Being Inclusive Who are you inviting? Who aren’t you inviting?

What are we covering today? What’s the problem? (who isn’t coming to our meetings and events?) What’s the Solution? (Think about people, and think about logistics) What’s this have to do with me? Seeing a new Perspective

What’s the Problem? Or Who aren’t we inviting?!? Your advertisements send a message, whether you realize it or not. What messages did this video convey? Who is it attracting? Who is it turning away?

Think About It! As we go forward today, think about your group. Are you having trouble attracting new people? Who have you historically attracted? Is this intentional or does it just “happen”?

There is no such thing as “neutral Marketing” (Solution) The name, subtitles, images and descriptions used to promote your event will need to be extra conscious of the elements of cultural inclusivity that you hope to promote.

What does this poster communicate to you?

Logistics Matters (Solution) An event at CFJ may carry a stigma of being only for those active in a particular faith, when if publicly stated “everyone welcome” the message would be different. Pictures portraying a single racial grouping, or only very richly dressed people, or only American flag waivers, might be read as exclusive invitations.

Logistics Matter…still (Solution) The placement of publicity materials can also carry a culturally inclusive or exclusive message. Is your only banner ad on a website that only one social group might visit? Have you flyered only certain areas of the community? Are you being thoughtful about reaching the audience you said you really want?

Think about the People! Do you consider all these factors when recruiting and advertising? Race Gender Sexuality Class Religion Ability

The event is when ?! (Solution) Timing of the event can keep people away from events and out of groups If events keep falling on certain groups days of observance, it will come off as inconsiderate at best…outright discriminating at worse Example; The meetings times are at 10am every Sunday Accessibility of event- Elevators?

Types of Food (Solution) Vegan, Vegetarian International dishes Organic, Local Is it appropriate for Ski Club to celebrate Black History Month with a fried chicken and watermelon program? Allergies??

What does this have to do with you? Break up into groups- Discuss who you attract to your org and who you don’t attract but would like to

I thought I was being inclusive, why you mad tho?

Activity-Make it happen 1.Group 1- “Your male soccer club is becoming co-ed” 2.Group 2- “You are having a Valentine’s Day dance and want to invite as many people as possible” 3.Group 3- “Your videogame club only has men, you know gaming transcends gender” 4.Group 4- “BSA doesn’t have any white people coming to the meetings” 5.Group 5- “Walk-A-Mile seems to only cater to seniors, how do we get younger students involved” 6.Group 6- “The concert series has very little diversity attending, the ads feature primarily white men and country music” 7.Group 7- “Make an inclusive for SOL, inviting everyone to their week-end event” 8.Group 8- “Your Monday Night Football Program only has white males attending, make an inclusive poster” 9.Group 9- “Make an inclusive poster for Gospel Choir” 10.Group 10- “Make an inclusive poster for Alternative Breaks, they rarely have first generation college students”

Activity- Is this Ok? Exchange posters between groups, have them point out what may be perceived as non- inclusive, have them suggest changes Identify strengths of the posters as well.

Seeing a New Perspective Take some time and reflect on what you learned during this session. See what you can do to be more inclusive going forward. Learn from mistakes. Your groups matter, and the more people who get involved the more likely they are to graduate. Attract as many people as you can!