When I see someone being left out, excluded, or otherwise on the fringes, my palms start sweating, my heart beats a little faster, and I get a pit in my stomach. No exaggeration, it makes me physically ill to see someone rejected.
It might be because when I was in grade school, I had no friends. I was mercilessly bullied and routinely excluded from group activities. As someone who always wants to fit in and feel like I belong, this was exceptionally hard for me.
Lucky for me, I had a solid family foundation that helped me cultivate resilience and find other ways to make friends and find a place where I belonged. And later on, as I became a leader and mother, inclusion is something I’ve worked hard to reinforce in my team and with my kids. Because helping someone feel included is, in my humble opinion, one of the most important things you can do for another person.
So for this reason, inclusion is one of the most important aspects of the #FollowFriday community.
Inclusion is the act of creating an environment where everyone feels safe to be themselves without fear of judgment. It means that everyone in the community is welcome, no matter what their background or identity may be. Inclusion is about creating a space where everyone can participate and contribute. When we are inclusive, we create a community that is stronger and more connected.
Inclusion might mean slightly different things for different people but for me, it boils down to three basic elements: safety, belonging, and strength.
Inclusion is safety.
By being inclusive, we create a safe space where people can be both seen and heard. We give people the opportunity to share their unique perspectives and experiences without fear of judgment or retribution. We let people know that they are valued and that their voices matter. Inclusion is about making everyone feel like there is room at the table for them.
Inclusion is belonging.
When we are inclusive, we create a sense of belonging for everyone. We let people know that they are welcome here and that they are an important part of our community. We make sure that everyone has a chance to participate and contribute. When we are inclusive, we create a community that is stronger and more connected.
Inclusion is strength.
When we are inclusive, we tap into the power of diversity. We bring together different perspectives and experiences to create something new and innovative. We are better able to solve problems and find creative solutions. Inclusion is about making the most of what makes us unique.
We all have a role to play in inclusion. By being mindful of our words and actions, we can create a community that is more inclusive for everyone. When we feel safe and supported, we can be more open and vulnerable with each other. And when we belong to a community that values us, we can thrive.
