An inclusive and welcoming climate embraces differences and offers respect in words and actions for all people. (UC Berkeley Initiative for Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity, as cited by Sierra Club, n.d.) Inclusion The act of creating environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to fully participate. The principle of equity acknowledges that there are historically underserved and underrepresented populations and that fairness regarding these unbalanced conditions is needed to assist equality in the provision of effective opportunities to all groups. (Achugbue, 2003) Equity The guarantee of fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups.

A diverse group, community, or organization is one in which a variety of social and cultural characteristics exist. Diversity Psychological, physical, and social differences that occur among any and all individuals including but not limited to race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, age, gender, sexual orientation, mental or physical ability, and learning styles. Cultural Competence The capability to shift cultural perspective and adapt behavior to cultural commonality and difference. Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee Terms to Know Cultural Awareness A person's comprehension of the differences between themselves and people from other countries or other backgrounds, especially differences in attitudes and values.

Planetary, Volume 1 by Warren Ellis