INCLUSION (Diversity) Team

One of Unity Spiritual Center of Lansing's core values is inclusivity.

Our Inclusion Team focuses on ways to expand this value within each team and within all activities.

The Mission of the Inclusion Team is to promote increased awareness of the many facets of diversity in an effort to consciously practice the Unity principle of being welcoming and inclusive of all people.  (August 2021)

Team Facilitator: Kathy Assiff

Team Meetings: Quarterly

Quarterly meetings - 4th Tuesday of the month Zoom 4:30 pm  February, May, August, November

MISSION: “To promote increased awareness of the many facets of diversity in an effort to consciously practice the Unity principle of being an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment for all people.”

 Main Responsibilities: Coordinate with other teams to ensure Inclusion and Diversity is a consideration in their activities, review signage, graphics and displays for IDEA values, education, Facebook postings and more.

Creating Policy for participating or supporting another organization  November 23, 2022

Considerations:

1. Is it in alignment with our core values? (Prayer, Inclusivity, Stewardship, Joy, Spiritual Awakening, Integrity, Freedom)
2. Does it support us in fulfilling our mission statement of spiritually awakening to our oneness with God, each other and all creation?"
3. Does it do no harm?
4. Is it politically neutral (although an organization may have legislature pending that is a political or voting item.)

2. Policy:  Actively promote the following 6 monthly categories as chosen by the Federal government  - Black History , Women’s History, Asian American Pacific Islanders, Pride Month,. Hispanic Heritage and Native American Heritage

Resource: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/diversity/resources/celebrating-heritage-months/

February: Black History Month is an annual observance originating in the United States, where it is also known as
African-American History Month. It has received official recognition from governments in the United States and Canada,
and more recently has been observed in Ireland, and the United Kingdom. It began as a way of remembering important
people and events in the history of the African diaspora. It is celebrated in February in the United States and Canada,
while in Ireland, and the United Kingdom it is observed in October.

March is Women's History Month The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National
Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States
Holocaust Memorial Museum join in commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital
role of women in American history.

April is Arab American Heritage Month. The Arab American story is the American story — one of diverse
backgrounds and faiths, vibrant tradition, bold innovation, hard work, commitment to community, and stalwart patriotism,
all coming together to accomplish something greater than any one of us.  This month, we join together to celebrate the
immeasurable contributions of Arab Americans to our Nation and recommit ourselves to the timeless work of making sure
that all people have the opportunity to achieve the American Dream.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/03/31/a-proclamation-on-arab-american-
heritage-month-2023/

May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, now officially
proclaimed Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, takes place in May. It celebrates the culture, traditions,
and history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States.
May is also Jewish American Heritage Month. https://guides.loc.gov/jewish-american-heritage-month/history-overview

June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month. This month-long celebration demonstrates how LGBTQ Americans have strengthened our country, by using their talent and creativity to help create awareness and goodwill. 
Celebrating Juneteenth Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day and Cel-Liberation Day, is an American holiday celebrated on June 19.

September 15 – October 15: National Hispanic Heritage Month is annually celebrated from September 15 to October
15 in the United States for recognizing the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and
achievements of the United States.

October - National Disability Employment Awareness Month We include this during July - Pride Disability month.  An annual awareness campaign that takes place each October and celebrates contributions of workers with disabilities.

November: This month, we celebrate “National Native American Heritage Month" which recognizes the significant
contributions that the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the United States.
December 1 – Rosa Parks Day

3. Policy: We use some or all of the following to educate and promote awareness of marginalized groups: Electronic Sign, Diversity moments in Sunday Service, Facebook postings, Website

INCLUSION STATEMENT

    Unity Spiritual Center of Lansing, its members and affiliates, welcome with love all people in every form as God’s
creation. We embrace and honor the Divine within as the one common denominator that we share on our human
journey.

We recognize the perfection represented in the mosaic of all humans by: race; culture; gender, sexual identity & sexual
orientation; body type; disability; economic status; neurodiversity; life experience; belief; ideas; and perspective.

We strive to expand beyond our individual unconscious biases, blinders, ignorance, and inexperience to create a
space where gaps are uncovered, opportunities to be Love in action are identified, and wholeness is realized.

We affirm and support Unity principles and programs that are non-discriminatory and inclusive in our teachings,
policies, buildings, and within our communities.

We champion the course of human rights and social justice for all. However varied, we are one.