Aiming for Inclusion

The two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but it is important to distinguish between the two as they have different meanings and implications.

For me, integration means that I am prepared to make an effort to let you participate in "my group". However, I set the rules and you must fulfil "my standards" in order to belong to this group. If you do that, you will be accepted (or sometimes just “tolerated”).

For me, inclusion means that there is no decision to be made on group belonging in the first place. Inclusion implies that there is only one group (being human) and that we are all worthy of belonging to it. It's about communion and unity. It's about sharing our common humanity - in all its facets.

I am aware that implementing inclusion-based policies in our everyday lives can pose some challenges, but I believe that an underlying value system of 'worthiness of belonging' versus 'tolerance of belonging' has the power to ignite our motivation to try to realise it - one step at a time.