Be A Hero for Inclusion
Hello, CCC Family!
As we embark on this new academic year, it's important that we make sure that our
students, staff, and faculty know that they are an important part of this wonderful
community. Driving a culture of inclusion at CCC is a key priority of the #BeAHeroForInclusion initiative. An integral part of inclusion is making sure people know that they Belong
Here. This means being able to be 100% yourself – being valued, respected, accepted
and encouraged to fully participate.
A feeling of belonging on campus is strongly correlated to high levels of engagement. While diversity ensures different perspectives and backgrounds are represented, inclusion leverages these differences and leads to more open and honest dialogue, creativity, and sustainable success.
How can you #BeAHeroForInclusion?
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By acknowledging others on campus. It’s important that we acknowledge the different identities, different experiences, and different perspectives. It’s important that we acknowledge people’s presence, including them in our day by saying hello, good morning, how are you?. For many of us, this gesture may not be so simple but if you can let someone know they are seen, they are welcomed, you belong it can go a long way.
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By creating opportunities for intentional connections. Build relationships and form meaningful connections with your students, staff, and faculty on a personal level. Encourage students to visit during office hours. Invite people to have lunch. Take a walk on the trail.
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By accounting for our bias. Despite some of our best efforts, we all bring our own preconceptions and assumptions into the classroom, in Perry Hall, and around campus. Take time to identify your potential blindspots and explicit attitudes and beliefs about an individual or group.
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By building trusting relationships. If we are committed to inclusion on campus, the first thing you say or do that is perceived as counter to that can damage the trust you’ve built. We must follow through on any promises we make.
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By walking it like you talk it. It’s not enough to simply say that we want and appreciate diversity and inclusion on campus. Students, staff, and faculty must believe that you mean it, and they’ll make that decision based on what they see you do in the community, in the classroom, in Perry Hall.
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By fostering a campus culture where every voice is welcome, heard, and respected. Let’s create an environment where our students, staff, and faculty feel a sense of connectedness to the campus community. Everyone needs to feel free to express themselves based on their unique identities, and participate as their full selves.
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By connecting through purposeful storytelling. Encourage staff, staff, and faculty to share their stories. Understanding aspects of another person’s story can remove interpersonal barriers and help show the many layers, dimensions and experiences about a person we otherwise would not know. It helps people be seen.
It’s time to participate in a Community Activity
While on campus, in the classroom, the Dining Hall, in Perry Hall, stop someone and say Hello! How are you? Include them in your day, take a selfie with them or maybe a short video, post it on social media, tag CCC and the Diversity Center with #BeAHeroForInclusion or email the photo/video to diversity@corning-cc.edu. Let's show the community, we are really about inclusion.
--Babatunde Ayanfodun
The Katherine P. Douglas Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Diversity Center)