November 16th • Inclusivity & Harmony

Day for Tolerance

The International Day for Tolerance is an annual observance day declared by UNESCO in 1995 to generate public awareness of the dangers of intolerance. Today, we debate the paradox of tolerance, the challenges of building truly inclusive societies, and how we can find common ground in a world of diverse beliefs and values. Is tolerance enough, or should we strive for something deeper, like mutual understanding and celebration of difference?

A group of hands from different backgrounds joined together in a circle

Speaking Discussion

What does tolerance mean to you? Is it simply putting up with someone you disagree with, or is it something more active and positive?
In your opinion, what are the limits of tolerance? Should we tolerate people who are themselves intolerant of others? (The paradox of tolerance)
How can we better promote inclusivity and diversity in our workplaces, schools, and local communities? What are the biggest obstacles?
Do you think that the rise of social media has made us more or less tolerant of different viewpoints? Why?
How can we find common ground with people who have very different political or religious beliefs from our own? Is it always possible?
If you were responsible for creating a program to improve social harmony in a diverse neighbourhood, what would be your first step?

Activity 1: The inclusivity audit

The Task: You are a Diversity Consultant. You need to perform an inclusivity audit for a local business and suggest three ways to make it more welcoming for everyone.

What are your three suggestions, and how will you implement them?

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Sentences

Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.

"The key to a tolerant society is..."
"I think diversity is..."
"In my opinion, the limits of tolerance are..."

Key Vocabulary

Inclusivity (N) The practice or policy of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalised.
Diversity (N) The state of being diverse; variety; the practice or quality of including or involving people from a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds and of different genders, sexual orientations, etc.
Paradox (N) A seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true.
Harmony (N) The state of being in agreement or concord; the combination of simultaneously sounded musical notes to produce chords and chord progressions with a pleasing effect.
Mutual (Adj) (Of a feeling or action) experienced or done by each of two or more parties towards the other or others.

Fluency Catalyst

The "Bridge" Phrases: When talking about connections, use: "To build bridges," or "To cross that bridge when you come to it."

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