nsg belonging guidebook final2 - new story group · means to belong. statistics canada reports that...

Enhancing Belonging A Guidebook for Individuals, Organizations, and Communities

New Story Group of Waterloo Region

NewStoryGroupofWaterlooRegion

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FORWARD

TheNewStoryGroupofWaterlooRegionwouldliketothankthefollowingpeoplefortheirvariouscontributionstothisproject.TheEnhancingBelongingTeamthatdidtheresearch,writing,andco-ordinating:

JohnLordDarlaFortuneEarlWalkerSharonFroehlichThemembersoftheNewStoryGroupwhohelpedwiththeBelongingConversationsandframingoftheideasfortheGuidebook.Reviewersofearlierdraftswhogaveussignificantandimportantfeedbackandinsights:RozHaven-Vincent,BrianSalisbury,RonFlaming,IsaiahRitzmann,BethWeisberg,WaterlooRegionCrimePreventionCouncil.TheKitchener-WaterlooCommunityFoundation,whofundedtheinitialresearchandthebelongingconversations,aswellasassistingwiththeprintingofthisdocument.ConcordiaUniversityStart-upFundingforassistingwithprintingcosts.NewStoryGroupofWaterlooRegion

www.newstorygroup.ca

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CONTENTS

Forward.....................................................................................3

Contents....................................................................................4

THENEWSTORYGROUP..................................................7

WhatitMeanstoBelong..........................................8

WhyBelongingMatters............................................9

WhothisGuidebookisFor...................................11

HowtheEnhancingBelongingProjectUnfolded.......................................................................11

ThemesConnectedtoBelonging.................................12

CREATINGCOMMUNITYSPACESTHATAREOPEN,INVITINGANDACCESSIBLE...........................15

Wecancreatecommunityspacesthatareopen,invitingandaccessiblebyputtingintoactionthefollowingstrategies..................15

LocalStoriesthatDemonstrateOpen,Inviting,andAccessibleSpacesBeingCreated..........................................................................18

WELCOMINGANDACKNOWLEDGINGOTHERS..................................................................................20

Wecanwelcomeandacknowledgeothersbyputtingintoactionthefollowingstrategies.....................................................................20

LocalStoriesthatDemonstratePeopleBeingWelcomedandAcknowledged..............22

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CREATINGOPPORTUNITIESFORPARTICIPATIONANDCONTRIBUTION..................24

Wecancreateopportunitiesforpeopletoparticipateandcontributeinpersonallymeaningfulwaysbyputtingintoactionthefollowingstrategies.......................................24

LocalStoriesthatDemonstrateOpportunitiesforParticipationandContribution.............................................................26

CONNECTINGPEOPLEAROUNDACOMMONINTEREST............................................................................28

Wecanconnectpeoplearoundcommoninterestsbyputtingintoactionthefollowingstrategies...............................................28

LocalStoriesthatDemonstrateConnectingaroundCommonInterests.........31

NURTURINGBELONGINGTHROUGHPOLICIESANDPRACTICES..........................................33

Wecancreatepoliciesandpracticesthatnurturebelongingbyputtingintoactionthefollowingstrategies.......................................33

LocalStoriesthatDemonstrateBelongingBeingNurturedThroughPoliciesandPractices.....................................................................36

CONCLUSION.....................................................................38

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APPENDIXA.......................................................................41

FourPhaseApproachtoDevelopingBelongingThemes.................................................41

AppendixB..........................................................................43

StrategyChecklist..................................................43

Endnotes..............................................................................50

AdditionalResources…………………...…………………51

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THENEWSTORY

GROUP

TheNewStoryGroupofWaterlooRegionisagrassrootsorganizationdedicatedtobuildinginclusivecommunitieswhereeverycommunitymemberhasanopportunitytoexperiencebelonging.ThevaluesthatguidetheworkoftheNewStoryGroupare:

• InclusionandBelonging–Fullinvolvementincommunityforall

• Choice–Theopportunitytomakeself-determinedchoices

• Respect–Mutualrespectandkindnessforall

• FullCitizenship–Valuedmembershipincommunity

• Collaboration/Partnerships–Workingwelltogetherwithothers

• Relationships–Socialnetworksandfriendships

• Uniqueness–Theindividualityofeachperson

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WHATITMEANS

TOBELONG

Formany,thetermsbelongingandinclusionareinter-changeable.However,itcanbearguedthatsimplyincludingpeoplewhoaresusceptibletoexclusiondoesnotgofarenoughtoovercomefeelingsofloneliness,alienationandstigmatization.Inrecentyears,peopleconcernedaboutinclusionhavebeguntofocustheirattentiononpracticesthatcontributetoasenseofbelongingamongcommunitycitizens.Inthissense,belongingisaboutfullinclusion,wherepeopleareseen,known,welcomed,accepted,connected,caredfor,andvalued.Tobelongmeanstofeelattachedandtohaveasenseofbeingincloseproximitytoothersintermsofactivities,networksandspaces.Close,interdependentrelationships,inwhichpeoplearedependentoneachother,arekeyfeaturesofbelonging.

“Wearerecognizingthateverylifeincommunityis,bydefinition,interdependent—filledwithtrustingrelationshipsandempowered

bythecollectivewisdomofcitizensindiscourse.”JohnMcKnight

AuthorandleaderinAssetBasedCommunityDevelopment

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WHYBELONGING

MATTERS

Ourdesiretobelongcanbeseenthroughouthistoryinourdrivetogathertogether,toformgroups,andtoassociatewithothers.PaulBorn,inhisbookDeepeningCommunity,says,“Takingcareofoneanotherandlookingoutforoneanotherhasbeenanevolutionaryprerequisite.Itiswhywesurvived.”Ancientcivilizationsformedtribesandclans;todaypeoplejoinclubs,sportsteams,churchgroups,andonlinecommunities.Ourcitiesandtownsareorganizedaroundcommunitycentres,townsquares,churchhalls,communitygroups,neighbourhoodassociations,andotherplacesofgathering.Peoplehaveaninnatedesiretogathertogetherwithothers,andtobelong.BelongingissofundamentaltohumanexistencethattheUnitedNationsformallyrecognizesitasanessentialhumanneedandrightofallindividuals.1

Asenseofbelongingisassociatedwithanumberofpositiveoutcomes.Researchhasshownthatindividualswhobelongtosupportivenetworksoffriends,families,colleagues,and/orcommunitygroupshavehigherlevelsofbothmentalandphysicalhealth.1Peoplewithagreatersenseofbelongingreportbeinghappierandhavinghigherlevelsofwellbeing.2Belongingisalsoconnectedwithpositivesocialoutcomessuchaselevatedlevelsofproductivity,largersocialcircles,andpeersupport.3Conversely,alackofbelonginghasbeenshowntohavedetrimentalconsequencesforbothindividualsandcommunities.Itisassociatedwithlowerlevelsofhealth;4lowerhouseholdincome,5

