We hope the ideas and resources shared here will support you in building your own knowledge and skills around addressing racism and creating inclusive spaces for all. In the words of poet and activist, Audre Lorde, “It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.”

The article For Our White Friends Desiring To Be Allies by Courtney Ariel discusses the importance of educating ourselves about systemic racism in this country rather than relying on those who are already overburdened by that systemic racism to serve as our educators. Former First Lady, Michelle Obama, was quoted, “Race and racism is a reality that so many of us grow up learning to just deal with. But if we ever hope to move past it, it can't just be on people of color to deal with it. It's up to all of us — Black, white, everyone — no matter how well-meaning we think we might be, to do the honest, uncomfortable work of rooting it out.”

As we invite you to open and engage with this Inclusive Excellence Toolbox we leave you with the words of activist and civil rights leader Rosa Parks who said “To bring about change you must not be afraid to take the first step. We will fail when we fail to try.” May we all be committed to taking those steps to make our community supportive and inclusive of all its members.

There are many excellent resources out there but here are some options: