diversity

Diversity Month

Did you know that April is a time to celebrate Diversity Month? This day was officially created in 2004 and is intended to help people gain a deeper understanding of our differences. 

We can acknowledge and value the diversity in our world by fostering inclusion. As a society, coming together to celebrate diverse cultures and beliefs allows us to be open to others’ perspectives. 

By appreciating the diversity in our own communities and making connections with others, we can strive for a more inclusive society. 

We can recognize this month by planning an international movie night, visiting a museum dedicated to other cultures, or reading about stories from another culture. 

It’s a great way to expand our knowledge of the world and try to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes. 

For more resources, check out the links below.

10 Resources for your Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Efforts

What Should Inclusion Really Look Like In The Workplace?

15 Best Diversity and Inclusion Books for 2022

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Multicultural Diversity Day

Annually on the third Monday in October, we are called to honor Multicultural Diversity Day. 

This day was created in 1993 by Cleorah Scruggs, a teacher from Michigan, who wanted to spread awareness of diversity to the people around her, primarily in the school system. 

The National Education Association has suggested some ways for people to explore diversity in the classroom and beyond to your workplace and community:

  • Examine your own beliefs about other people who are different than yourself
  • Learn about people from different cultures and backgrounds as well as about those that have different beliefs and experiences than you
  • Start a conversation at work about diversity or take other positive actions to bring about positive change

Each person has a rich cultural background or story that makes them unique. It’s important to take this time to explore another culture and be inclusive to everyone you meet. By learning to appreciate the many cultures around you, it can promote unity and discourage discrimination.

Surround yourself with a broad range of people and find a moment to look into the history of a different country, culture, or ethnicity. 

You can enhance your knowledge by checking out books or articles about multiculturalism, having discussions with friends and family, or doing activities that increase inclusion.  

Multicultural Diversity Day is all about building connections and getting to understand your peers on a deeper level.

Want to learn more? Check out these resources below.

Multicultural Diversity Day 

NEA Diversity Toolkit

How To Celebrate Multicultural Diversity In Your Classroom

Cultural Diversity Book Suggestions | Goodreads 

How To Get Serious About Diversity And Inclusion In The Workplace | TedTalk

National Diversity Week: October 1-7

October is a time to celebrate different cultures, races, and ethnicities in our community. With National Diversity Week starting from October 1-7 it’s important to spread awareness and honor the value of what each individual person has to offer. 

Since this national event was founded in 1998, it has helped shine a light on the diverse groups of people in the world around us and highlight their different perspectives.

Diversity is important from several different angles.  From a social justice perspective, it is important to address the barriers that have led to unequal opportunities for people of color, both historically and currently.  From an organizational perspective, businesses that reflect the diversity in the communities they serve will be stronger and more effective.

This week is also a time to have an open discussion about the biases and stereotypes presented in our society so that we can work to break down these barriers. Being open to listen and learn about the diversity that surrounds you every day can give you insight and create mutual respect across cultures. 

When you work to understand someone else in your workplace, classroom, or community, it brings us all closer together. We encourage you to speak to other people with cultures that differ from your own, watch videos about diversity, or read educational books. 

If you want to learn more about National Diversity Week, you can check out some of these helpful resources. 

Defining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Online Resources for Diverse Children’s Literature

How To Be An Ally

From The Inside Out: Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging | TedTalk