DE&I Spotlight

In early 2021, the City of Irvine passed a resolution reaffirming Irvine's commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in our City and subsequently formed a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. The committee's first campaign, We Are Irvine, aims to embrace and celebrate diversity and foster an environment that is inclusive of all cultures, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, perspectives, and ways of thinking. 

This web page is an arm of the We Are Irvine campaign and will be updated regularly to reflect the current and upcoming celebrations and observances of our community members and residents. For more health and human Services information, visit our We Are Irvine webpage.

City of Irvine DE&I Events
Irvine Multicultural Association City Proclamations and Resolutions
Mock Village Proposal Disability Services

March 2024

For a description of all DEI recognitions, view our DE&I Calendar.

City of Irvine DE&I Events & Recognitions

Stay tuned for more events and recognitions. 

City Proclamations and Resolutions

Nowruz, Persian New Year: March 19, 2024

At its meeting February 27, the Irvine City Council proclaimed March 19, 2024, as "Nowruz" Persian New Year in the City of Irvine, and urged all residents to become more aware of the tradition of Nowruz and the cultural marvels of the ancient Persian civilization. Nowruz has been celebrated by the people of Iran on the first day of spring for approximately 3,000 years. Nowruz symbolizes the affirmation of life in harmony with nature and celebrates awareness of the inseparable link between constructive labor and natural cycles of renewal. Irvine's community of Iranian-Americans greatly contribute to the economy of the City and participates in civic affairs to maintain and improve and quality of life in our community. 

National Women's History Month: March 2024

Women of every race, class, and ethnic background have made historic contributions to the growth and strength of our community in countless ways. Women have served at the forefront of every major progressive social change movement and provided healing and hope to our nation for centuries. Women play critical economic, cultural, and social roles in every sphere of life by constituting a significant portion of the labor force inside and outside of the home. The 2024 national theme for the observance is "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion." which acknowledges women throughout the country who understand that, for a positive future, we need to eliminate bias and discrimination from our lives and institutions. For these reasons, the Irvine City Council proclaimed March 19, 2024, as National Women's History Month and encourages all residents to honor the contributions of women to American history, culture, and society. 

Irvine Multicultural Association

The Irvine Multicultural Association (IMA) is a program designed for Irvine's senior residents and offers educational resources and social functions for the community. IMA's mission is to promote harmony and understanding for a better, enlightened, and healthier community. The association was formed by the same group that introduced Irvine's Global Village Festival to the community over 20 years ago.

IMA's planning committee seeks to highlight a particular culture each month through programs like their International Film Series, the English Mentoring Program, and other outlets. For more information on these programs and events, see the DEI events section above, or visit their webpage

The IMA planning committee is looking for additional members to join the committee. Ideal representatives share the mission of the association. Please see the flier below for more information. 

Irvine Multicultural Association Flier

Mock Village Proposal

The Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation are the original inhabitants of the lands that became the County of Orange. Archaeological evidence shows an Acjachemen presence in this region for over 10,000 years. The Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation are interested in establishing a mock village in Irvine. The Irvine City Council is proposing to create a mock village, which is being advanced by Payómkawichum Kaàmalam, which is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit with over thirty years of experience as a cultural advocate and cultural resource manager for the Acjachemen people.

Possible locations for such a mock village in our City could be in the Portola Springs neighborhood. The mock village would resemble what the tribal members lived in and could showcase structures that the Acjachemen used as shelter. The Irvine City Council will continue the conversation and proposal at a future meeting.

Disability Services

March Disability Services Social & Recreational Programs

Social & Recreational Programs

Inclusion Club
Join us in an engaging afternoon program with educational and fun daily activities including crafts, sports, games, cooking, science, and more.  Ages 10+.
Wednesdays, March 6, 13, 20, & 27
2–6 p.m.

Register Here 

Sweet Shade Creative Arts Series: Mixed Media
Practice and master artistic techniques. Staff will guide you through various lessons to develop your skills and creativity in different art mediums.  Ages 10+.
Thursday, March 14
3:30–5 p.m.
Irvine Fine Arts Center

Register Here   

Teen Night at Sweet Shade: Games Galore
Come join us and make new friends at Sweet Shade Ability Center as we host a night of fun and socialization. Snacks provided. Our programs and events are structured to be modified or adaptive, and are open for all to attend. Ages 12–16.
Friday, March 15
6–8 p.m.

Register Here 

Friday Night Social Club: Spring Fling
Friday Night Social Club provides fun recreational activities while encouraging social interaction. Come make new friends and socialize. Snacks provided. Ages 10+.
Friday, March 22
6–8 p.m.

Register Here 

Adaptive Dance
This adaptive dance class encourages exercise and improves body coordination, flexibility, and strength. Instructor promotes free spirit, enjoyment, and laughter. Ages 10+.
Thursday, March 28
6–7 p.m.

Register Here