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poorerphysicalandmentalwell-being,2andlowerlevelsoflifesatisfaction.1

Whilemuchevidencehighlightstheimportanceofbelonging,manypeopledonotexperiencewhatitmeanstobelong.StatisticsCanadareportsthatapproximately32%ofallCanadiansidentifyaweakorsomewhatweaksenseofbelongingtocommunity.6Locally,theWaterlooRegion’sVitalSignsReportnoteddecliningratesofbelongingsincetheyear2003andthattheseratesareespeciallylowamongstthoseaged20to34.7

Moreandmorenon-profitorganizationsareusingthedeterminantsofhealthtoguidehowtheyapproachwellbeing.Socialnetworks,relationships,inclusion,andbelongingareimportantdeterminantsofhealth.Peoplewhoareconnectedandpartofcommunitylifearemuchmorelikelytobehealthierthanpeoplewhoareisolatedordis-connected.Belongingmattersbecauseitisessentialforthevitalityandsuccessofourcommunitiesandcommunityorganizations.Whenpeoplefeelthattheybelongtheyarehappierandcontributemoretosocietyandcommunity.Asenseofbelongingprovidespeoplewithpurpose,meaning,andperhapsmostimportantlyasourceofmutualsupport.Enhancingpeople’ssenseofbelongingwillcontributetohealthier,morevibrant,andconnectedcommunities.

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WHOTHIS

GUIDEBOOKIS

FOR

HOWTHE

ENHANCING

BELONGING

PROJECT

UNFOLDED

Thisguidebookcanbeusedbyanyonewhoislookingtofosteradeepersenseofbelongingwithintheircommunities,theorganizationsinwhichtheyworkorvolunteer,andintheirpersonallives.Itisprincipallydesignedforpeopleworkingwithandsupportingmembersofthecommunitywhoaremostsusceptibletomarginalizationandexclusion.Ourhopeisthattheinformationandstrategiessharedinthisguidebookwillassistcommunityorganizationsandneighbourhoodsintheireffortstoenhancethecommunitydynamicofbelongingsothatallpeople,especiallyindividualswhoaremostmarginalized,feelasenseofbelonging.

TheNewStoryGroupinitiatedtheEnhancingBelongingProjectin2013whenourmembersstartedthinkingabouthowsocialinclusioncouldbedeepenedinWaterlooRegion.Wewantedtocreateaprocessandadocumentthatwouldbehelpfultoindividuals,organizations,andworkerswhoprovideassistanceandsupporttopeopleinourcommunity.

TherehavebeenfourphasesoftheEnhancingBelongingProject.Eachofthesephasesinvolvedengagingthecommunity,collaboratingaroundemergingideas,andexploringstoriesandapproachesthatcanmakeadifferencetothewaypeopleexperiencebelonging.EachofthefourphasesisdescribedinmoredetailinAppendixA.

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THEMES

CONNECTEDTO

BELONGING

Ourresearchandcommunityworktodatehasledtothedevelopmentoffivethemes,whichwhenputintoaction,cancontributetoenhancedfeelingsofbelonging.Eachthemeisaccompaniedbyalistofhelpfulstrategies.Werealizethatachievingadeepsenseofbelongingtakestimeandinvolvesamorecomplexprocessthancanbecapturedinanyguidebook.Webelieve,however,thattoaddresstheweaksenseofbelongingthattoomanycommunitymembersexperience,thisisanimportantstartingpoint.

Ourfivethemeshavehelpedustodiscoverthatasenseofbelongingismorelikelytobeachievedwhen:

• Communityspacesareopen,inviting,andaccessible

• Peoplearewelcomedandacknowledged

• Peoplecanparticipateandcontributeinwaysthatarepersonallymeaningful

• Thereareopportunitiestocometogetherwithothersaroundacommoninterestorgoal

• Policiesandpracticesworktocreateaculturethatnurturesbelonging

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People feel a sense of

belonging when:

People are welcomed and acknowledged

There are opportunities to

come together with others around a

common interest or goal

People can participate and

contribute in ways that are personally

meaningful

Community spaces are open, inviting, and accessible

Policies and practices work to create a culture that

nurtures belonging

Thediagrambelowillustrateshowthesefivethemesareinterrelatedandcanbuildinanyorder.Asawhole,thesethemescanbeusedtoenhancebelonginginourorganizationsandcommunities.Readersareencouragedtoreviewallthethemesandconsiderhowtheymaywanttoproceedwithintheircommunityororganization.

“Tobeincluded,youneedtobepresent.Tobelong,youneedtobemissed”JohnSwinton

ProfessorofPracticalTheologyandPastoralCare

Figure1:BelongingThemesandTheirRelationship

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DESCRIPTIONSANDSTRATEGIES

FORPUTTINGTHEFIVETHEMES

INTOACTION

“Itisnotenoughthathumanbeingsareincludedwithincommunities,theyneedtobelong.”

JohnSwinton

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THEME#1:CREATING

COMMUNITY

SPACESTHAT

AREOPEN,

INVITINGAND

ACCESSIBLE

Wecancreate

communityspaces

thatareopen,

invitingand

accessibleby

puttingintoaction

thefollowing

strategies:

Thisthemeisabouttheimportanceofplaceandthemeaningofspace.Placereferstoaphysicallocationthatservestodrawpeopletogether.Itcanbeaneighbourhoodorhome,eitherbrickandmortar,oronline,orboth.Spacedescribestherelationalandemotionalsignificanceassociatedwithaplace,andincludessharedvaluesandinterests.Asenseofbelongingisfacilitatedwhenwecreatecommunityspacesthatareinvitingandwelcoming,whenbarriersareeliminated,andwhenpeoplefeelcomfortabletobethemselveswithoutfearofjudgment.Communityspacesofbelongingarethosetowhichpeoplewanttoreturn.

