National Inclusion Week 2022 – The Power of Knowledge

The Council is celebrating National Inclusion week, which runs until Sunday.

Each year seven days are dedicated to celebrating inclusion and taking action to create inclusive workplaces. Founded by Inclusive Employers, National Inclusion Week is now in its tenth year.

This year’s theme is ‘Time to Act: The Power is Now’.

The aim for the Council is to inspire a focus on actions and help make this an inclusive place to work. We want to work together to seize #ThePowerOfNow to overcome challenges and build a more inclusive culture in the workplace and beyond.

Throughout the week, a different article relating to National Inclusion Week will be shared on Staffnet each day.

Today’s is about the Power of Knowledge

The Power of Knowledge – Take ownership of your learning

In the past there has been reliance on those with lived experience to do the educating, the awareness raising, the calling to action. Now is the time for everyone to act, to understand the role they have to play in creating more inclusive cultures, both in the workplace and outside. It is impossible for everyone to know everything, but we can all be better. Is there a topic you shy away from because you don’t understand it enough? Or you worry about saying the wrong thing or using the wrong language? Unless you acknowledge these areas for growth and do something about them, nothing will change. Today, take time to recognise the gaps in your own knowledge and consider practical steps to improve them

The Council’s Adult Community Learning Service provides educational opportunities for people of all ages.

Our libraries also offer a valuable tool in promoting the power of knowledge. They host classes, resources, computer facilities, and much more.

Recently, Barry, Penarth, Llantwit Major and Cowbridge libraries promoted inclusivity, alongside tolerance and acceptance by staging Drag Queen Story Hour events.

Delivered by drag queen Aida H Dee, these events attracted protestors, but the Council was not discouraged by such action, standing true to its values.

At the time, Trevor Baker, Head of Strategy, Community Learning and Resources, said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to all staff involved in staging this week’s Drag Queen Story Hour events.

“These took place in challenging circumstances, but were an unqualified success because of the commitment, professionalism and kindness of those working in our libraries and beyond.

“As a Council, we are proud to offer experiences that reflect the diversity of our residents.

“Drag Queen Story Hour is an opportunity to inspire a love of reading, while teaching deeper lessons about diversity, self-love and an appreciation of others. There are also important messages around acceptance and inclusivity.

“Just like previous sessions, these were extremely well attended. Parents and children participated enthusiastically and gave really positive feedback about their experiences.

“Not everyone is in favour of these events, but in the Vale we believe it is important to stand up to intolerance.

“We have a variety of story time readers and books at our libraries covering a range of topics, meaning there is something for everyone. We are proud to include Drag Queen Story Hour as part of this wide range of programmes and events.”

BBC and ITV cameras visited to film the sessions, helping to position the Council as an organisation that celebrates diversity.

Expanding your knowledge

To be a good ally and inclusive, it is important to keep learning, keep asking questions, and expanding your knowledge.