusion and justice, and make sure your actions align with these ideals.
  • Work with other members of your congregation to welcome people of different ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds.
  • Identify ways to make your place of worship fully accessible for people with disabilities.
  • Volunteer to support the community outreach activities of your place of worship.

In the Community

  • Participate in a mentoring program
  • Speak up when you hear slurs, see discriminatory images, or receive hate propaganda. Let others know that bias is always unacceptable.
  • Write a letter to the editor challenging bias in reporting or insensitivity in language.
  • Advocate on behalf of legislation and local initiatives that support inclusion of all people.
A group of people are holding each other’s hands.

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