Strategiesfordevelopingcommunityspacesthat

arefreefrombarriers

• Ensuringcommunityspacesarephysicallyaccessible(e.g.wideentranceways,ramps)

• Ensuringpeoplearenotfinanciallypreventedfrombeinginthespace(e.g.spacesthathavenoorlowcost)

• Askingpeopletosharewhattheyexperienceasbarriersinordertounderstandhowthesedifferforeachperson(e.g.conductregularassessments;askforregularfeedback)

• Ensuringcommunityspacesareaccessiblebypublictransportation(e.g.checktransitschedules,offerbustickets/passes)

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• Ensuringhoursareflexibleandcanaccommodatepeople’sdifferentschedules(e.g.programs,services,andactivitiesareavailableonweekends)

Helpfulstrategiesforprovidingwelcomingand

comfortablephysicalspaces

• Greetingpeopleinacheerful,hospitablemanner

• Providingfoodand/orrefreshments• Orientatingnewpeopletothespace(e.g.

offeratour,provideinstructionforaprogramoractivity,explainhow“things”work)

• Ensuringcommunityspaceshavepleasingphysicalelements(e.g.plants,pictures)andsensoryappeal(e.g.comfortabletemperature,warmlighting)

• Creatingsocialspacesthathavenosinglefixeduse,canbeadaptedbypeopleusingthem,andinvitemanydifferentformsofsocialinteraction(e.g.aspacewherethefurniturecaneasilybemoved;aspacethatcanaccommodateagroupactivityaswellasofferindividualsaquietplacetositandchat)

Strategiesforensuringthatcommunityspaces

reflectthepeoplewhousethem:

• Gettingtoknowpeoplewhousethespaceandcelebratingtheirdiversity(e.g.acknowledgemajorreligiousholidaysandcelebrations,organizeaninterculturalpotluck)

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• Encouragingpeopletohaveasayaboutthephysicalandsocialelementswithinthespaceandwhattheywouldliketosee(e.g.co-designaspace,createasharedmural)

• Ensuringthespacewillbeinclusiveofdiversity(e.g.thereareopportunitiesforinteractionbetween peopleofdifferingsocio-economicbackgrounds,ages,culturesandabilities)

Helpfulstrategiesforcreatingopportunitiesfor

peopletoexperienceasenseofattachmenttoa

space:• Fosteringemotionalconnectionstoaspaceby

havingitbecomeaplacewherepeopleareknowntooneanotherorcangettoknoweachothereasily

• Expressingappreciationthroughcommentslike,"Itwasgoodtoseeyou;pleasecomeback"and"Wemissedyoulastweek"

• Creatingopportunitiesforpeopletohaveenjoyableexperiencesinthespace(e.g.havingregulargettogethers,providingarangeofleisureactivitiesthatpeoplecanenjoytogether)

• Supportingthedevelopmentofrelationshipswithotherusersofthespace(e.g.offeringprogramsthatbringpeopletogethertolearnaboutoneanother)

• Supportingthecreationofhappymemoriesinthespace(e.g.hangphotographsandcollages,sharestories)

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LocalStoriesThat

DemonstrateOpen,

Inviting,and

AccessibleSpaces

BeingCreated

Providingwelcomingandcomfortablespaces:Thereisalocalcommunitycentrethathasgreeters.Theywelcomepeopleandinvitenewcomerstoaskquestions.Theyletpeopleknowwhattoexpect.Byofferinginformationandengagingpeople,thegreetersplayakeyroleinenhancingasenseofbelonging.Thedesignofthespacealsocontributestothisfeelingofwelcoming.Thechairsarecomfortableandthereisartworkonthewallsthatsymbolizesinclusion.Musicisplayingtohelpmakethespacefeelcomfortable.

Gettingtoknowpeoplewhousethespaceand

celebratingdiversity:Weweretoldaboutawelcomingplaceforolderadultstocometogether.Itisphysicallyaccessibleforeveryoneandlocatedrightinthemiddleofthecity.Studentsspendtimewithparticipantssothereisamixofdifferentages.Othergroupsarerunatthesametime,soalotofdifferentpeoplearemixingandminglinginthesamespace.Thestaffworkingthereknoweveryonebynameandactasconnectorsforeveryonecomingin.

Creatingspacesthatarefreefrombarriers:Alocalnon-profitorganizationisintentionalabouthowtheyusetheirspace.Therearenodesksatthefrontdoorbecauseitisfeltthatadeskcreatesabarrierbetweenthemandpeoplecomingin.Theofficealsouseswhatisknownas‘openconcept’sotherearenodoorstoactasbarrierstoconversation.

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“Forcommunitiestoexist,peoplemustencounteroneanotherinperson.Theseencountersmustincludemorethanbestfriendsorcolleaguesatwork.Theymustincludediversepeoplewhosharetheneighbourhood,

andoftenshareitsneeds.”JaneJacobs

Authorandactivistforurbanrenewal

Welcomingvisitorsandnewcomers:AstaffmemberwhoworksataShelterspokeabouthowshewelcomesvisitors:“Whenpeoplefirstcome,theyareoftenfilledwithfear.Wewelcomepeoplewhentheycomeinbecausetheydonotknowwhattoexpect.Wegivethematouroftheshelter.Authentichospitalityisveryimportantbecauseittakesawayfear.”

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“Hospitalityisnotonlythesignatureofanabundantcommunity,butaconfidentone.Theextentofhospitalitybecomesameasureofthebelief

thatpeoplehaveintheircommunity…Whenyouhavealifeinaconnectedandconfidentcommunity,itiswelcoming:hospitalityis

generatedbecausepeoplefeelsogoodaboutthemselvesthattheywantotherstoshareandtheywanttosharethejoyofothers...Welcoming

strangersisnotjustanactofgenerosity;itisalsoasourceofhospitalityandlearning.”

JohnMcKnightandPeterBlock

AuthorsofTheAbundantCommunity

THEME#2:WELCOMINGAND

ACKNOWLEDGING

OTHERS

Wecanwelcome

andacknowledge

othersbyputting

intoactionthe

following

strategies:

Thisthemeisaboutthewaypeopleinteractwithoneanotherandintentionallymakeothersfeelwelcomed.Beingwelcomedandacknowledgedhappenswhenpeopletaketimetoextendpersonalgreetings,showagenuineinterestinothers,andofferhospitalityinanauthenticandcaringmanner.Whenpeoplearewelcomedandacknowledgedinwaysthatshowcompassionandunderstanding,relationshipsareenhanced,andadeepersenseofbelongingandtrustaredeveloped.

