Last year, the Shoalhaven introduced two new Awards that have had an impact at state level, as well as on other region awards; an achievement of which we are really proud.
And while not yet adopted at state level, the Excellence in Inclusion award has been adopted by a number of local award programs. It’s exciting to think that we are the pioneers of this award, and we can’t wait to see who will win it in the Shoalhaven this year.
What is inclusion?
Inclusion embraces and recognises the perspectives, needs and contributions of all individuals. In the process of becoming more inclusive, organisations increase awareness and sensitivity to the unique gifts brought by each individual, whether they are a customer, employee, supplier, or any other touchpoint into the organisation.
An inclusive nature is cultivated through curiosity, sensitivity and expanding awareness beyond one’s self.Inclusion, when executed correctly, should be transparent, invisible. To quote Excellence in Inclusion sponsor, Chris Mitchell, of Hansa Sailing: ‘part of the norm’. This includes how you interact with every person who comes into contact with your business, internally and externally, online and offline.
2016’s winner
Last year, Southern Cross Community Housing were awarded the winners for the great programs they have initiated outside of their core offering. SCCH’s programs encourage, support, nurture and provide job opportunities to tenants to ensure their long-term wellbeing.
This demonstrates that being inclusive comes in many forms. Though the incredible programs that SCCH offers its tenants, they are offering the opportunity for a life no different to the rest of the community.
But I still feel like I don’t get it…
It’s ok if you feel like you don’t really know what inclusion is. A driving force behind introducing this award, and asking each entrant to address the question in their entry, is to raise awareness. We’re here to support you, and we’ve included some links below to help you better understand inclusion.
As the organiser of the Awards, it’s essential I have a strong understanding of inclusion and what it looks like in practice. However I will happily admit that prior to my involvement with the Awards, the breadth of my understanding was quite limited.
I love that as a result of working on the Awards, I now know so much more about inclusion and consider it not just for the Awards, but in other aspects of my life too.
I encourage you, as business owners, to spend a little time understanding more about what inclusion is, why it’s important, and what it looks like in practice.
And then look at what you are already doing in your business that is inclusive, and ensure you include it as part of your story in your submission.
Read more about the Excellence in Inclusion award here enter the Awards here.
Thank you to Hansa Sailing for sponsoring this Award.
Resources
Making Your Business Accessible
Employing Outside the Box
How Inclusive and Diverse is Your Business?
Good luck!
