Global Diversity Awareness Month 2026

Ideas for learning together

A reading or discussion session can focus on a work by a named writer, artist or historian. Introduce the source and let participants distinguish the creator’s own experience from claims about an entire community.

If you invite a speaker, agree the subject, format, payment arrangements and use of recordings in advance. A colleague or student should not be expected to speak for everyone who shares an aspect of their background.

Food, music and cultural events can be enjoyable starting points. Pair them with accurate information from the people or organisations involved, and allow participants to choose what they share. Avoid turning identity into a guessing game or requiring people to dress as a culture.

Start with one inclusion question

Choose a situation people recognise: joining a team, receiving an invitation, finding a service or taking part in a meeting. Then ask what information or arrangements would make it easier to participate.

The following is our suggested planning exercise, rather than an official campaign programme:

1. Choose one process. For example, review the invitation and booking instructions for a community event.
2. Examine the information. Is the language clear? Are costs, access arrangements and contact options explained? Can someone ask a question without posting publicly?
3. Invite voluntary feedback. Explain what the feedback will be used for and offer more than one way to respond. Nobody should have to disclose their identity, religion, disability or personal history.
4. Agree a change. Assign responsibility for something practical, such as clarifying the invitation or providing another format.
5. Report back. Tell participants what changed and when the arrangements will be reviewed.

Make the work continue beyond October

Keep a short record of the issue considered, the action agreed and the person responsible. Review whether the change actually happened. A photograph of an awareness event does not show whether everyday participation has become easier.

For a school or youth group, use age-appropriate material and follow the setting’s safeguarding and reporting arrangements. Give anyone who raises a concern a clear route for follow-up.