Helpfulstrategiesforofferinghospitality

• Extendinginvitations-morethanonceifnecessary

• Followinguponinvitations• Invitingpeopleforcoffeeortoshareameal• Bringingpeopletogetherandfacilitating

introductionsandconnections• Initiatingpotlucksandotherfood-related

gatherings(foodisaglueforhospitality)

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Helpfulstrategiesformodelingunderstandingand

compassion

• Beingempathetictopeople’sexperiences(e.g.beopentolistenandshare)

• Encouragingpeopletosharetheirexperiencesandneeds

• Learningthenormsassociatedwithaperson’sculture(particularlyinrelationtogreetingsandtouch)

• Seekingtounderstandandvaluedifferences(e.g.beinterestedandaskquestions)

Helpfulstrategiesforextendingpersonalgreetings• Referringtopeoplebytheirnameand

ensuringnamesareusedcorrectly(e.g.usenametags,askaboutpronunciation)

• Initiatingawarmwelcoming(e.g.eyecontact,ahandshake,ahug–dependingonhowculturallyappropriate)

• Reachingouttonewcomersandindividualswhofinditdifficulttoconnectwithothers

• Acknowledgingsomethingspecificaboutaperson(e.g.rememberingoneoftheirspecificskillsorsomethingtheyarepassionateabout)

Helpfulstrategiesformakingeffortstoconnecton

adeeperlevel

• Refrainingfrommakingassumptionsthatshutdownopportunitiestogettoknowaperson(e.g.assumingapersonwhoisquietdoesnotwanttoconnectwithothers)

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LocalStoriesThat

Demonstrate

PeopleBeing

Welcomedand

Acknowledged

• Engaginginreciprocalconversationsbysharingaspectsofourselves(e.g.beopenaboutourinterests,lookforthingsweshareincommonwithothers)

• Creatingopportunitiesforpeopletocometogetherwhomayinitiallyseethemselvesasdifferent(e.g.mixingpeoplefromdifferentethnicbackgrounds,agegroups,etc.)

• Showingagenuineinterestbytryingtolearnaboutpeople(e.g.askquestionsandlistenattentively)

Extendingpersonalgreetings:Agentlemanwithadevelopmentaldisabilitydescribedhowhefeelswelcomedwhenhearrivesathisplaceofworkeachday.Hecherisheshowco-workerstakeaninterestinhimandaskhimabouthislife.Healsofeelsregularlyappreciatedandrespectedfortheworkhedoeswhichmakeshimlovehisworkevenmore.Hissenseofbelongingisincreasedeachtimepeopleshowhimrespectandarehappytoseehim.

Extendinginvitationtoothers:Weheardfromawomanwhorecalledmovingtoanewcommunitywhereshewasimmediatelyinvitedouttoneighbours’homesforsuppersandeveningvisits.Sheexplainedthatoftensomeonewouldgetouttheguitarandtherewouldbeasingalong,or

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peoplewouldsharelocalstories.Shereflectedonthisexperiencewhentryingtobemoreintentionalaboutcreatingsocialnetworksinhernewneighbourhood.Todaysheseesbelongingbeingintentionallyfosteredthoughporchparties,neighbourhoodwalkinggroups,moms’groups,andotherassociations.

Makingeffortstoconnectonadeeperlevel:Anewmothersharedherexperienceatanearlyyearslearningcentre.Shedescribeditasanon-judgmentalplacewhereshecangotoaskquestionsandseekadvicewithoutbeingrushedoutthedoor.Morethanthat,sheexplains,“Thestaffknowmeandmychildrenbynameandoftenapproachmetorecommendaprogramtheyfeelcouldbenefitus”.Thecentrehasmanyoftheconveniencesofhomesoshecanbringalunch,spendtheday,connectwithothermoms,andfeellikesheissurroundedbyasupportivefamily.

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THEME#3:CREATING

OPPORTUNITIESFOR

PARTICIPATIONAND

CONTRIBUTION

Wecancreate

opportunitiesfor

peopleto

participateand

contributein

personally

meaningfulways

byputtinginto

actionthe

following

strategies:

Thisthemeisabouttheneedpeoplehavetoparticipateinmeaningfulactivitiesorpursuitsandfeellikewhattheyhavetocontributeisvalued.Thisthemerecognizesthateveryonecontributesatdifferenttimesandindifferentwaysbutthatallcontributionsarevaluableandrecognized.Sincepeoplemaynotalwaysrealizethattheyhavesomethingtocontribute,itisnecessarytocreateopportunitiesthathelpthemunleashtheirstrengthsandgifts.Whenpeopleparticipateandcontributeinwaysthataremeaningfultothem,theirsenseofbelongingisenhanced.

Helpfulstrategiesforrecognizingthateveryonehas

strengthsandpersonalgiftstoshare

• Seekingtounderstandthewholepersonanddiscoveringwaystheywanttocontribute

• Discoveringpeople’suniquestrengths,gifts,andabilities(recognizingthatthistakestime)

• Creatingopportunitiesforpeopletoexperienceandsharetheirgifts(e.g.exploreplacesandpeoplethatwouldunderstandandsupportthisgift;arrangeforolderadultstoteachyoungpeopleanewskillandviceversa)

• Providingopportunitiesforco-creationsopeoplearepartofwhattheyarecontributingto(e.g.shareleadershiproles,engageindemocraticprocesses)

• Acknowledgingthevalueofeachperson’scontribution(e.g.expressinggratitudeandappreciationinpersonand/orinwriting)

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Helpfulstrategiesforvaluingalllevelsof

participation(e.g.activeparticipation,quiet

participation,andthecontributionofpresence)

• Removingpressuretoactivelyparticipatebyappreciatingandaccommodatingpeople’sdifferentpreferenceswhenitcomestoparticipation(e.g.createoptionsfordifferentlevelsandfrequencyofparticipation)

• Lookingforopportunitiestoparticipatethatmaynotbereadilyapparent(e.g.thinkofactivitiesthatareoutsidemainstream)

• Workingtoeliminatebarriersthatmaypreventpeoplefromparticipating(e.g.offertraining,peermentorship,appropriateinformation,etc.)

• Lettingpeopleknowtheirparticipationisappreciated(e.g.thankingthemforbeinginvolved,lettingthemknowhowtheirparticipationismakingadifference)

Helpfulstrategiesforencouragingandsupporting

peopletobepresent• Invitingwithintentionalitytobuild

connectionsandpromoteinclusion(e.g.gettingtoknowpeoplewellenoughtoknowhowtomatchtheirstrengthswithopportunitiesforparticipation)

• Accompanyingpeoplewhentheyareenteringnewandunfamiliarsituations

• Linkingpeoplewithmentorsandconnectors,whocanfacilitateintroductionsandconnections

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LocalStoriesThat

Demonstrate

Opportunitiesfor

Participationand

Contribution

Eliminatingbarriersthatmaypreventpeoplefrom

participating:WeheardfromagentlemanwhoimmigratedtoCanadaandquicklyfeltlikehewasbeingacceptedandhadsomethingtooffer."TheWorkingCentreinKitchenerembracedmewhenIimmigratedtoCanada,”herecounted.“Theyofferedmeajobandgavemeresponsibilitiesthathelpedstrengthenme."

Creatingopportunitiesforpeopletosharetheir

giftsandexperiences:AwomannewtoCanadaspokeaboutherappreciationforthesupportshereceivedfromanorganizationthathelpedhersettleintohernewcommunity.Asawayofgivingbackforthesupportshereceived,shebeganvolunteeringwiththisorganizationandusingherlanguageskillstobeatranslatorandinterpreterforothernewcomers.Feelinggoodabouthelpingothersandbuildingrelationshipswithemployersandothervolunteersandnewcomersmadeherfeellikeshe'dfoundanewhome."NowIdonotfeelsodifferent.IfeellikeIbelongtoagreatcommunityofCanadians,"sheshared.

