At the most basic level, diversity is about differences. Inclusion is what we do with those differences. There are all kinds of differences among people. There are things you can see, such as race, gender, and physical ability. Additionally, there is a whole host of things that you cannot see, such as learning style, sexual orientation, mental health, religious beliefs, personal values, and more. Given this understanding, it’s safe to say that diversity is just a natural part of our organizational life. Diversity is all around us, in the people we teach, work with, provide services to, and share a community with.
Recognizing and appreciating diversity is a critical component of fostering wellbeing. Being a member of a community wherein people feel valued, respected, and supported by others has a positive impact on physical and psychological health, and creates a buffer against stress. Conversely, the experience of exclusion, harassment, and discrimination produces physical and mental health risks to individuals and harms the health of the organization as a whole. In this light, it is in the best interest of every member of our community that we work together to create a healthy workplace culture that is inclusive of everyone.
Healthy for Life is dedicated to fostering an environment of inclusion where all people can live their healthiest and most fulfilling lives. To support your efforts in developing the knowledge, awareness, and skills to work effectively with all coworkers, students, and other constituents, we have pulled together a wide variety of activities to meet all types of interests and learning styles.
- Find diversity and inclusion activities
- Find location-specific opportunities to improve diversity and inclusion
Find diversity and inclusion activities
Activity ideas
Although not a comprehensive list, use the following ideas to get started:
- Try a new and authentic recipe from another culture: Explore food from a culture different from your own, using traditional ingredients, techniques and preparation.
- Read a book about a different person, culture, country and/or experience: Check out the following resources for suggestions:
- Listen to new music: Listen to a new genre of music, or local, regional or international music from a culture different from your own. This music should come from an authentic source, i.e., concert or festival.
- Watch a foreign film: Watch a foreign film: Rent a movie from around the world and learn about different cultures and experiences through film. The movie guide at can help get you started.
- Explore your heritage: Learn about your own heritage and family history. Local libraries or historical societies often offer free access to genealogy databases like , or check out of free genealogy web resources.
- Visit a museum or exhibit different from your own culture. If your community doesn’t have a local museum, consider a day trip to a larger city in your region to take in the museums and cultural festivals.
- Join an organization: Join a council, committee or organization that connects you with people different from yourself.
- Learn about gender inequalities: Read up on gender inequalities so you can help encourage inclusive behavior.
- Be an ally: Visit a LGBTQ Resource Center, the Women's Center, the International Resource Center, the Multicultural Center or the Disability Resource Center on your campus during an organized orientation to deepen your knowl,edge of what resources are available. See below for campus-specific information below.
- Attend a campus diversity event: Events must be held on campus and include a topic of diversity and/or inclusion, i.e., race, culture, sexual orientation, heritage, etc.
- Research a religious or cultural event you're not familiar with: Explore a religion or culture different from your own. This could include, but is not limited to, going to a religious service, reading about a religion or culture or visiting a cultural community different from your own.
Have an event or resource you would like to add to the list? Contact Healthy for Life at wellness@umsystem.edu.
Find campus and community-specific activities
While not a comprehensive list, find ideas to enhance your knowledge of diversity and inclusion on campus and in your community:
| Campus | Diversity and inclusion resources |
|---|---|
| Columbia |
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| Kansas City |
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| Rolla |
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| St. Louis |
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Easy action steps
Deepen your knowledge of others and start enriching your daily experiences by taking small steps. In addition to reviewing the activities above, visit our easy action steps webpage for more helpful tips.
Reviewed 2022-04-12
