Dukes ‘Ace’ Civility Pledge
August is Civility Awareness Month.
The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will collect names throughout August 2024 for a September online publication at the Dukes ‘Ace’ Civility website. Those who would like to have their name included in the September print version of the list (to be distributed during September events that promote Civility) must submit their name by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Sep. 2, 2024. New pledges will be announced at the Dukes ‘Ace’ Civility website the first day of each month throughout the academic year. For more information, please contact the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, placing Dukes ‘Ace” Civility in the subject line.
As a visual representation of names, the “Dukes ‘Ace’ Civility” Pledge List helps to further highlight the strong foundation of support within our campus communities to uphold civility. We are excited to invite you to become a visible partner in August and all year!
Comparing Debate, Discussion and Dialogue
This tool compares these three distinct concepts.
TO REFLECT ON
- Following your next difficult discussion, will you have worked toward including the other’s voice by listening to understand, defeat, or persuade?
How To Have More Inclusive Meetings Over Zoom
This article provides 15 ways to create an inclusive environment over Zoom. It provides a framework for leaders and facilitators to follow to establish that they are accessible and care about the needs of each person represented at their meetings.
TO REFLECT ON
- Diverse people engage in virtual mediums differently. Were there inclusion ideas in the source that you have implemented?
Nominating a Dukes ‘Ace’ Civility Champion
Know someone who is a walking, talking example of Civility? Help the campus recognize their efforts by sending a nomination to the Dukes ‘Ace’ Civility Campaign at vpdei@jmu.edu.
Place Dukes ‘Ace’ Civility Champion [Insert Champion’s Name] in the subject line and in up to 250 words tell us about your nominee in the body of your email.
Each nomination will be considered and, if selected as a Civility Champion, will be announced at the Dukes ‘Ace’ Civility website on the first day of each month throughout the academic year.. Nominations are now OPEN.
The dangers of mistaking Diversity for Inclusion in the workplace
This article explains the key differences between diversity and inclusion and how they relate to individuals' experiences within the workplace or institutionalized environment. It also discusses the need for inclusive spaces, practices, and policies when attempting to diversify a space and the problems that arise when diversity or difference is brought without inclusion.
TO REFLECT ON
- What are inclusive spaces, and why is it essential to build them when bringing in diverse groups of people?
- How can inclusive practices be beneficial to the work environment?
- What practices can you start to build inclusive spaces?
The Illusion of Inclusion
This short video shows how easily we fail to include information that is right before our eyes.
TO REFLECT ON
- As we work to build a civil environment with inclusivity, what may we be missing?
Universal Design
This article informs readers on the need, process, and benefits of a universal design such as a usable product/environment for a huge set of people, without the need for specialization or adaptation.
TO REFLECT ON
- What product/environment have you used or created that could use universal design?
Bonus Source: JMU Universal Design and Accessible Media
Why Inclusive Leadership is Essential to Innovation
This article explains how essential inclusive leadership is to innovation and how it is often the missing ingredient in teams and organizations. This article explains that inclusive leadership is what organizations need to produce the best product, organize diverse teams, and create an inclusive culture and environment.
The Story of Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a philosophy of some African tribes that can be summed up as “I am what I am because of who we all are.”
TO REFLECT ON
- In 2008, Bishop Desmond Tutu gave this explanation of “ubuntu” . . . “One of the sayings in our country is “Ubuntu”, the essence of being human.
Guide to Constructive and Inclusive Dialogue.
Designed to provide frameworks, tools, and resources to support dialogues that can (re-)build community. It is intended to be used by individuals and institutions interested in planning or organizing dialogues as they consider whether or not a dialogue is the best option, how to structure a dialogue session or series, who to invite, and more
TO REFLECT ON
- What lessons have you learned from those who nurtured you about how to communicate with others?
Virginia Inclusion Summit
The Virginia Inclusion Summit brings together workplace professionals, government employees, and higher education administrators and students for a day of learning, sharing, and connecting. Attendees have the opportunity to explore timely issues and learn about best practices to help institutions across Virginia become more inclusive.
TO REFLECT ON
- Think about times where you felt included or not included, what lessons did you gain from those experiences, if any, that are transferrable to classroom or workplace?
