A woman with blonde hair smiling at a customer at a beauty or nail salon reception desk. The customer is holding a phone and has long reddish hair. The decor includes potted plants, nail polish bottles on a shelf, and a modern light fixture.

A Warm Welcome for All

We want every visitor to have a sense that they’re in the right place; that they belong.

Understand that many outdoor spaces have historically been unwelcoming for many visitors–both intentionally and unintentionally. Provide every visitor with outstanding customer service and meet their courage with comfort. Here are some best practices for creating warm, welcoming, and inclusive environments:

  • Start With Great Customer Service - Let this be a core priority, and inclusive spaces will come more easily. 

  • The Vocabulary of Inclusion - Vocabulary can help us see the world more clearly, and the words we choose are important. Understand the difference between diversity, equity, and inclusion. Being able to define person-first language, unconscious bias, and preferred gender pronouns is also a good place to start. The Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Justice Vocabulary from the Avarna Group is an excellent resource. 

  • Staff Training - Offer customer service and cultural awareness training to staff and volunteers, helping them to create a sense of belonging for visitors of all backgrounds and abilities. Equip them with the skills to assist and interact with visitors from diverse backgrounds and abilities.

  • Diverse Representation - Ensure that staff, volunteers, and board members reflect the diversity of the community. This builds trust and brings new perspectives to decision-making. Demonstrate diversity in your social media and marketing materials - this enriches content and allows visitors to see themselves represented.

  • Active Allyship - If issues of discrimination or exclusion arise, address them head-on. Be an active ally, show support, and make necessary changes promptly.