Module 3 of 6

Equity, Inclusion & Cultural Responsiveness

⏱ ~30 min👥 All Staff📋 3 sections


Jersey City's Diverse Community

Jersey City is one of the most diverse cities in the United States — over 90 languages are spoken and residents represent hundreds of nationalities. JC Rise campers reflect this extraordinary richness. As a staff member, you are called to honor, celebrate, and actively support every camper's identity.

Our CommitmentJC Rise is committed to providing equitable access to high-quality programming across every ward — ensuring that a camper's zip code never determines the quality of their summer

Culturally Responsive Practice

  • Learn to correctly pronounce every camper's name — it matters deeply
  • Incorporate diverse cultural content into activities and discussions
  • Avoid assumptions about family structures, religious practices, or backgrounds
  • Reflect the cultural diversity of your group in materials and examples
  • Create space for campers to share their cultures and traditions


Language MattersSay: "Tell me about your family's traditions." — Not: "Do you celebrate Christmas?"
Say: "How does your family say this?" — Not: "You should say it this way."

Disability Inclusion & Anti-Bias

Disability Inclusion: JC Rise is committed to full inclusion for campers with disabilities. Presume competence — believe all campers are capable of learning and participating. Never speak about a camper's disability in front of peers without their consent.

Anti-Bias: Discrimination or harassment based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or socioeconomic status is not tolerated and is grounds for immediate disciplinary action.

Microaggressions: Use the Acknowledge, Ask, Adapt model when you witness a microaggression. Acknowledge the comment, ask a redirecting question, and adapt the environment to prevent recurrence.