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IDEC launches 'Warrenville Smiles' campaign to promote small acts of inclusion
Summary
The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Awareness Commission introduced 'Smile, Wave, Repeat — Warrenville Smiles,' a resident-driven campaign that will use stickers and spotlight stations to encourage everyday gestures of welcome across the city.
Juan, the city’s HR generalist and staff liaison to the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Awareness Commission (IDEC), described a resident-driven outreach activity at Multicultural Fest that asked people what makes them feel welcome. IDEC chair Megan Legler said repeated responses—"smile," "wave," "hello"—inspired a simple campaign.
"Belonging doesn't begin with big programs or banners," Legler said. "It begins with a moment of recognition or a smile or a wave or a welcome." She outlined plans for marketing stickers and a 'smile spotlight' station around town and invited council members to accept small promotional items distributed at the meeting to help spread the message.
Legler said the campaign is designed to celebrate the community’s existing friendliness while promoting intentional acts of kindness to help residents and visitors feel acknowledged. Mayor and council members praised the commission for originating the idea and encouraged broader promotion and the use of a hashtag and stickers to increase visibility.
IDEC framed the initiative as a low-cost, community-driven way to promote inclusion and strengthen neighbor-to-neighbor connection; no formal council action was required or taken during the presentation.