“Communityisstrengthenedwhenpeopleworktogethertocombatinequalitiesandimprovetheircollectiveconditionsofexistence.”

TonyBlackshawAuthorandleisurescholar

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Feelingvaluedforcontributions:Weheardfromapersonlivingwithdementiawhopartneredwithanon-profitorganizationtodoworkaroundeducatingaboutdementia.Thispartnershipwasrewardingandmadeherfeellikeshebelongedbecauseshefeltlistenedtoandvalidated.Throughthisexperienceherconfidencegrew,shefoundhervoice,andwasabletofightfortherightsofpersonswithdementia.Assheexplained,“Sincetheyencouragedapartnershipapproach,Ifeltvaluedanddignified.That'sabigkeytofeelinglikeyoubelong.”

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THEME#4CONNECTING

PEOPLEAROUND

ACOMMON

INTEREST

Wecanconnect

peoplearound

commoninterests

byputtinginto

actionthe

following

strategies:

Thisthemeisaboutthewayweconnectwithotherswhenwesharesomethingincommon.Variouskindsofcommoninterests(e.g.arts,politics,sports,hobbies)bringpeopletogetherandthroughtheseinterests,relationshipsoftendevelopandgrow.Insomecases,acommoninterestcansparkaconnectionbetweenpeople.Strongcommunitiesarebuiltinpartthroughthepracticeofpeoplecomingtogetherinmanydifferentwaysaroundcommoninterests.Whenpeopleturntocommunitybeforeseekingservices,theydiscovertheintereststheyhaveincommonwithfellowcitizens.Connectionsthroughcommoninterestsenhancesbelonging.

Helpfulstrategiesforturningtocommunitybefore

seekingservices

• Believinginthepowerofcommunitytosupportcitizensfromallwalksoflife(e.g.notturningtogovernmentforhelpwhenfellowcitizensarethereformutualsupport)

• Beingintentionalaboutusingavailablecommunityoptionsthatareaccessibletoall(e.g.accessingpublicleisureservicesratherthanprivatealternatives,lettingpeopleknowaboutthesharedresourcesavailable)

• Resistingthetendencytoseekformalservicesfirstwhenexperiencingaproblemordifficulty

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• Recognizinghowsharedexperiencescanbringpeopletogetherandfostermutualsupport(e.g.ratherthandevelopingseparategroupsbasedonageordisability,worktobringpeopletogetheraroundcommonalitiessotheybegintonaturallysupportoneanother)

Helpfulstrategiesforidentifyingandcreating

opportunitiesformutualconnection

• Developingstrongneighbourhoodswithactivecommunitycentres(e.g.advocateforwalkableneighbourhoodswherepeoplecanmeetandspaceswherepeoplecangather)

• Providingon-goingsupporttoneighbourhoodsbymakingfundingandresourcesavailable(e.g.municipalitiesofferingfundingforneighbourhood-drivenprojects)

• Creatingsocialopportunitiesforpeopletocometogetherandgettoknoweachother(e.g.planablockparty,hostapotluck,meetyourneighbours)

• Establishingprogramsandsupportsaimedatfosteringconnections(e.g.initiatefriendlyvisitingprograms,walkinggroups,bookclubs,etc.)

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Helpfulstrategiesforprovidingsupportand

encouragementforpeopletodiscoverand/or

developtheirinterestsandpassions

• Discoveringpeople'sleisureinterests(e.g.ask“Whatdoyouliketodoforfun?”)

• Focusingonpeople’sstrengths,giftsandabilities

• Invitingpeopletoparticipateinthingsthatinterestthemandthatbuildongifts(e.g.extendingpersonalinvitationsbasedonyourknowledgeoftheperson)

• Providingfacilitationforpeoplewhomayneedsupporttoconnectwithothersaroundsharedinterests(e.g.makeintroductions,accompanypeopletoneworunfamiliarsettings)

“Participationinculture,leisure,andrecreationalactivitiesnotonlyenrichesuspersonally,butcollectively.Itisinevitablysocialinnature—itbringsusintoregularcontactwithotherswhosharesimilarinterests

andvalues.”CanadianIndexofWellbeing

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LocalStoriesThat

Demonstrate

ConnectingAround

CommonInterests:

Focusingonstrengths,giftsandabilities:Thereisanorganizationthatassistspeoplewithdisabilitiesandtheirfamiliestoplanforandbuildagoodlifeincommunity.Afacilitatorworkswithanindividualandspendstimegettingtoknowthepersonandtheirstrengths,giftsandabilities.Thefacilitatorassiststhepersontoconnectwithassociationsofcommoninterestthatenabletheirstrengthstoflourish.Facilitatorshaveconnectedmanypeoplewhohadbeenisolatedtoarangeofgroupsandactivities,suchasneighbourhoodgroups,artclasses,potluckgroups,andjobs.

Creatingsocialopportunitiesforpeopletocome

together:Awomansharedherstoryaboutmovingintoavibrantneighbourhoodafterlivingforafewyearsinaplacewhereshedidn’tknowherneighbours.Inhernewneighbourhoodasocialhubiscreatedwhenaneighbouropenshisgaragedoorandinvitespeopletodropby.Somestopforaquickchat,otherslinger,buteveryoneismadetofeelwelcome.Foodanddrinkareshared,neighbourhoodchildrenplaycloseby,andthefriendlybanterneverends.

“Effectiveguides(orconnectors)donotjustintroduceonepersontoanother.Theybringapersonintothewebofassociationallifethatcanactasapowerful

forceinthatperson’slife.”JohnMcKnight

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Establishingprogramsandsupportsaimedat

fosteringconnections:Thereisalocalcharitableorganizationthathelpsestablishsocialnetworksforitsmembers.Themotherofaboywhohasasocialnetworkexplainedthathersonisadifferentpersonnowthathehassomefriendswhocheckinandchatwithhim.Hehasbeentoadrummingcircleandoftenspendstimedrawingwithafriend.Accordingtohismother,hersonenjoyslifeinawayshewouldneverhavethoughtpossible.Shesays,“He’smoreengagedwithwhatishappeningaroundhimandinterestedindoingnewthings”.

