Universal Inclusion for Faith Communities

Rather than preach, [Matan] educated. Instead of talking down, he lifted us up. In place of dwelling on the problems, he made us believe we could be part of the solution. - Micol Zimmerman, former director for North American Federation of Temple Youth

Participation by people with disabilities in faith communities benefits us all by enriching the fabric of community. True participation may involve ramps, listening devices and braille prayer books, but it starts with a collective passion to tear down the physical,emotional, and spiritual barriers that stand between us. I seek to help you ignite or fan the fires of this passion in your community, and to start you on the practical path forward.

Pulpit Addresses for All Faiths

Every faith-based community is, first and foremost, a community. We are strengthened in our lives and faith by the people who join with us for worship, fellowship, or other programs. igniting inclusion would love to come and ignite an excitement and hunger in your congregation for the possibilities that are opened up by embracing inclusion. Though first embraced on Jewish pulpits, Igniting Inclusion’s principles of universal inclusion resonate and applicable for any faith that recognizes the power of community. Let us join you for a talk, sermon, or workshop, and spark that discussion in your community, or help fan the flames if it has already begun.

Youth of Faith Inclusion Address

Similar to an Igniting Inclusion pulpit speech, but tailored to your youth population. You can see an example of this sort of speech, in the keynote that Matan gave at NFTY convention in February 2015. Here however, the Q&A would transition to an in-depth collaboration with the kids to figure out how they can be the types of catalysts for inclusion, which teens are uniquely suited to.

Inclusion in Action Workshop

This workshop is best with either the committee or set of individuals who will be/are handling inclusion efforts within the congregation. The goal quite simply, is to hammer out a strategy and timeline for moving the ball forward. Any congregation or organization that spends the time and resources to bring in Igniting Inclusion has demonstrated a commitment to the idea of real action. We know, however, that making the transition from intent to action can be a challenge. Whether looking to start that process, or planning the next steps of a process already underway, having an outside perspective can be invaluable

Inclusion Consulting for Faith Communities

Commitment, excitement, and faith can only take us so far. In order to implement ideas of inclusion, the community has to come together and make it happen. For the last several years, Igniting Inclusion has been working with Jewish communities to create and implement concrete community-based inclusion plans through practical workshops and consulting. Those service are now being made available to all communities.

Faith Community Facilities Assessment

The physical inclusion needs of religious spaces are unique, and accessibility is vital for building a community that is truly inclusive. This assessment will identify areas of potential improvement, along with providing solution options within the fiscal, operative, and spiritual needs of the community.

Jewish Workshops

One of the greatest mitzvot enjoined upon us is to enable the Jewish lives of our fellow Jews, from celebrating births and weddings to joining together to bury and mourn our dead. Yet, by failing to eliminate physical, spiritual and attitudinal barriers, our community is often still closed to the participation of Jews with disabilities

There are currently multiple Igniting Inclusion workshops rooted in the precepts of the Jewish faith:

1. Deriving the principles of Universal Inclusion from the Torah by looking at the story of Moses;

2. Identifying the precursors of Universal Inclusion in a Talmudic treatment of disability;

3. Identifying the Jewish approach to special education through text;

4. Exploring the complex treatment of the deaf community in Jewish tradition

Any of the programs on this page also work well with the Jewish audience and can be specially infused with Jewish values.

Workshops for Non-Jewish Faith Communities

There are not currently any Igniting Inclusion workshops for faiths other than Judaism, but the seeds of universal inclusion can be found in many, if not all faiths. Matan Koch, the principal of Igniting Inclusion has a degree in religion from Yale University and is eager to work with your clergy and lay leadership to develop a workshop based on the principles of your faith and community.