INCLUDE: A Guide to Inclusive & Empowering Community Forums

A warm welcome for all

overview

Community engagement is key to creating social change. But we’ve all had times where we felt nervous, uncomfortable, or unwelcome. We know policymakers and community leaders make the best decisions for children when their parents are at the table, and there are simple things every group can do to make events and meetings more inclusive and empowering.

Let’s practice!

The word INCLUDE is powerful. We have turned it into an acronym to remind ourselves and our partners what it looks like in practice. Check it out!

Inform & prepare key participants to speak ahead of time, and innoculate them about any resistance or pushback they might face.

Norms of conduct/respect should be established (just like our kids have to follow at school).

Childcare, food, transportation, and incentives (gift cards, raffles) should be offered whenever possible.

Language justice means providing quality interpretation and translated materials. Welcome participants in multiple languages to set the stage for multilingual participation.

Unintimidating and unifying facilitation style that provides varied opportunities for participants to make their voices heard.

Direct and personal outreach through multiple modes (social media, email, phone, in-person, etc.) to engage all community members.

Equitable participation WITH empowered facilitators who HELP ensure that the loudest voices aren’t the only ones heard.

your turn!

Share this bilingual INCLUDE worksheet with your colleagues and friends to spark conversation (and action).

ready for more?

Check out the full Playbook series.