In an era where efforts to promote inclusion and equity in institutions are under heightened scrutiny, international schools find themselves navigating an increasingly complex environment.
I really like the idea of renaming the initiative to "Community and Belonging Council" as it's centered on a core need. Everyone needs to feel a sense of belonging (relatedness), which is not part of the political debate. International schools do have the ability, and responsibility, to lead the way in regards to promoting cross-cultural momentum. These communities are inherently a mixture of ideologies, perspectives, and expectations, & they can model collaboration that is rooted in common human needs, not differences.
When language creates division, it's a powerful practice to return to the center and ask, what is this work really providing? In the case of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice - the central focus is belonging within the community.
Thank you for sharing and provoking thoughtful consideration of this topic.
Thanks for your feedback Christina. I 100% with you that when language creates devision you need to return to the center and what is the work actually providing! I think too often we get in a stand off over language and semantics.
I really like the idea of renaming the initiative to "Community and Belonging Council" as it's centered on a core need. Everyone needs to feel a sense of belonging (relatedness), which is not part of the political debate. International schools do have the ability, and responsibility, to lead the way in regards to promoting cross-cultural momentum. These communities are inherently a mixture of ideologies, perspectives, and expectations, & they can model collaboration that is rooted in common human needs, not differences.
When language creates division, it's a powerful practice to return to the center and ask, what is this work really providing? In the case of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice - the central focus is belonging within the community.
Thank you for sharing and provoking thoughtful consideration of this topic.
Thanks for your feedback Christina. I 100% with you that when language creates devision you need to return to the center and what is the work actually providing! I think too often we get in a stand off over language and semantics.