YOUTH PROGRAMS
As our community grows increasingly diverse and complex, so too, does the need for programs and initiatives that educate and promote respect and inclusion. There are both positive and challenging aspects to living in a demographically changing global community. While diversity can enrich and strengthen an environment, it can also lead to exclusive and hurtful behaviors stemming from a lack of knowledge, along with negative bias, stereotypes and intolerance.
Younger generations are especially vulnerable to fear and uncertainty and require strong role models and guidance as they work to understand human relations issues and discover their role and responsibilities in the classroom, community and workplace.
Through the examination and sharing of personal values, traditions and beliefs, Inclusive Communities’ youth participants begin to develop a healthy social balance as they learn about themselves and each other while developing strong self-esteem and group worth. With a deeper understanding and heightened awareness of issues of difference (i.e. race, culture, faith, gender, age, ability, sexual orientation and class), along with a new set of skills and confidence, participants are better able to identify and confront the biases and prejudices that may emerge in their student, personal and professional lives.
This process of social capital development allows youth to become informed leaders with a better understanding of collaboration and effective dialogue, critical to assessing community needs and capacities, and deciding jointly on actions that may solve identified problems.
Elementary School Different and the Same – interactive, video-based diversity program for grades K-3
Middle School IncluCity Middle - year-round, in-school diversity and leadership development program
Creating Inclusive Communities – interactive half, full or multi-day human relations and diversity workshop
High School IncluCity I – week-long, summer residential human relations and leadership
High School IncluCity II – four-day, residential human relations and leadership workshopService Learning
High School Internship Program – year-round diversity and leadership development internship program
