What do we really mean when we say diversity? It’s a word that gets used a lot, but can easily be misunderstood. Diversity isn’t a number, a quota, or part of a checklist—it’s much more holistic than that. Diversity represents a true appreciation and acceptance of other ways of living and thinking about the world.
Diversity isn’t something that you just hope for. Instead, you can take an active role in leading a more diverse friend group or workplace. The value of diversity in your personal and professional network is extraordinary. By bringing in new ideas and experiences, you can learn a tremendous amount from all of the unique people around you. In the work environment, this can lead to:
- Better problem-solving
- Promoting creativity
- Fostering open dialogue and avoiding conflict
- More buy-in from team members
As an individual, engaging with people outside of your typical sphere helps make you a more well-rounded person. According to Psychology Today, being exposed to different backgrounds and life experiences causes a person to consider their own values and beliefs. This is a healthy, liberating process that ensures you don’t say or do things a certain way just to conform to some imagined standard. In the real world, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to life.
Diversity is a sharper lens that helps you see the world more clearly. It keeps you more informed, gives you a fresh look at political events, and makes you better equipped to support the continuing fight for social justice.
How to use Meetup as a resource to diversify your life
Whether you’re connecting with friends or colleagues, improving the level of diversity in your life requires some deliberate attention. Luckily, there are lots of ways Meetup can help with that.
1. Diversify by joining a hobby group
One of the best ways to make sure you’re actively seeking out diversity is by connecting with people through ideas and passions, rather than through routine or familiarity. In a hobby group, you’ll get to know people who share your interests, not your background. Plus, creative hobbies have plenty of mental and emotional benefits.
Some great examples of active hobby groups are Seattle Street Photographers and NYC Drawing Meetup! Whatever your hobby is, you’re bound to discover people on Meetup who are joining together to pursue it. If not, you can easily create your own Meetup group and invite others to fill that niche.
2. Diversify by exploring your industry
It’s likely that there are people on Meetup who have a career similar to yours. Diversity exists in every industry—you just have to seek it out. Discover professional networking opportunities online and learn from people around the world who share your skills, responsibilities, and aspirations.
Check out groups like the Chicago Entrepreneurs Networking Group for online events. For in-person connection, look for a group like Dallas-Fort-Worth’s Women Coming Together Networking.
3. Diversify by reading more
There are few better ways to comprehend the inner lives and struggles of others than by reading and discussing books. Be proactive in your reading by selecting books by authors from all walks of life. These can help you travel across the globe, through time, and beyond your own culture.
Meetup has tons of diverse book clubs you can join, like Books to Change Your Life Chicago Book Club. You can also start your own book club organized by topic. For example, you could dedicate your book club to reading nonfiction that helps members learn about history and unpack political events.
4. Diversify by learning a new language
Speaking a language other than your native tongue is a direct way to embody your appreciation for diversity. Understanding another language creates totally new possibilities for connection in your daily life, opening doors that were once closed.
There are thousands of language groups on Meetup where you can learn to speak a new tongue, discover a different culture and community, and make friends along the way. Some great examples are the Portland Mandarin Group and the Fort Lauderdale Spanish Language Meetup.
Good things happen when we stand together
Meetup was built to foster human connections—across all races, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, and identities. Community is a powerful tool to combat discrimination, and diversity makes our community stronger. We are proud to be an inclusive platform based on the fundamental bonds shared by all kinds of people. Good things happen when we stand together, foster conversation, and take action against hate.
Last modified on October 31, 2023
