Cultural Coalition of Chatham-Kent

10 Tips to Building an Inclusive Community

1. Think of no one as "them" (Levine Melinda, 2002)

2. Shared words sometimes do not equal shared meanings - when in doubt, politely ask for clarification

3. Be open to sharing stories about each other's experiences and cultures

4. Respect that some cultures have a different sense of time and traditions

5. Write a statement of welcome and inclusion for your business, schools, community group, organization, or place of worship

6. Exchange simple phrases such as 'hello' and 'goodbye' in each other's native languages

7. Be respectful of one another's religion and holidays when creating a meal, planning an event, a workplace meeting, or workshop

8. Be mindful of each other's non verbal communications and physical cues

9. Invite your new neighbors over to dinner or to a community event

10. Always act respectfully and be understanding of each other's differences to build an inclusive community

Thank you to the community and everyone that contributed to the tips to create an inclusive community.

If you would like a poster version of these Ten Tips please Click Here