Inclusion

Inclusive practices are at the heart of the pursuit of a more peaceful and just world. World Learning recognizes that real progress requires contributions from all parts of society, including groups typically marginalized from political and economic power, such as women, older people, youth, people with disabilities, indigenous people, LGBTQI communities, and racial, religious and ethnic identities. Bringing these diverse voices into our work strengthens it.

World Learning encourages inclusion and diversity through four key pillars. First, we target specific programs to include people who have historically been marginalized from political, social, and economic power. Second, we build the principles and practices of inclusion into all our projects, proposals, and activities. We also practice inclusion from within, providing employees with accommodations, training, and other opportunities. Finally, we are thought leaders for inclusive practices, reminding our colleagues across all sectors that society is stronger when we call upon the talents of everyone in it.

We are also committed to disability inclusion. We seek to include persons with disabilities in our activities, and we welcome opportunities to engage with partners in new initiatives spanning all of our program areas. As such, World Learning has established partnerships with Mobility International USA (MIUSA) and the U.S. International Council on Disabilities (USICD) as well as with disabled persons’ organizations (DPOs) in several countries to create stronger linkages for global programs around disability inclusion.

Inclusive practices can be found throughout our programming. Through the USAID-funded Special Programs to Address the Needs of Survivors (SPANS) and others, World Learning has awarded grants that support service delivery, training, advocacy, and related activities to assist vulnerable populations, including displaced children and orphans, war victims, and persons with disabilities. Our Leaders Advancing Democracy (LEAD) Mongolia program trains emerging leaders in inclusive practices, encouraging them to advocate for and amplify the voices of marginalized people in their communities.

Interested in how you can incorporate inclusion into your own practice area? World Learning’s Inclusion Initiative has launched the TAAP Toolkit and Guide for Inclusive Development, a resource for international development practitioners and communities alike to identify marginalized populations and provide them with opportunities to participate in sustainable development. Learn more about the Transforming Agency, Access, and Power (TAAP) Toolkit!

Learn more about how inclusion enriches our work across our six program areas.