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THEME#5:NURTURING

BELONGING

THROUGH

POLICIESAND

PRACTICES

Wecancreate

policiesand

practicesthat

nurturebelonging

byputtinginto

actionthe

following

strategies:

Thisthemeisaboutthepowerandimportanceofleadership.Belongingisenhancedwhenleadersoforganizationsandmunicipalitiespromotebelongingthroughinclusivepractices.Thismeansleaderstaketimetoworkwithcolleaguestodeveloppoliciesdesignedtocreatepracticesthatencouragebelonging.Suchpolicieshelpdevelopaculturewherebelongingisbothnurturedandfacilitatedthroughrelationships.Inorganizationswherepoliciesandpracticescontributetoacultureofbelonging,staffandvolunteersplaytheroleofcatalyst,connector,orinviter,andmodelinclusiveapproaches.

Helpfulstrategiesforsupportingleaders,staff,and

volunteerstounderstandandnurtureinclusion

andbelonging

• Makinginclusionandbelongingpartofanorganization’svision,mission,andvalues(e.g.examinethelanguagebeingusedtoensurethatitcommunicatestheimportanceofinclusionandbelonging)

• Ensuringstaffandvolunteersarepreparedtonoticewhenpeopleneedwelcomingandsupport(e.g.providetrainingsopeopleknowhowtonoticewhensupportisneeded)

• Developingthecapacityofstaffandsupportingthemtoconnectwithpeopleincommunity(e.g.takingacommunity

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developmentapproachthatinvolveslearningfromcommunitymembersabouttheirneedsandpriorities)

• Providingtrainingondiversity,inclusion,andbelonging

• Adoptingwelcomingstrategiesandinclusivelanguage(e.g.usewelcomingandinclusivelanguageinpamphlets)

Helpfulstrategiesforweavingpoliciesinto

practicesthatcreateacultureofbelonging• Invitingparticipantsanduserstobeinvolved

inthedevelopmentofpoliciesthatimpacttheirlives

• Reviewingpoliciesandpracticesonanongoingbasisandrevisingthemasneeded

• Developingpoliciesthatcommunicatethevalueofdifferenceanddiversity

• Ensuringpoliciesandpracticesfocusonparticipantsandusers’gifts,strengths,andpossibilities

• Organizingsystemstocreateopportunitiesthatfosterparticipation(e.g.minimize‘redtape’andopenupmoreopportunitiesforpeopletoparticipateandcontribute)

Helpfulstrategiesforensuringthatrelationships

arecentralwithinpolicyandpractices

• Valuingandcelebratingpersonalconnectionsandrelationships

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• Ensuringleaders,staffandvolunteerscantaketimetonurtureandrenewrelationships

• Providingconnectorswhocanmeetpeoplewheretheyareinthemomentandsupporttheminbuildingrelationships

• Ensuringthat“weallbelong”and“relationshipsmatter”arepartoftheworkplaceculture(e.g.modelbehaviourthatshowspeoplerelationshipsmatter,encouragestaffandvolunteerstoputrelationshipsbeforetasks)

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36

LocalStoriesThat

Demonstrate

BelongingBeing

NurturedThrough

Policiesand

Practices

Makinginclusionandbelongingpartofthe

organizationalvision,mission,andvalues:TheRegionofWaterloohasinitiatedSTEPHomeProgramsdesignedtoendpersistenthomelessness.STEPHomeisaninterrelatedsetof12person-centredprogramsat10organizationsacross19sites.Thisworkisguidedbyprinciplesthatstresstheimportanceofrelationshipsandwalkingalongsidepeopletobuildcommunity.Theorganizationsinvolvedhaveaclearcommitmenttoinclusionandwalkwiththepersonatthepointwheretheyareatintheirlife.EarlyresultsoftheSTEPHomeProgramshowpositiveoutcomes.Peoplewhoarehomeless,oratriskofhomelessness,haveexpressedappreciationfortherespectfulsupportandfocusonrelationships.

“Vulnerabilitysoundsliketruthandfeelslikecourage.Truthandcouragearen’talwayscomfortable,buttheyareneverweakness.”

BreneBrownAuthor,RisingStrong:HowtheAbilitytoResetTransformstheWayweLive,Love,Parent,andLead

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Providingconnectorswhocanmeetpeoplewhere

theyareatandsupporttheminbuildinga

communitylife:BridgestoBelongingisaprogramthathasbelongingandinclusionattheheartofitspolicies,practices,andculture.Nowinitsfifthyear,thiscommunityprogramsupportspeoplewithdisabilitiestobuildontheiruniqueabilitiesandgiftstocreatethekindoflifeinthecommunitythatthepersonwants.Afacilitatorassiststhepersontobuildalifeofmeaningandvalueinthecommunitybyconnectingthepersonwithpeopleandplacesthatnurturetheperson’ssenseofbelonging.OnefamilymemberexpressedwhatmanyBridgesfamilieshavenoticed:“Havingafacilitatorinourliveshasmadeaworldofdifference.AllofasuddenIdon'thavetodoeverythingmyself,I'mnottheonealwaysaskingforhelp,andI'mdiscoveringeverydaythingsmysoncansucceedatthathemightnothavehadtheopportunitytotrybefore."

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CONCLUSION

CONCLUDINGTHOUGHTS–ACALLTOACTION

Thefivethemesoutlinewaysfororganizationsandcommunitiestoenhancebelonging.Wehopeyoualsofindthestrategieshelpfultoyoupersonally.Thethemesallhighlightthestrongrelationshipbetweenthepersonalandthesocial.

Asweargued,therearemanyreasonswhybelongingandinclusionneedattention,includingthesocialisolation,dis-connection,andlonelinessthatmanypeopleexperienceinourcommunities.Loneliness,forexample,hasbeenidentifiedasaseriousissueforpeoplewhofeelthattheydonotbelonginfamiliesorcommunities.Weknowthatlonelinessimpactsusemotionally,socially,andspiritually.Afocusoninclusionandbelongingcanbringsignificantchangetopeoplewhoareisolatedorlonely.

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Inconclusion,wehighlighttheimportantwaysthatpeople,organizations,andcommunitiescanimplementthethemesinthisGuidebook.Thisisacalltoaction.

• Beintentionalaboutbelongingandinclusion.Ourthemesandstoriesreflectthatbeingintentionaliscentraltopersonalandsocialchange.Forsomeofus,beingintentionalmightmeanselectingonethemeandbeginningtoworkonitveryconsciously.Forothers,itmightmeandevelopingaplanofactionforimplementingallfivethemes.Intentionalityhasbeenshowntobeakeycatalystforpersonalandsocialchange.

• Engageotherpeopleindiscerninghowbelonging

canbeenhancedinyourorganizationorneighbourhood.Itisoftendifficulttoimplementnewideasbyourselves.Theexperienceofsocialinnovatorsshowsthattheyalwaysengageotherstoimplementtheirideas.Bringingasmallgrouptogethertodiscussthebelongingthemesandstrategiescanquicklymoveustoaction.Youmaydecidetostartwithonetheme,orperhapsanalyzeyourorganizationorneighbourhoodtodecidewhichthememakesmostsensetostartwith.

