United We Stand

 

There is a lot of discontent in the world today. 

 

It’s got me thinking, has it always been this way? 

 

At the moment, on the world stage, I am reading of all the disputes, wars, conflicts, air strikes, ‘pre-war’ conflict, “special projects”, genocides…..it does feel like the fear factor has been turned up to 10 and that there is a real and present fear that it could all get out of control. It is all quite scary. 

 

Domestically, there also appears to be a propensity for dispute and polarisation – jump onto most popular social media platforms and you’ll be able to find many spats, pile-ons and trolling. Let’s also not forget that our politicians are not exactly role models for showing solidarity, either. 

 

So, we are all screwed! 😉 

 

But are we? 

 

In the current trend to ‘always be right’ on social media on key issues of the day, dismissing valid points and nuanced views is such a missed opportunity. What it also does is silence those with quieter voices, and those with loud voices just shout louder and are ruder as they proclaim how correct and right they are. I like to think of people who fall into this category (and for the sake of libel laws I am not going to name ANYONE as I like my life and the money I earn – there’s no need to give it to lawyers to defend me against anyone who might take offence) as the announcers (I wanted to use the word ‘trumpeter’, but it’s too risky 😊) who state that everyone is wrong and THEY are right. 

 

Period. 

 

In a conversation with one of my coaches we were talking about how fractured the world seemed and we talked about foundations and how, without them, all things structural would fall down – and it got me thinking about how it is when we think about diversity, equity and inclusion. 

 

It is great that we recognise diversity – the power of difference, equity – everyone getting exactly what they need in order to thrive, and inclusion – everyone’s voice being heard, valued and included. We look at these three pillars that strengthen what we are ultimately looking for – a sense of belonging. 

 

When we think about belonging in schools, it refers to students' feelings of being accepted, respected, included, and supported by others in the school social environment. This definition was first proposed by Carol Goodenow and Kathleen Grady in 1993 and has become one of the most widely used ways to describe school belonging. 

 

I wonder whether we need to change our perspective on diversity, equity and inclusion and to think more about what unites us and to lean into this…..establishing strong foundations while at the same time celebrating all that makes us unique. When celebrating our differences, it is also strengthening our values as we compassionately give those that need in our communities what is required for them to be a valued and heard member of our community, simultaneously supporting inclusion. 

 

The support and training that I offer – diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging for staff, students and governors - has this perspective in mind alongside the establishment of desiring strong foundations. 

If this is something that you are looking for that also underpins unity, then we should speak! Contact me via email: info@elevationcc.co.uk OR leave me a message on my website – www.elevationcc.co.uk OR DM me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreypantelis/ 

 

©Audrey Pantelis 

February 2024