From Awareness to Action: Growing Our Inclusion Allyship
Last year, we began our Inclusion Ally journey by focusing on awareness—naming the barriers to inclusion and committing to being intentional about who we see, hear, and value in our schools.
This year, we’ve moved from understanding to action. And what we’ve discovered is powerful:
Inclusion doesn’t require grand gestures. It requires everyday intention.
From Kindness to Belonging
Kindness is a great starting point, but it’s not the destination. Inclusion requires more.
Kindness says, “I’m nice to you.”
Belonging says, “You are essential here.”
So how do we create true belonging? By inviting participation, assuming competence, and normalizing accommodations—not as “special treatment” but as universal support.
Small Actions, Big Impact
Here are a few simple shifts that can create meaningful change:
Intentionally group and seat students to normalize diversity—not isolate it.
Design events for authentic participation, so everyone can take part meaningfully.
Assume unseen diversity. You shouldn’t need a diagnosis to deserve support.
Ask for feedback. A simple “How can I make this more accessible?” goes a long way.
Use Your Influence
You don’t have to be in charge to make a difference. Use your voice, your choices, and your leadership—formal or informal—to create a culture where inclusion is expected.
Some ideas:
Advocate for accessible meeting materials.
Sponsor or mentor someone with a less visible path.
Model inclusive language and curiosity in front of others.
Build a Culture of Invitation
Inclusion starts with an open door—and an open mind.
Offer low-pressure ways for people to join in (“Feel free to just observe at first!”).
Ask open-ended check-ins like “Anything you’d like me to keep in mind today?”
Talk openly about representation: Who’s present? Who’s missing?
Celebrate Growth, Not Perfection
If we wait for people to “get it right,” we risk silence. But if we recognize even imperfect attempts, we build momentum.
A kind word like “Thanks for thinking of how to include everyone” reinforces the behavior we want to see. Because this work is not about being flawless—it’s about being intentional.
Keep Growing
Inclusion is a practice. The more we do it, the more natural it becomes. And every time you:
Ask instead of assume,
Invite instead of ignore,
Include instead of exclude—
You’re building a culture of belonging.
Let’s keep growing our allyship. Let’s make this the kind of school community where everyone feels they matter—because they do.