• Involvepeoplein“inside-out”conversations.In

manyways,belongingisdeeplypersonalandimpactsouremotionsandmotivations.Forthisreason,wehavefoundthatexploring“whatdoesthisthemeorstrategymeantoyou?”enables

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peopletothinkabouttheirownlifesituation.This“inside-out”approachsupportspeopletoreflectontheirownsenseofbelongingpriortothinkingabouthowtofacilitatebelongingwithothers.These“inside-out”conversationscanbepowerfulandlifealtering.

• Bemindfulandheart-feltasyouembarkonthisbelongingjourney.Mostlikelyyouhaveexperiencedastrongsenseofbelonginginavarietyofcontexts.AsyouinitiatesomeofthestrategiesinthisResourceGuideforothers,itisimportanttobemindfulabouttheirusage.Howwouldothersfeelifwemadethischange?Doweneedtoengageothersinreflectingonthisstrategy?Mindfulnesshasbeenshowntobeapowerfulapproachtoanychangeapproach.

• Startsmall,butgetstarted!WeencourageyoutobeginusingtheGuide,onyourown,withasmallteamofpeopleinyourorganizationorneighbourhood,orwithpeopleinyourcommunitywhoaretryingtomakeinclusionandbelongingapriority.

Wehopethiscalltoactioncaninspireyoutoworkonbelongingandinclusioninyourcommunity.Letusknowaboutyourprogress.

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APPENDIXA:

FOURPHASE

APPROACHTO

DEVELOPING

BELONGING

THEMES

Ourfour-phaseapproachtodevelopingthebelongingthemespresentedinthisguidebookincludedthefollowing:

1. Phaseone:HostingbelongingconversationsWeheldtwoconversationeventsforabout100representativesfromlocalnon-profitorganizations,neighbourhoodassociations,andinterestedcitizens.Averydiversegroupattendedtheconversations,includingstaff,volunteers,boardmembers,facultyfromcollegesanduniversities,usersofsupportservices,andlocalneighbourhoodactivists.Participantsatthebelongingconversationsofferedcommentsandinsightsaboutwhatitmeanstobelongandsharedstoriesthathighlightexperiencesofbelonging.AreportonthebelongingconversationscanbefoundontheNewStoryGroupwebsite.http://www.newstorygroup.ca

2. Phasetwo:Conductingacomprehensive

literaturereview

TworesearcherswiththeNewStoryGroupcompletedacomprehensiveliteraturereviewonbelongingthathighlightedkeydefinitionsandfeaturesassociatedwithbelonging.Wedrewfromthebelongingconversationsandtheliteraturereviewtocreateafirstdraftofbelongingthemes.

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3. Phasethree:Reviewingandrevisingbelongingthemes

Wemetwith18localleaderstoreviewthethemesassociatedwithbelonging.Thepurposeofthegatheringwastoconfirmandcritiquethethemes,andtoaddstoriesandquestions.Thisgatheringwasattendedbynon-profitleaders,academics,andusersofsupportservices.Weusedthefeedbackprovidedtorevisethedraftofourthemes.

4. Phasefour:Deepeningthebelongingthemes

Weconsultedthecommunityagaintoreviewanddeepenourbelongingthemes.Weheldsevenfocusgroupswithrepresentativesfromthenon-profitsector,includingfaithgroups,olderadults,newCanadiansandrecentimmigrants,personsexperiencinghomelessness,personswithphysicalanddevelopmentaldisabilities,andpersonswithmentalhealthissues.Participantswereaskedtorevieweachofthefivethemesanddiscusswaysthethemescouldbeenrichedorexpanded.Participantswerealsoaskedtosharestoriesaboutbelonging.Ouranalysisofthefocusgroupdataenabledustofurtherdevelopanddeepenourthemesandprovidestrategiesforhoweachthemecouldbeachieved.

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APPENDIXB:

STRATEGY

CHECKLIST

Thefollowingisaquickreferencechecklist,whichsummarizesthebelongingstrategieslistedthroughoutthispublication.Individualsandorganizationscanusethischecklisttoevaluatehowwelltheyareimplementingbelongingstrategiesandindoingsopotentiallyidentifyareasforimprovement.

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BelongingStrategyChecklist

Foreachstrategydesignedtofosterbelongingindicatewhetheryouoryourorganization/groupiscurrentlyemployingorareactivelyworkingtoimplementitonaregularbasis.

YES NO NA

SPACESAREOPEN,INVITING,ANDACCESSIBLEDevelopingSpacesthatareFreefromBarriers

Spacesarephysicallyaccessible(e.g.wideentranceways,ramps) ☐ ☐ ☐Peoplearenotfinanciallypreventedfrombeinginthespace(e.g.spacesthathavenoorlowcost)

☐ ☐ ☐

Askingpeopletosharewhattheyexperienceasbarriers(e.g.conductregularassessments;askforregularfeedback)

☐ ☐ ☐

Spacesareaccessiblebypublictransportation ☐ ☐ ☐Ensuringhoursareflexibletoaccommodatepeople(e.g.availableoneveningsandweekends,etc.)

☐ ☐ ☐

ProvidingWelcomingandComfortablePhysicalSpaces

Greetingpeopleinacheerful,hospitablemanner ☐ ☐ ☐Providingfoodand/orrefreshments ☐ ☐ ☐Orientatingnewpeopletothespace(e.g.offeratour) ☐ ☐ ☐Spaceshavepleasingphysicalelementsandsensoryappeal ☐ ☐ ☐Creatingsocialspacesthathavenosinglefixeduse ☐ ☐ ☐

EnsuringthatSpacesReflectthePeopleWhoUseThem

Gettingtoknowpeopleandcelebratingtheirdiversity ☐ ☐ ☐Encouragingpeopletohaveasayaboutthephysicalandsocialelementswithinthespaceandwhattheywouldliketosee

☐ ☐ ☐

Ensuringthespacewillbeinclusiveofdiversity ☐ ☐ ☐CreatingOpportunitiestoExperienceaSenseofAttachmenttoaSpace

Fosteringemotionalconnectionstoaspacebyhavingitbecomeaplacewherepeopleareknowntooneanother

☐ ☐ ☐

Expressingappreciationthroughcommentslike,"Itwasgoodtoseeyou;pleasecomeback"and"Wemissedyoulastweek"

☐ ☐ ☐

Creatingopportunitiesforpeopletohaveenjoyableexperiencesinthespace

☐ ☐ ☐

Supportingthedevelopmentofrelationshipswithotherusersofthespace

☐ ☐ ☐

Supportingthecreationofhappymemoriesinthespace(e.g.hangphotographsandcollages,sharestories)

