8 Steps to Intentionally Cultivate A Safe Space Of Belonging

Frequently Asked Question: ‘How do I build an inclusive and accessible community?’

Community professionals can use these guidelines to establish an inclusive framework for enabling full participation and empowerment from their community. It's important to note that these tips serve as a starting point only and continuous efforts are required to improve and uphold inclusivity within your community.

Prioritising inclusion, accessibility, and belonging as deliberate and integral parts of your organisational cultures should be the aim—rather than an afterthought or performative act to put out fires. Spoiler alert: members can differentiate between genuine efforts and token gestures!

Shifting the conversation from ‘diversity’ to inclusion and belonging

Let's move beyond buzzwords like 'diversity' and recognise the multi-faceted nature of humans, including their intersectional identities and lived experiences. Remember to use descriptive terms when referring to people of different races, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, genders, disabilities and so on (e.g. women of colour, LGBTQ+ and disabled people). 

However, to avoid homogenising the unique experiences of marginalised groups, it is important to steer clear of using acronyms when referring to specific sub-identities, such as non-binary people or Black women. This can help to prevent grouping sub-identity issues into a single, monolithic category—strive to get to know people on an individual level (rather than making assumptions or stereotyping).

Be willing to embrace discomfort and practice implementing change, even if it's not perfect the first time!

8 Ways to Build Inclusive Communities

1. Define what's inclusive

Outline what an inclusive environment entails and develop a detailed summary of its components for yourself or your internal team—regularly refine and update this information in a shared document.

2. Encourage regular feedback

Keep pace with the changing needs of your evolving community by gathering insights from them through surveys and one-on-one interactions. Consider using anonymous surveys to collect sensitive feedback from those uncomfortable identifying themselves.

3. Develop a welcoming environment

Nurture a sense of ownership among members, and distinguish the difference between "being in" the community and "being of" the community. Tap into the guidance of experts such as Mim Skinner, who emphasises that inclusion goes beyond onboarding and welcoming people into the community; it involves enabling them to contribute and shape the community by "moving around the furniture". Consider any cultural nuances that may exist, such as individuals' preferences regarding shoe removal upon entry in this scenario.

4. Categorise accessibility strategies into three types of scenarios

• Permanent: lifelong and have a significant impact on daily activities, such as blindness and deafness. 
• Situational: short-term impairments or disabilities that an individual may experience due to environmental factors, such as broken bones or pregnancy. 
• Temporary: caused by medical conditions and occur for a fixed duration, such as recovering from an injury or illness.
  

5. Advocate, implement and support accessibility needs

Incorporate necessary resources and support for individuals with varying accessibility requirements, including cognitive, learning, and neurological disabilities. Evaluate and adapt policies and processes based on community feedback to promote inclusivity and remove accessibility barriers, as one-size-fits-all solutions don't work. Provide tailored communication options and necessary accommodations to ensure equal access to community resources and support for all members, regardless of language barriers, neurodivergence, or speech disabilities.

6. Cultivate cultural competence

Stay open-minded and avoid snap judgments by acknowledging cultural differences. Challenge biases by seeking information from inclusive sources like workshops, books, and other communities to broaden your understanding of different cultures, identities, and perspectives.

7. Choose your words wisely

Be mindful of words or phrases that perpetuate bias and discrimination—for example, familiarise yourself with ableist terms to avoid. Be aware of language choices that may prevent some members from participating in conversations or activities such as using technical jargon or acronyms. 

8. Create a pressure-free space

Meet members at their level of comfortability—refrain from pressuring or coercing members into unbearable activities or conversations. Ask how you can show up for them, provide necessary accommodations and respect personal boundaries (especially individual preferences regarding interactions). 

The World Is Never Static

Gentle reminder: members exist beyond the realm of your community walls!

Adapt community strategies in response to changing circumstances, including local and global news—assess the community relevance and impact, prioritise protective measures and highlight professional support where applicable.

By implementing these actions, you can lay the foundation for creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where all individuals feel valued and respected. 

Ready to take action and build a more inclusive community? Book a paid 1:1 Inclusive Community Building Workshop with Chauntelle and learn practical strategies to ensure that everyone's voice is heard. Contact: info@cjnlewis.com to learn more. 

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