5 Party Positivity Ways To Celebrate Diversity In School and Home Celebrations

There’s no doubt about it: We must do more to foster diversity in schools. School is so much more than a place for teaching subjects like math and science; it’s a microcosm of our world. Diversity and inclusivity must be a central part of learning, especially at such impressionable ages. 

When it comes to party planning in schools and at home, we need to go the extra mile to make sure events are as inclusive as possible.

Multiculturalism and the ability to celebrate life really do go hand in hand. 

Whether you’re planning a back-to-school party, a potluck at home, or a classroom celebration, parties of any kind can be the perfect opportunity to celebrate and foster diversity– all while having a blast.

Celebrate Life the Party Positivity Way 

If you’re new here, you might not have heard about Party Positivity yet. Let’s break it down!

Party Positivity

[Par·ty Pos·i·tiv·i·ty] noun.

1. The ideology, movement, and act of embracing celebrations of all kinds so that we are seen and heard for our authentic selves; 2. Freedom to celebrate and cheers to whatever fulfills us, contrary to society’s expectations                   

Party Positivity is a revolutionary approach to celebrating your life in a way that emphasizes diversity and inclusion. Being Party Positive means being as inclusive as possible! It’s a movement for womxn from all walks of life– no matter their age, ability, shape, size, color, or preferences. 

Celebrating Multiculturalism One Party at a Time

Though Party Positivity is geared toward adult events, we believe strongly that older generations are responsible for setting the right examples for future ones. 

There are so many milestones worth celebrating outside of what society deems acceptable. Life is diverse. Womanhood is diverse. So shouldn’t diversity be the life of the party?!

Since we’re all about celebrating individuality and each person’s unique life milestones, Party Positivity manifests in various forms.

Here are 5 ways to celebrate diversity at school and home, no matter what occasion you’re celebrating.

1. Make the Event Accessible for Everybody

A Party Positivity must on celebrations is accessibility and an overall welcoming vibe for everyone coming through the doors. Mobility or other physical impairments should not prevent someone from comfortably attending your event. 

By law, classrooms, public venues, and even public events in the U.S. are required to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. However, private events have no protections. Be mindful of tripping hazards, create accessible entrances, and allow for activity accommodations so all feel welcome. 

A party positive celebration should honor every individual’s level of ability. Celebrate ability during your home and school events, and don’t let simple accommodations get in the way of the good times for all!

2. Celebrate Community with Inclusivity 

Here at Party Positivity, we believe you have the right to be celebrated for your most authentic self, and that includes your gender, sexual orientation, color, spiritual preference, and all the others ways you express being YOU! Make sure your guests, especially students, feel empowered and accepted at any event you throw. Party positive celebrations are inclusive, rather than exclusive, meaning these events offer equitable access and opportunity for people of all backgrounds to participate and party!

For instance, members of the LGBTQIA+ community suffer from disproportionate rates of violence and harassment, so declaring you’re an ally through your event décor or programming allows your guests to feel safe to be themselves.

Here are some ideas: 

• Include welcoming verbiage on your invites that this event is a safe space for all
• Make event introductions or nametags with your pronouns 
• Opt for a venue with gender-neutral bathrooms
• Pack your playlist full of LGBTQIA+ artists
• Balance representation in activities, performers, speakers, and/or attendees

Also, make it abundantly clear that your space doesn’t tolerate any kind of offensive language or actions.

Including these elements in your event planning means you’ll be throwing a truly party positive celebration that everyone will be talking about! 

3. Make Sure Your Event Is Culturally Appropriate

This is truly where multiculturalism and party planning intersect. You’ll want to ensure that, no matter where your attendees come from, they feel welcomed and even celebrated! This applies to your choice of décor, food, entertainment, and even costumes and attire.

As fun as costume parties are, they shouldn’t be at the expense of someone else’s culture. Tell guests that certain costumes (like kimonos, indigenous headdresses, and sombreros) can be culturally offensive when worn by people who don’t belong to that group. 

They say the best way to capture someone’s heart is through their stomach, and it’s certainly the case when it comes to event food! Consider including a well-rounded menu that accommodates dietary restrictions or cultural preferences like kosher and halal. Exposing students to new cultures through various cuisines or even healthy alternatives to birthday cakes is a great way to celebrate diversity in school.

4. Practice Self-Esteem Building Activities 

Everyone can benefit from self-esteem building activities, especially younger students. If you’re hosting a back-to-school party, consider including activities to make students feel welcome and confident.

One of our favorites is the “We Are” activity. Have students or guests write “I Am” on a piece of paper followed by everything they can think of that describes them. Include questions about favorite colors, podcasts, foods, travel destinations, popular music, and family structure. 

Review the responses and connect those who wrote similar answers with one another. This activity rocks because it celebrates community and diversity at school while building self-esteem and meeting new people!

No matter your age, self-esteem building can be a fun addition to any celebration.

5. Use Your Party as an Educational Experience 

Living as an ally to marginalized groups and applying diversity and inclusivity into our lives (especially in our celebrations!) means a lifetime of learning. But learning is not bound to classrooms.

So a great way to celebrate diversity and inclusivity is to turn social gatherings into educational experiences. These opportunities mix education, multiculturalism, and celebration together offering safe and fun spaces to learn about the diverse world, people, and global issues around us. Some examples could be:

• Organizing a screening of a social-justice-oriented documentary as a movie night
• Throwing a book party after reading a book written by a prominent activist
• Acknowledging holiday celebrations from around the world throughout the year

There’s no shortage of learning experiences, so there’s no shortage of party positive possibilities!

Celebrate Ability, Inclusivity, and Positivity

With these Party Positivity tips for event planning, you’ll be ready to celebrate diversity at school, at home, or anywhere you can think of. 

Now that you know a few basics on how to throw an inclusive party that everyone can enjoy, it’s time to get planning! Check out our e-shop for all sorts of accessories, decorations, and event planning essentials. 

Organizing a Party Positive event? Share your photos using #PartyPositivityMovement and #BePartyPositive, so everyone can see how you’re bringing the movement to life! We would love to hear about your Party Positive celebrations. Share your stories here!