Rethinking the Golden Rule for Real Inclusion
We all know the Golden Rule: "Treat others as you want to be treated." It’s a good starting point, but when we talk about inclusion, this rule doesn’t go far enough. Why? Because not everyone wants or needs the same things. Real inclusion means thinking beyond what we want—it’s about understanding and respecting what others need to feel accepted and valued.
Going Beyond the Basics
The traditional Golden Rule assumes that everyone’s the same. But people come from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. What works for one person might not work for someone else. Inclusion isn’t just about being nice or polite—it’s about making sure everyone feels like they belong.
Inclusion asks us to look at things from other people’s perspectives. Instead of just treating others the way we like, we should treat them the way they want to be treated.
What Inclusion Looks Like
Think about a group project in school. Maybe you like to talk things out in person, but one of your classmates prefers to text or write down ideas because they find it easier. If you only do things your way, you might leave that person out. Instead, you can be inclusive by using different ways to communicate so everyone can take part.
Here’s a new version of the Golden Rule that focuses on inclusion:
"Treat others not just as you want to be treated, but as they deserve to be treated—respecting their unique experiences and needs. Inclusion is about making sure everyone feels valued and heard."
This means we have to listen and consider other people’s needs and feelings, even if they’re different from ours. Inclusion is about creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, no matter who they are or what they need.
Making Inclusion Happen
Inclusion isn’t something that just happens. We have to work at it. It’s more than just inviting someone to sit with you; it’s about making sure they feel comfortable and included once they’re there. Here’s how we can practice inclusion:
Ask, don’t assume: What would make someone feel included? Instead of guessing, we can ask others what makes them feel comfortable.
Be open to learning: We all have blind spots. Being open to other people’s perspectives helps us understand their needs better.
Take action: Once we know what others need, we should do our best to include them. Inclusion is more than just thinking about it—it’s about doing something.
Inclusion is an Ongoing Process
Being inclusive is something we have to keep working on. It’s not a one-time thing. There’s always more to learn, and that’s okay. What’s important is staying open and committed to doing better.
By updating the Golden Rule, we can make sure we create spaces where everyone feels accepted and respected for who they are, not just who we think they should be. Inclusion isn’t just a nice idea—it’s something we can make happen in real life by treating people with the care and respect they deserve.
Let’s practice the new Golden Rule: Treat others the way they deserve to be treated, with respect for their unique needs and experiences. That’s how we create a truly inclusive world where everyone can thrive.
