As diversity and inclusion wisely become embedded in organizational goals, a need for clarity has emerged. Despite the increased number of workshops and trainings, little has been done to identify outcomes past ethereal goals of “becoming inclusive.” This false dichotomy (“inclusive” or “not”) impedes efforts for defining problems, developing people, and assessing the impact of interventions. This is even more true for courses we teach and our personal contemplative practices. Using a social-developmental approach, we propose a six-step model that delineates a scale for identification of current – and desired – inclusion states. This scale allows for intersectional approaches, recognizing people vary on levels of inclusion across social locations as well as over time. Keeping the continuum of inclusion in the forefront of consciousness builds not only a more just and compassionate culture, but also one that can more effectively solve the complexities of 21st century problems.
