We are kicking off Community Inclusion Month early this year with a video from Sash Barbour, Inclusion Ambassador and Nanaimo Sports Super Fan, who is spreading inclusion and kindness in his community. His presence is a beacon of positivity at every Nanaimo hockey, baseball, and wrestling game. What makes Sash truly special is his commitment to inclusion. He understands the power of belonging and shares openly why being included means so much to him.
For more than two decades, CLBC has proudly marked the occasion of Community Inclusion Month in October. This month allows us to honour the dedication of individuals, families and community members who tirelessly work towards creating more inclusive communities and opportunities for all British Columbians, especially those with developmental disabilities. You can read the official B.C. Government Proclamation of Community Inclusion Month 2024 here. You can also visit CLBC’s Community Inclusion Month 2024 webpage to hear self advocacy leaders from around B.C. share what inclusion means to them.
As part of Community Inclusion Month Celebrations starting to take place around B.C., the CLBC Central Island Community Council partnered with Self Advocates of Nanaimo and the BC Self Advocacy Leadership Network to host an Arts for Inclusion Event on September 17 in Nanaimo. CLBC staff and the Honourable Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction and MLA for Nanaimo, were excited to take part in the festivities and connect with self-advocates leading change in their community.
Central Island Council member Alexandria Stuart explains the event as “an opportunity to raise awareness about inclusion and to recruit new members to our council. We chose an arts-based event because it’s an activity that allows people to come together and share stories and ideas while creating beautiful things with their hands.”
People on CLBC Community Councils include individuals and families who receive support from CLBC, service provider partners and community allies. These volunteers care about creating culturally safe, accessible and inclusive communities. Contact CLBC.Connect@gov.bc.ca to learn about volunteering on a Council in your community.
Join us in recognizing Community Inclusion Month in October by sharing your support on social media. Use the hashtag #CommunityInclusionMonth to spread the message of inclusivity far and wide.
Thank you for being part of making B.C. communities places that include everyone. We wish you a happy Community Inclusion Month 2024!
