Inclusion
"A sense of belonging: feeling respected, valued for who you are; feeling a level of supportive energy and commitment from others so that you can do your best" We might describe this in terms of "homefulness". The theme of "homefulness" stresses both being with and belonging with God and being with and belonging with the neighbour in community.
The principle of inclusion and belonging (inclusion being that which the law insists upon; belonging being a willingness to love our neighbour. Both are required), implies actively inviting people into your environment, and consciously ensuring that your environment doesn't exclude people because of their race, gender, disability, age, faith, gender identity, sexual orientation, caring responsibility (or another characteristic).
Inclusive environments are:
- Safe
- Accessible
- Caring and supportive
- Ones which value diversity
- Faithful