True Inclusion

True inclusion is . . .

• telling your friend you “can’t wait to meet her baby!” when she finds out her child will have Down syndrome at a routine pregnancy screening.

• reaching to hold your cousin’s newborn baby and telling them “congratulations”, as you look at their baby’s beautiful almond-shaped eyes.

• asking a friend to have a playdate with their three-year-old son without any hesitation.

• offering to babysit your brother’s toddler so that he and his partner can have a night out, while assuring them that their little one will have so much fun.

• encouraging your child to say “hello” when they notice someone who may look or act a little different, and share with them that “We are all uniquely made! Some friends have blonde hair, other friends have brown hair!”

• saying “Of course!” when your child asks if they can invite everyone from their class to their birthday party.

• noticing your friend’s child, encourage their peer at a soccer game with phrases like “way to go!” or “you are so strong!”

• keeping in mind everyone’s allergies when bringing in a special treat for your child’s class.

• walking home with your friend after a long day of middle school, and giving them ample time to answer your question on what they will wear for their school’s spirit day tomorrow.

• asking your friend to come over for a sleepover and stay up late while eating too much junk food and watching movies.

• inviting your friend and their date to get dinner with you before the big homecoming dance.

• texting your classmate to see if they want to study for a test at the local coffee shop.

• sitting together in the student section at the big rivalry basketball game.

• taking pictures with your friends before prom and tagging them in your Instagram story.

• being the first one to arrive and the last to leave at your classmate’s graduation party.

• hanging out with your friend the first day you’re home while on fall break.

• surprising your friend at their place of work, to help them push through a tough shift.

• asking your friend if they’d like to grab dinner on a Wednesday evening.

• explaining to the surprised restaurant patron next to you, it’s not a “nice thing to do” by getting a glass of wine with your friend, it’s just a monthly thing you’ve always done together.

• getting excited when your friend tells you about a promotion at work, and celebrating it like it’s your own.

• offering a listening ear when life gets overwhelming after their partner dumped them.

• packing for a weekend getaway together, while watching the newest episode of your favorite reality TV show.

• laughing at inside jokes from your high school days that only the two of you understand.

• inviting your friend to join a book club or hobby group, even if they haven’t done it before.

• asking about their health appointments, life happenings, or new routines, and offering support if needed.

• navigating changes that come with aging, like transportation, home modifications, or staying connected with friends.

• celebrating anniversaries, milestone birthdays, and life achievements.

• holding their hand, listening to stories they’ve told a hundred times, and smiling because their joy is just as bright today as it was the first time you heard it.

• sitting together in quiet friendship while sharing little things like a favorite song, a favorite drink, or that reality TV show re-run.

• staying connected to family and friends, sharing stories, photos, and memories that keep their souls alive for everyone around them.

True inclusion is alive in every moment we act with love, listen with heart, and intentionally connect with each person’s humanity.