MIRM participates in Diversity, Inclusion, Youth (DIY) Workshop

In August 2022, the Make It Right Movement (MIRM) participated in a significant event that underscored its dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion on a global scale—the Diversity, Inclusion, Youth (DIY) Workshop. Held at the Aloft Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, this three-day workshop gathered 85 participants from across Southeast Asia to explore best practices for implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives in organisations and communities.

The DIY Workshop was designed to provide young leaders and change-makers with the tools, knowledge and strategies needed to foster a culture of inclusivity, both locally and internationally. Through interactive sessions, group discussions and hands-on activities, the participants were encouraged to rethink traditional approaches to diversity and inclusion and to develop actionable solutions for promoting equity in various sectors.

The Significance of the DIY Workshop

In today’s rapidly changing world, fostering diversity and inclusion is not just a moral imperative, it is also essential for innovation, productivity and long-term success. Whether in business, education or social services, embracing diverse perspectives and ensuring that everyone has equal access to opportunities is key to building resilient and thriving communities.

The DIY Workshop was organised in recognition of these challenges and aimed to empower young leaders to take proactive steps toward making their workplaces and communities more inclusive. By bringing together participants from different cultural, professional and national backgrounds, the workshop provided a platform for cross-cultural exchange and collaboration.

Key Elements of the DIY Workshop

The workshop covered a wide range of topics related to diversity and inclusion, with a focus on practical solutions that could be implemented in real-world settings. Some of the key elements included:

Best Practices for Global Inclusion: Participants learned about successful diversity and inclusion initiatives from around the world, with a focus on how these practices could be adapted to their local contexts. MIRM shared its experiences in promoting inclusivity through its various programmes, such as the Immersion Programme for Divergent Learners, which prepares people with disabilities for employment.

Empathy Mapping: One of the workshop’s interactive exercises involved creating empathy maps, a tool used to understand the experiences, needs and challenges of marginalised groups. Participants used empathy mapping to brainstorm ways to better support underrepresented individuals in their communities and workplaces.

Storytelling for Change: Recognising the power of storytelling in driving social change, the workshop included sessions on how to craft compelling narratives that advocate for diversity and inclusion. Participants were encouraged to share their personal experiences and insights, which helped build solidarity and inspire new ideas for inclusive practices.

Writing Proposals for Grants: A significant part of the workshop focused on helping participants develop the skills to apply for grants that fund diversity and inclusion projects. Participants were grouped into teams, with each team tasked with writing a funding proposal for a hypothetical project. This exercise not only enhanced their proposal-writing skills but also encouraged collaboration and critical thinking.

MIRM’s Contribution

As one of the selected participants from Southeast Asia, MIRM played a key role in the workshop’s success. The organisation, which has long championed diversity and inclusion through its community outreach programs, shared its experiences in building accessible environments for marginalised communities, particularly people with disabilities (PWDs).

MIRM highlighted its ongoing work to improve the accessibility of specialjobs.com.my, a platform designed to increase employment opportunities for PWDs. Through this initiative, MIRM has successfully helped PWDs overcome barriers to employment by connecting them with employers who value inclusivity. MIRM’s presentation served as a source of inspiration for other participants, demonstrating the tangible impact that diversity and inclusion initiatives can have on both individuals and organisations.

Outcomes of the Workshop

The DIY Workshop proved to be a transformative experience for the participants, equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to drive change in their respective fields. The outcomes of the workshop were significant:

• Four Winning Teams: At the end of the workshop, four teams were awarded additional grants of USD1,000 each for their diversity and inclusion projects. These projects focused on improving accessibility, fostering inclusive hiring practices and promoting equity in education. One of the winning teams, inspired by MIRM’s work, proposed enhancing the accessibility of specialjobs.com.my to increase outreach to PWDs.

• Empowered Leaders: Participants left the workshop feeling empowered and motivated to implement diversity and inclusion initiatives in their own organisations and communities. They gained practical skills that they could apply immediately, such as how to engage stakeholders in inclusive practices, how to design programmes that promote equity and how to measure the success of these initiatives.

• Global Network of Inclusion Advocates: One of the most valuable outcomes of the workshop was the creation of a global network of young leaders committed to promoting diversity and inclusion. The connections made during the workshop have the potential to lead to future collaborations, with participants supporting one another as they work to create more inclusive environments.

The Broader Impact

The DIY Workshop reflects MIRM’s broader commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion, both in Malaysia and beyond. As an organisation dedicated to enriching communities and transforming lives, MIRM understands that true social progress can only be achieved when everyone is given an equal opportunity to succeed.

Through its participation in events like the DIY Workshop, MIRM continues to champion the importance of inclusion as a driving force for positive change. By sharing its expertise and collaborating with other advocates, MIRM is helping to shape a future where diversity is celebrated and everyone—regardless of ability, background or identity—can thrive.

The Diversity, Inclusion, Youth (DIY) Workshop was a powerful reminder of the role that young leaders and organizations like MIRM play in fostering inclusive societies. By equipping participants with practical skills, inspiring innovative solutions and building a global network of advocates, the workshop has set the stage for lasting change.