Diversity, difference, and inclusion statement

DRAFT - Statement on diversity, difference, and inclusion

Wandsworth LibDems believe our differences are our strength, and that through sharing our differences and celebrating our diversity our party and wider society is enriched. It is through acknowledging and appreciating our diversity and engaging with and respecting our different identities and experiences that we can ensure people are not discriminated against and a process of inclusion in society is fostered.

Celebrating difference and diversity is achieved through:

• Listening to the experiences of others and developing an understanding of those experiences to provide a more inclusive society.
• Respecting the origins and background of each person.
• Appreciating each person’s inherent worth and recognising everyone should be treated with equal consideration.
• Awareness of our own and others difference to be better able to appreciate diversity and embrace the uniqueness of individuals, families, and groups.
• Taking responsibility to ensure that the trust of others is not abused, and that the power of influence is effectively managed.
• Acting with integrity includes being honest, truthful, accurate, fair, and consistent in actions, words, decisions, methods, and outcomes. It requires setting self-interest to one side and being objective and open to challenging one’s own assumptions and actions in relation to the differences we encounter in others.

The Liberal Democrats exist to build and safeguard a fair, free, open society, and balance the fundamental values of liberty, equality, and community. In upholding values of individual and social justice we aim towards a society where no one is subjected to prejudice and discrimination based on their cultural background, age, gender identity, abilities, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, domestic circumstances, social origins, class, or employment status.

Discrimination and harassment of anyone is unacceptable and destructive at every level.  Wandsworth LibDems see this as stemming both from an abuse of power and a failure to respect and value the differences and diversity perceived in others.

However, we also recognise that deeply embedded social practices have historically discriminated against certain individuals and groups which continue to constrain their ability to overcome and deal with the challenges they face daily in their lives. We also accept that these challenges might not be fully appreciated by all sections of society.

Wandsworth LibDems value and promote diversity and inclusion in every aspect of our party. This is essential in our effort to work collaboratively with all individuals, families, and local groups to build a stronger and more inclusive community. We are working towards a party that ensures people from all backgrounds feel welcome and contribute actively towards our aim of making Wandsworth a more prosperous, environmentally sustainable, and secure place to live.