Inclusion happens when we move beyond assumptions and engage with one another. At the core of the Inclusion By Default Campaign is the belief that every voice matters, and every interaction holds the potential to break down barriers.
A Shift in Perspective
Steven, a supporter of the Inclusion By Default Campaign, is a middle-aged man from Newcastle, who spent much of his life without ever having a meaningful conversation with an Asian woman in a hijab. It wasn’t intentional, his social circles and experiences hadn’t intersected with hers. This is common in many communities, where different cultures live side by side but seldom connect in deeper ways.
His first conversation with a woman wearing a hijab broadened his understanding and challenged the assumptions he hadn’t fully realized he held. Apprehensions about language or how their interaction might go quickly dissolved, replaced by an appreciation for the richness of her perspective and experiences.
For Steven, this moment reinforced that inclusion isn’t just about being in the same space as someone but it’s about making the effort to understand and engage openly, without preconceived notions.
The Power of Interaction
Years earlier, Steven had a similar experience when he met Lost Voice Guy, a comedian who communicates using a speech device. Unsure of how to approach the interaction, Steven wondered if communication would be difficult or awkward. But as they exchanged jokes and shared experiences, it became clear that connection is possible when we approach each other with openness, regardless of communication styles.
These everyday interactions show how much we can learn by simply taking the step to connect. When we engage with individuals, we move beyond the preconceived images we hold and start to see them for who they are.
Inclusion: Building a Community of Equals
Inclusion is about creating spaces where everyone is naturally part of the conversation. Steven’s experiences reflect how interaction is key to fostering understanding. The more we engage with those from different backgrounds, the more we recognize the strength and richness that diversity brings to our communities.
Inclusion isn’t something given or granted—it’s cultivated within communities that value and respect every person’s contribution. True understanding emerges when we engage with others as equals and break through the barriers of unfamiliarity.
We need Your Help
As we continue to connect, support, and promote inclusive communities, we want to hear from you:
We are aiming for 100,000 people in the North East to complete this survey to further our research and understanding.