I spent a week in Corvallis, Oregon gathering stories of belonging. It was a broad coalition of campus and community organizations that brought us to town and as a result, we were able to include a broad range of voices. It’s important, especially when we talk about belonging, to have a big tent, to include as many different voices as possible.
We all tend to live in our own bubbles, where things are familiar and we tend to put our own experience at center stage. But how do we work to expand our view and look outside of that bubble? How do we make sure our invitations welcome those who are outside of our own circles? It’s an ongoing process of learning and evolving.
Our hosts ensured an accessible venue for our studios. They provided ASL and Spanish language interpreters for those who might need them. We varied the studio hours each day so people with different work schedules could find time to stop in. They coordinated transportation for participants who might need it. They invited groups to bring participants from their circles. We organized various gatherings throughout the week so we could connect with different groups.
In the end, it created a rich body of work and (I hope) offered everyone involved a sense of belonging. as well. I see you, I hear you…and you belong.
What does belonging mean to you? Enjoy!
I just read your moving post “Belonging” and felt compelled to reach out. Your raw words about struggling to find connection as an adult transplant in Las Vegas resonated deeply with me.
Having moved here alone a few years ago, I related to so many of the emotions you described. The disorientation of being without your lifelong community, the difficulty making meaningful friendships, and the hollowness of superficial interactions – you captured these complex feelings with such honesty.
Most of all, I appreciate you shining a light on an experience that many transplants like us share, but rarely discuss openly. Your vulnerability about battling loneliness will help others feel less alone. And reminding us to nurture our mental health first, rather than fretting over a lack of physical belonging, was wise advice I needed to hear.
Thank you for having the courage to articulately express sentiments many of us quietly fight on our own. I walked away from your post feeling heard, understood, and hopeful. Please keep writing with such poignant authenticity. You encapsulated an important aspect of the modern human condition.
As I read the statements and looked at the portraits, I was very aware of being drawn to a smile and positive words. I felt sad and disheartened by the (few) statements that expressed no hope of ever belonging/being accepted.
Those stories break my heart a little…and, I hope, encourage me to do better…