We would like to let you know that you belong…

People on all parts of the continuum of gender identity and expression, especially those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, heterosexual, transgender, queer folks, the sexually active and the celibate, and everyone for whom those labels don’t apply. We say, “you belong.”

People of African descent, of Asian descent, of European descent, of First Nations descent in this land and abroad, and people of mixed and multiple descents and of all the languages spoken here. We say, “you belong.”

Bodies with all abilities and challenges. Those living with any chronic medical condition, visible or invisible. We say, “you belong.”

People who identify as activists and those who don’t. Mystics, believers, seekers of all kinds. People of all ages. Those who support you to be here. We say, “you belong.”

Your emotions: joy, fear, grief, contentment, disappointment, surprise, and all else that flows through you. We say, “you belong.”

Your families, genetic and otherwise. Those dear to us who have died. Our ancestors and the future ones. The ancestors who lived in this land, in this place, where these buildings are now…we honor you through this work that we are undertaking. We say, “you belong.”

People who feel broken, lost, struggling; who suffer from self-doubt and self-judgment. We say, “you belong.”

All beings that inhabit this earth, human or otherwise: the two-legged, the four-legged, winged and finned, those that walk, fly, and crawl, above the ground and below, in air and water. We say, “you belong.”

Adapted from the Diversity Welcome at https://www.trainingforchange.org and The Center for Action and Contemplation's Living School welcome statement.