All people should feel like they belong regardless of age, wealth, sex, sexuality, ability or culture (from Our Philosophy). The following is aimed at guiding our members towards creating and maintaining this culture.

This is a guide that should be used as a reference when inducting people into the role of Welcome Committee in person. Anyone who has completed this session can perform the induction for other people.

Feeling included

Have you ever had an experience where you approached a group and didn’t feel welcome? What happened that made you feel this way? (Pair off and share stories)

Have you had an experience where you did feel welcome into a group? What happened to make you feel this way?

Has anyone ever treated you differently because you fit a stereotype? (Pair off and share stories)

One of the best tools for helping someone feel like they belong is an early introduction. If you are close to two people you know and you aren’t sure if they have met, ask them both. Even you can’t remember their names (or like me, you forget because you’re scared of forgetting), the question is enough break the tension and the others will take it from there. If you know they have a common interest, you can tell them. Not everyone will always have the energy to be social, so having a few people watching out is wonderful!

Ask and listen

Ask someone what their past experience is and acknowledge their expertise and strengths. Everyone will have a more relaxed time if no one feels the need to prove themself or defend the strengths that they identify with.

Ask which areas of the garden are of interest and introduce the person to the other people working on it and generally make sure they have/know what they need to get started and take ownership.

Do you pledge to welcome new people?

27/10/22 Alby, Joe, Kate, Adrian, Lee, Lynne and Jenny completed this process and pledged.