Mitsubishi Electric: Changes for the Better

Inclusion Initiative

The Foundation launched the Inclusion Initiative in 2003, and has since invested more than $2 million in mainstream organizations such as Boys and Girls Clubs of America, National 4-H Council, and the Girl Scouts of the USA, to help them fully include youth with disabilities in their programs. MEAF’s investment has been leveraged by an additional $4 million raised by Initiative partners.

As an outgrowth of the Initiative, MEAF and its partners have developed a booklet, Paths to Inclusion, to serve as a resource guide to help youth-serving organizations integrate youth with disabilities into their programs. Click here to download Paths to Inclusion or visit its companion website IncludingAllKids.org. to order a copy and access a variety of other inclusion resources developed by MEAF’s partners.

Learn More...

...about MEAF's inclusion grantmaking.

• Success Stories
• Inclusion
• Portraits of Youth
• Current Grants
• Grant History
• How To Apply

Inclusion

• What is inclusion?
• Are you – or is someone you know – an Inclusion Champion?

The Foundation's major program focus is inclusion. Many grant applicants ask,
What is inclusion?

In-clu-sion (in-kloo-zhun), n –an attitude and approach that seeks to ensure that every person, regardless of ability or background, can meaningfully participate in all aspects of life.

Inclusion means

Inclusion is an approach, not a program.
An attitude, not an activity.
Inclusion is belonging!

Inclusion is enabling young people with disabilities to have full access to educational, vocational and recreational opportunities and to participate alongside their non-disabled peers.

Sources:

Inclusion Champion Award

The MEAF Inclusion Champion Award honors individuals who have made significant efforts to promote the full inclusion of youth with disabilities in society. The focus of the efforts may include, but is not limited to, helping to create a culture of inclusion within an organization or community or developing innovative strategies for inclusive programming in: school activities, after-school programs, community service, and leadership development.

The Inclusion Champion is selected each year by a panel of experts in the field, and is presented during the Kids Included Together (KIT) annual conference in April. The award consists of a trophy and $1000 donated to the charity of the Champion’s choice.

Criteria for selection:

• Evidence that attitudes have changed and inclusion has been embraced due to the individual’s efforts
• Measurable impact on the lives of young people with and without disabilities due to the individual’s efforts
• Sustainability of inclusion outcomes

To nominate, please send a letter (maximum 2 pages exclusive of attachments) with the following information:

1. Name of nominated individual and contact information;
2. Name of nominator and contact information;
3. Detailed description of individual’s inclusion efforts and their outcomes;
4. Where possible, include testimony of children and others impacted by these efforts;
5. Photos, media articles and support letters may be attached (note that these items will not be returned).

Please submit your nomination via email or mail by December 1, 2008 to:

Inclusion Champion Award
Kids Included Together
2820 Roosevelt Rd, Suite 202
San Diego, CA 92106

or

info@kitonline.org

Boys & Girls Clubs leader honored with 2008 Inclusion Champion Award

SAN DIEGO, CA—Marvin B. Laster, Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) Diversity Program, was named the 2008 Inclusion Champion by the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF). Laster received the inaugural MEAF Inclusion Champion Award at the annual national conference of the inclusion training organization, Kids Included Together (KIT).

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