How to Start an Inclusive Group in Your School

3 May

Every young person deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued. One powerful way to make this a reality is by creating inclusive student groups that promote belonging, celebrate diversity, and give young people a voice.

Whether you're starting an LGBTQ+ alliance, a cultural awareness club, a neurodiversity group, or a general inclusion forum, the goal is the same: to create a safe, empowering space where students can learn, lead, and connect.

Here’s how to get started.

✅ 1. Start With “Why”

Clarify your purpose. Ask yourself:

What gap are you trying to fill?
Who do you want this group to serve or represent?
What issues or voices currently go unheard?

This will help shape your vision and guide your approach.

👥 2. Involve Students Early

Inclusive groups work best when they’re for students, by students. Start by talking to young people:

What would they like to see?
What topics do they care about?
What support would they need to get involved?

Create informal focus groups or surveys to gather input. Make it clear their voice matters.

🏠 3. Create a Safe & Welcoming Space

Before diving into events or campaigns, focus on building trust. Ensure:

There are clear ground rules for respect and confidentiality.
All students feel able to contribute, regardless of background or confidence level.
You model inclusive language and actively listen.

This foundation of safety is key to long-term success.

🌈 4. Keep It Inclusive from the Start

Avoid letting the group become a “club for certain people.” An inclusive group should welcome allies and students with diverse experiences. That includes:

LGBTQ+ students and allies
Students from different ethnic, cultural, or religious backgrounds
Neurodiverse and disabled students
Young carers, EAL students, and others with unique perspectives

Encourage a wide range of involvement while centring the voices of those most impacted by the issues discussed.

🎯 5. Set Clear Goals (But Stay Flexible)

What do you want the group to achieve? Common goals could include:

Raising awareness through assemblies or posters
Running themed weeks or celebration days
Creating a safe space for discussion
Advising on school policies or inclusion efforts

Start small and build momentum—success breeds confidence and impact.

🤝 6. Get Staff Buy-In (and Support)

Secure a trusted staff member to act as a group facilitator—someone who can:

Advocate for the group’s needs
Help with logistics (e.g. room bookings, safeguarding)
Challenge bias and support student leadership

Also, seek senior leadership support to ensure the group is recognised and valued.

📣 7. Promote with Purpose

When you're ready to launch:

Use inclusive, accessible language in posters and announcements
Be mindful of times and spaces—consider cultural and caregiving responsibilities
Use student ambassadors to spread the word and personally invite peers

Representation matters. Make sure your group feels genuinely open to all.

🔄 8. Review, Reflect, and Grow

Ask students what’s working—and what’s not. Adapt activities and meetings based on feedback. Keep evolving, and let the group shape its own direction over time.

Tip: Celebrate small wins—each poster, meeting, or conversation matters.

💡 Bonus Ideas to Get Started

Host an “Inclusion Lunch”: An informal meet-and-greet to spark interest.
Run a Visibility Campaign: Highlight diversity in your school through displays or social media.
Celebrate Awareness Days: Start with one or two key events (e.g. Black History Month, Trans Day of Visibility, Eid).
Launch a Peer Education Programme: Train students to lead sessions on topics like allyship, mental health, or anti-racism.

🧭 In Summary

Starting an inclusive group isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being intentional—about showing young people that their identities, stories, and voices matter. With the right support, structure, and student leadership, your group can grow into a powerful force for empathy, education, and change.

The most inclusive schools don’t just talk about inclusion—they build it from the inside out.
Let your student group be the start.

Dean Allen