Inclusion Journey Statement
A core belief I hold is that if you’re aware of a problem, it is your responsibility to do something about it.
This has seen me advocating for animals, the environment, children, the elderly, invisible illnesses, low vision, dementia, inequalities (gender, racial, sexual orientation) in our society from the age of 6.
As someone who has never fitted in, there is a liberation of being able to speak my mind. However, I also have always experienced feelings of being “other”, not being accepted and not being understood.
The Cronulla riots, the misogyny displayed towards Julia Gillard, as well as the recent wars have shattered my bubble. I’ve witnessed ingrained racism, sexism and a strong current of hatred towards “others” that has pained my soul.
The shame, disappointment and disbelief that all of this (and so much more) is rife in Australia.
I acknowledge that because I am educated, heterosexual, able-bodied, and can pass as white, what I have experienced is minute compared to that of marginalised groups.
I recognise that I have certain privileges and choose to use them to create positive change, including calling out exclusionary behaviours and language, and to ensure that every part of my life and business is grounded in inclusion.
I believe that –
🦄 Everyone should be afforded equal opportunities, yet treated in a such a way to level the playing field until equal opportunities for all exist
🫱🏽🫲🏾 We should raise each other and offer a hand to those in a different place
💟 We should extend love, acceptance and respect to one another
✨ Inclusion should be the norm – that we accept (not tolerate) differences, embracing them and loving the uniqueness of each individual
🤍 Respect and empowerment are the essential basis of all relationships and that everyone is entitled to these
I am committed to:
🤎 Creating a business and community that is inclusive in every way.
❤️ Adapting my services to meet my clients where they are at.
🧡 Maintaining a Scholarship Fund to ensure that finances are not a barrier to working together.
💛 Ongoing learning about diversity and inclusivity – building on the teachings of Annie Gichuru and Sharyn Holmes.
💚 Excellence and always doing my best.
💙 Accepting that as a human, I will make mistakes, but I choose to learn from them, unlearning and relearning as needed to become the best version of me.
💜 Doing better. Always. In all ways.
🖤 Carefully considering where I spend money – ensuring that these places value all lives (human, animal and our planet).
In my world, I embrace others and welcome differences and similarities.
We are all in this thing called “life” together, and I am determined to continue working towards equality for all.
“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.”
~ Audre Lorde