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.