Week 3-Diversity 2/14/2025
Our Journal – Diversity Edition
Week 2 – February 21st
Idiom of the Week
Idiom: “Variety is the spice of life.”
Meaning: Diversity and different experiences make life more interesting and enjoyable.
Example: Traveling to new countries has shown me that variety is the spice of life—each culture brings something unique and valuable.
Words of the Week: Pick Your Favorite! (8)
🔹 Inclusion – The practice of ensuring that everyone feels valued and welcomed.
Example: The school’s inclusion policy makes sure that all students, regardless of background, have equal opportunities.
🔹 Respect – A feeling of deep admiration for others, regardless of their differences.
Example: He always treats people with respect, listening carefully to their perspectives.
🔹 Equity – Fairness and justice in providing opportunities and resources for everyone.
Example: The company promotes equity by offering mentorship programs for underrepresented employees.
🔹 Culture – The customs, traditions, and social behaviors of a particular group.
Example: Learning about different cultures helps us appreciate the richness of the world around us.
🔹 Empathy – The ability to understand and share the feelings of others.
Example: By practicing empathy, we can build stronger connections with people from all walks of life.
🔹 Representation – Ensuring diverse voices and identities are included and acknowledged.
Example: The film industry is making progress in increasing representation of different cultures and backgrounds.
🔹 Unity – Coming together despite differences to work toward a common goal.
Example: The team’s unity made it possible for them to overcome challenges and succeed.
🔹 Open-mindedness – A willingness to consider new ideas and different perspectives.
Example: Open-mindedness allows us to grow by learning from those with different experiences.
Quote of the Week
"It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences."
— Audre Lorde
Who was Audre Lorde?
Audre Lorde was a writer, poet, and activist who advocated for social justice, intersectionality, and the celebration of diversity. Her work focused on feminism, race, and LGBTQ+ rights, encouraging people to embrace and uplift one another.
Book of the Week
The Power of Different by Dr. Gail Saltz
📖 On Embracing Diversity:
This book explores how differences—whether cultural, neurological, or personal—can be strengths rather than weaknesses. By understanding and valuing diversity, we can build a more inclusive and compassionate world.
✨ Key Takeaway:
Our differences are what make us powerful. Instead of fearing what makes us unique, we should embrace it and learn from one another.
Fill in the Blanks – Exercise
Use the words from this week’s list to complete the sentences:
_________ is important in creating a world where everyone feels accepted and valued.
A strong society is built on _________, ensuring fairness for all.
By practicing _________, we can understand different perspectives and connect with others on a deeper level.
Journal of the Week – Try to Write and Bring It to Class!
Theme: Diversity and Understanding
Write about a time when you learned something valuable from someone different from you. How did that experience change your perspective? Be sure to include at least three of the words from this week’s list. What did you learn about yourself and the world around you?
