Inclusive Language & Actions

The words you choose and the small actions you take can either pull people in or push them out. Inclusive language and inclusive actions tell others, "You belong here." This skill is part of social awareness — noticing who is in, who is out, and what you can do about it.

Inclusive Language Pulls People In

Inclusive language is the everyday choice of words that welcomes everyone in the room. It avoids assumptions and stereotypes — those quick, lazy guesses about a person based on how they look, where they are from, or what group they belong to.

• Use group words like "everyone", "you all", or "team" instead of "guys" or "boys/girls".
• Ask names — never call someone "the new kid" or "that one".
• Avoid stereotypes ("girls don't do that", "boys are like that").
• Speak ABOUT people the same way you speak TO them.

Inclusive Actions Make Room

1. Notice — who is standing alone, sitting out, or being left off?
2. Invite — "Wanna join us?" "Want a turn?" "Save you a seat."
3. Share space — slide over, pass the ball, take turns talking.
4. Listen — ask about their ideas and actually wait for the answer.

Be an Upstander, Not a Bystander

An upstander is someone who speaks up kindly when they see exclusion. A bystander watches and stays quiet. Being an upstander does NOT mean shouting at the person who excluded — it means inviting the person in, naming what you saw, or telling a trusted adult.

• "Hey Sam, come sit with us." (invite the person in)
• "That joke landed wrong — let's drop it." (call IN, not call OUT)
• "I think we should pick people we usually don't play with." (change the rule)
• Tell a grown-up if exclusion keeps happening — that is help, not telling on.