Belonging Project

Welcome to our community, where belonging and connection thrive. We believe in fostering a space where everyone can come together, share experiences, and build meaningful relationships. Join us as we create a supportive environment that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. Your presence adds to the richness of our community!

What is Belonging?

Belonging is a feeling of attachment and affinity to a community, space, or place. It includes being part of a group and being able to share ideas and thoughts.

Why does it matter?

Belonging matters because a sense of belonging can help people to feel more closely aligned and attuned to their community and the people around them. Sense of belonging can support feelings of reduced isolation and greater connections to access community and individual supports when people experience challenges.

After reviewing the material, I hope you will have a better understanding of the elements of belonging, have an idea of ways that you can increase a sense of belonging, and share a personal definition of belonging.

For an overview, please review the Belonging Making Connections presentation.

Belonging in Learning

Belonging in schools matters because learners feel valued and can participate more actively. Belonging helps to ensure that needs are met and supports overall wellness for learners. There is significant research on elementary school age children and classrooms. At the post-secondary level, research includes looking at the experiences of first year students and specific demographics based on ethnicity, race or income levels.

Who decides?

Belonging is something that is sensed and experienced. Each person defines for themselves when they feel like they belong. A welcoming environment and welcoming behaviours by the established group, particularly by leaders or majority members, can set the foundations that allow belonging to increase for all members of the group. Creating opportunities for interactions across the group, whether a classroom or community, increases the number of connection points and strengthens ties.