Urban Learning Collaborative’s Post

Grateful for the opportunity to grow professionally at my organization! This week, I, alongside several of my fellow members of the Inclusion and Engagement Alliance, achieved certification in the 'Where Cultures Meet' curriculum. Excited to pilot this and further refine my skills. #ProfessionalDevelopment #Inclusion #Engagement"

We all should look to initiate open dialogues about diversity and inclusion to create a platform where all voices are heard and valued. Such dialogues foster an environment of understanding and respect, allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds to share their perspectives and experiences. To enhance these conversations, organisations can implement regular diversity training sessions and workshops. Additionally, creating anonymous feedback channels can ensure that even those who may feel hesitant to speak up in public forums have a voice. Encouraging mentorship programs that pair individuals from different backgrounds can also promote mutual learning and growth. Overall, sustained commitment and proactive measures are key to cultivating an inclusive culture. #Inclusion #Diversity

We often talk about inclusion as though it’s a solution to a problem—as if people exist outside of our schools, workplaces, and communities, and it’s our job to invite them in. But what if the real issue is that we design our environments in ways that leave people out and then try to fix it with inclusion efforts? The truth is, inclusion shouldn’t be necessary if belonging is the foundation. Imagine schools that are built for every learner from the start, workplaces where everyone has a seat at the table, and communities where access and participation aren’t afterthoughts but norms. This isn’t just semantics—it’s a shift in how we lead. We need to design for belonging first, not retrofit for inclusion later. How do we move from an inclusion mindset to a belonging-first approach in education and leadership? Let’s start that conversation. #Belonging #Leadership #Education #Inclusion 

Inclusion Begins with Us: Embracing Our Uniqueness as Differently-Abled Individuals As a differently-abled teacher, I’ve come to realize that inclusion starts with self-acceptance. Before we can advocate for a more inclusive world, we must first embrace who we are :our abilities, our challenges, and the unique perspectives we bring to the table.It’s easy to fall into the trap of denial, of wishing we were different or hiding parts of ourselves to fit into societal norms. But true empowerment comes from acknowledging our differences, celebrating them, and standing confidently in our own skin.We as differently-abled individuals, have the power to lead by example. When we accept ourselves fully, we show the world that our value is not diminished by our disabilities but enhanced by our resilience, creativity, and strength.Inclusion is not just about making room for others; it’s about recognizing that we all have something valuable to contribute. Whether it’s you, me, or Winnie , we all have a role to play in this interconnected web of humanity.Let’s encourage each other to be confident in our uniqueness and to practice inclusion every day .starting with how we see ourselves. When we embrace our true selves, we create a ripple effect that encourages others to do the same. And in doing so, we move closer to a world where everyone is seen, heard, and valued for who they truly are. #Inclusion #SelfAcceptance #Empowerment #Diversity #DifferentlyAbled #Leadership

CultureALL is dedicated to cultivating an environment of mutual respect by providing exposure, education, and emotional engagement that elevate attitudes and behaviors. Our staff shared how they live out our core values in their work and lives. Stacey Kimberlin, Director of DEI Planning, said: "Practicing inclusion is an ongoing exercise for all of us. It’s a process of deepening our awareness of difference and examining what we think we know. It's a mindset, but it is also a set of behaviors: treating others as they want to be treated, creating space for them to present their authentic selves, and being intentional about including them in decisions. One of the ways I practice inclusion is by using inclusive language. I admit it took me more than a year to stop calling a group of people of mixed genders 'guys.' I refer to my husband as my partner to help disrupt assumptions when I don’t know the gender identities of other people’s partners. I try to use the labels preferred by different communities—and also recognize that individuals should be treated as the first and foremost experts on themselves no matter what their larger community holds as a norm. And I remember that humans are complex and nuanced, so I attempt to lead with curiosity and ascribe good intentions to others, learning how they like to be treated. Language preferences are always evolving, so when I inevitably make mistakes, I take accountability, apologize, and do better the next time." #CultureALL #PracticingInclusion #InclusiveLanguage #DEIB

Inclusion ≠ Belonging Many organisations and schools have been on an Inclusion drive... but this has it's pitfalls and limits... Just because someone is included into a community, does not mean they have a sense of belonging within it. I love the classic circles graphic to unpack concepts around the differences between inclusion and assimilation, but I added a new one to mine recently... because inclusion may neglect to consider whether one belongs within the cultural norm in which they're positioned - whether there's a sense of 'fitting in' or needing to change, assimilate, code-switch, in order to belong. Taking it a step further... the challenging part for many of us, who've been used to the dominant culture in our spaces being our own culture, is that we may need to become aware, adjust and adapt the cultural contexts of our spaces so that we sometimes feel a sense of discomfort ourselves. This is something we might rather avoid, but is necessary if we truly want to create belonging, and promote equity and justice in the spaces we occupy. A part of this process may be intentionally developing our own Cultural Intelligence to broaden our perspectives. What helps you manage the discomfort? #changingperspectives #creatingbelonging #thrivetogether #educationalleadership #diversityequityinclusion #culturematters #culturalintelligence

Embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment is a noble pursuit, but even with the best of intentions, mistakes can happen. A well-meaning comment or action can inadvertently offend, exclude, or marginalise, leaving us feeling mortified and uncertain about how to recover. It's in these moments of vulnerability that we're forced to confront our own biases and limitations, and it's where our true character is revealed. Instead of retreating into shame or defensiveness, we have the opportunity to learn, grow, and emerge stronger and more empathetic. In this video, Janice Taylor shares some wisdom on how to navigate the complexities of inclusion, overcome common mistakes, and transform missteps into meaningful learning experiences. https://lnkd.in/d6PH4zs5 #Diversity #Inclusion #mistakes #corporateculture #leadershipskills

Just finished the course “Moving DEI from Intention to Impact with Ruchika Tulshyan” by Ruchika Tulshyan! This course reminded me as an agent of social change, that it is paramount to always be finding ways that will drive forward actionable diversity, inclusion and equity. The journey of change always starts with the small steps that we take today.  Check it out: https://lnkd.in/dDkbdxEj #diversityinclusion. 

Embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment is a noble pursuit, but even with the best of intentions, mistakes can happen. A well-meaning comment or action can inadvertently offend, exclude, or marginalise, leaving us feeling mortified and uncertain about how to recover. It's in these moments of vulnerability that we're forced to confront our own biases and limitations, and it's where our true character is revealed. Instead of retreating into shame or defensiveness, we have the opportunity to learn, grow, and emerge stronger and more empathetic. In this video, Janice Taylor shares some wisdom on how to navigate the complexities of inclusion, overcome common mistakes, and transform missteps into meaningful learning experiences. https://lnkd.in/d6PH4zs5 #Diversity #Inclusion #mistakes #corporateculture #leadershipskills

What was your most valuable lesson from our 6 Weeks to Getting Started in Diversity and Inclusion course? 🤔⁠ ⁠ Here’s what one participant shared: “That we are not expected to know everything/ be an expert in all aspects of I&D. There are support and resources in place for you to reach out to.” -Anonymous.⁠ ⁠ With nearly 30 participants already, we’re proud to see the positive feedback pouring in!⁠ ⁠ ✨ Coming in 2025: A fully online version of this course!⁠ ⁠ Would you be interested in joining? Drop a comment below 👇⁠ ⁠ #DiversityAndInclusion #InclusiveLeadership #LeadershipGoals #EDICourse #TheCultureMinistry