The Office of Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is setting up a virtual space to talk candidly about inclusive excellence, and the entire state is invited to take part.

An initiative led Karen Kassebaum, assistant vice chancellor for inclusive leadership and learning, NCLUDE— Nebraska Community of Learners Understanding Diversity through Education — will officially launch with a Zoom session at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 20. Registration for the group is now open on the NCLUDE website.

“NCLUDE is a community for all,” said Jessie Peter, graduate assistant in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. “It’s a space where everybody can share their diverse views and learn inclusive practices. (Inclusive excellence) increases the sense of belonging in institutions, a sense of being valued. It promotes creativity and productivity. It also helps with identifying relatable role models.”

The group will meet virtually at least four times over the next academic year and have a book club, but workshops and sessions may be added, if participants are interested in meeting more often.

“We want it to be organic, where individuals who join the conversation help shape it,” Kassebaum said.