If you are reading this, I would assume that you agree that inclusion is important. We all want to feel valued and accepted in any environment. But for inclusion to be genuine and effective, it must be built on the foundation of safety.
Safety is not just the absence of harm—it’s also about creating an environment where people feel secure from persecution, discrimination, or reprisal. When people feel safe, they are more likely to share their true selves, which fosters deeper inclusion. If someone does not feel safe in a space, how can we expect them to feel included?
Physical safety is the most basic level of safety. It involves ensuring that environments are free from hazards and that individuals are protected from physical harm. For example, if a space has a deep ledge, like a pier, having a physical barrier to prevent someone from accidentally falling over.
This is crucial, but it is only the first step. Safety also includes emotional, psychological, and social dimensions. This is true for any space, whether it’s a workplace, a community group, or a social gathering, individuals need to feel that they can express themselves without fear of being judged, ridiculed, or marginalized. For example, someone who might fear sharing that they have a disability because they are not sure how they will be accepted in a space.
Consider a workplace where employees fear retribution for sharing about issues that matter to them, such as discrimination or unfair practices. In this case, employees are likely to remain silent, suppress their thoughts, and disengage from the group. This creates a culture of fear and exclusion, where only a narrow range of perspectives and ideas are heard.
On the other hand, when people feel safe—when they know that their voices will be heard and respected—they are more likely to contribute their unique perspectives. This sense of security encourages them to bring their full selves to the table, enriching the community with their diverse experiences and insights. For example, someone sharing they have a disability might receive the support they need and feel more inclined to contribute to the group.
Safety, therefore, is not just about avoiding harm; it’s about creating a space where everyone feels they belong. A space where people can feel safe to be themselves.
Moreover, safety from persecution or reprisal allows individuals to take risks, innovate, and grow. It empowers them to challenge the status quo, ask difficult questions, and explore new ideas. This kind of environment fosters not only inclusion but also creativity and progress.
Inclusion cannot exist in a culture of fear. By prioritizing safety in all its forms—physical, emotional, and psychological—we lay the groundwork for inclusion. When people feel safe, they feel valued, and when they feel valued, they are more likely to engage, participate, and contribute to the collective good. Safety, therefore, is not just a prerequisite for inclusion—it is its very essence.
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