☐ ☐ ☐

**NA=NotApplicable**

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YES NO NA

WELCOMINGANDACKNOWLEDGINGOTHERSOfferingHospitality Extendinginvitations ☐ ☐ ☐

Followinguponinvitations ☐ ☐ ☐Invitingpeopleforcoffeeortoshareameal ☐ ☐ ☐Bringingpeopletogetherandfacilitatingintroductionsandconnections ☐ ☐ ☐Initiatingpotlucksandotherfood-relatedgatherings ☐ ☐ ☐

ModelingUnderstandingandCompassion

Beingempathetictopeople’sexperiences ☐ ☐ ☐ Encouragingpeopletosharetheirexperiencesandneeds ☐ ☐ ☐ Learningthenormsassociatedwithaperson’sculture(particularlyin

relationtogreetingsandtouch)☐ ☐ ☐

Seekingtounderstandandvaluedifferences ☐ ☐ ☐ExtendingPersonalGreetings

Referringtopeoplebytheirnameandensuringnamesareusedcorrectly(e.g.usenametags,askaboutpronunciation)

☐ ☐ ☐

Initiateawarmwelcoming(e.g.eyecontact,ahandshake,ahug) ☐ ☐ ☐Reachingouttonewcomersandindividualswhofinditdifficulttoconnectwithothers

☐ ☐ ☐

Acknowledgingsomethingspecificaboutaperson(e.g.rememberingonefactorsomethingtheyarepassionateabout)

☐ ☐ ☐

MakingEffortstoConnectonaDeeperLevel

Refrainingfrommakingassumptions(e.g.assumingapersonwhoisquietdoesnotwanttoconnectwithothers)

☐ ☐ ☐

Engaginginreciprocalconversationsbysharingaspectsofourselves(e.g.:lookforthingsweshareincommonwithothers)

☐ ☐ ☐

Creatingopportunitiesforpeopletocometogetherwhomayinitiallyseethemselvesasdifferent

☐ ☐ ☐

Showingagenuineinterestbytryingtolearnaboutpeople(e.g.askquestionsandlistenattentively)

☐ ☐ ☐


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46

YES NO NA

CREATINGOPPORTUNITIESFORPARTICIPATION

ANDCONTRIBUTIONRecognizingthatEveryonehasStrengthsandPersonalGiftstoShare

Seekingtounderstandthewholepersonanddiscoveringwaystheywanttocontribute

☐ ☐ ☐

Discoveringpeople’suniquegiftsandabilitiesandsuggestingwaystheycanbeinvolvedintheircommunity

☐ ☐ ☐

Creatingopportunitiesforpeopletosharetheirgiftsandexperiences ☐ ☐ ☐ Providingopportunitiesforco-creation(e.g.shareleadershiproles,

engageinademocraticprocess)☐ ☐ ☐

Acknowledgingthevalueofeachperson’scontribution(e.g.expressinggratitudeandappreciationinpersonand/orinwriting)

☐ ☐ ☐

Seekingtounderstandthewholepersonanddiscoveringwaystheywanttocontribute

☐ ☐ ☐

Discoveringpeople’suniquegiftsandabilitiesandsuggestingwaystheycanbeinvolvedintheircommunity

☐ ☐ ☐

ValuingallLevelsofParticipation

Removingpressuretoactivelyparticipate ☐ ☐ ☐Accommodatingpeople’sdifferentpreferenceswhenitcomestoparticipation(e.g.:optionsfordifferentlevelsofparticipation)

☐ ☐ ☐

Lookingforopportunitiestoparticipatethatmaynotbereadilyapparent

☐ ☐ ☐

Workingtoeliminatebarriersthatmaypreventpeoplefromparticipating(e.g.offertraining,peermentorship,etc.)

☐ ☐ ☐

Lettingpeopleknowtheirparticipationisappreciated ☐ ☐ ☐EncouragingandSupportingPeopletobePresent

Invitingwithintentionalitytobuildconnectionsandpromoteinclusion ☐ ☐ ☐Accompanyingpeoplewhentheyareenteringnewandunfamiliarsituations

☐ ☐ ☐

Linkingpeoplewithmentorsandconnectors ☐ ☐ ☐**NA=NotApplicable**

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YES NO NA

CONNECTINGPEOPLEAROUNDACOMMONINTEREST

TurningtoCommunityBeforeSeekingServices

Believinginthepowerofcommunitytosupportcitizensfromallwalksoflife

☐ ☐ ☐

Beingintentionalaboutusingavailablecommunityoptionsthatareavailabletoall

☐ ☐ ☐

Resistingthetendencytoseekformalservicesfirstwhenexperiencingaproblemordifficulty

☐ ☐ ☐

Recognizinghowsharedexperiencescanbringpeopletogetherandfostermutualsupport

☐ ☐ ☐

IdentifyingandCreatingOpportunitiesforMutualConnection

Developingstrongneighbourhoodswithactivecommunitycentres ☐ ☐ ☐Providingon-goingsupporttoneighbourhoodsbymakingfundingandresourcesavailable

☐ ☐ ☐

Creatingsocialopportunitiesforpeopletocometogetherandgettoknoweachother(e.g.planablockparty,hostapotluck)

☐ ☐ ☐

Establishingprogramsandsupportsaimedatfosteringconnections(e.g.friendlyvisitingprograms,walkinggroups,etc.)

☐ ☐ ☐

SupportforPeopletoDiscoverand/orDeveloptheirInterestsandPassions

Discoveringpeople'sleisureinterests(e.g.ask“Whatdoyouliketodoforfun?”)

☐ ☐ ☐

Focusingonpeople’sstrengths,giftsandabilities ☐ ☐ ☐Invitingpeopletoparticipateinthingsthatinterestthem ☐ ☐ ☐Providingfacilitationforpeoplewhomayneedsupport(e.g.makeintroductions,accompanypeopletounfamiliarsettings)

☐ ☐ ☐


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YES NO NANURTURINGBELONGINGTHROUGHPOLICES

ANDPRACTICES

SupportingLeaders,Staff,andVolunteerstoUnderstandandNurtureInclusion

andBelonging

Makinginclusionandbelongingpartofanorganization’svision,mission,andvalues

☐ ☐ ☐

Ensuringstaffandvolunteersarepreparedtonoticewhenpeopleneedwelcomingandsupport

☐ ☐ ☐

Developingthecapacityofstaffandsupportingthemtoconnectwithpeopleincommunity

☐ ☐ ☐

Providingtrainingondiversity,inclusion,andbelonging ☐ ☐ ☐Adoptingwelcomingstrategiesandinclusivelanguage ☐ ☐ ☐

WeavingPoliciesintoPracticesthatCreateaCultureofBelonging

Invitingpeopletobeinvolvedinthedevelopmentofpoliciesthatimpacttheirlives

☐ ☐ ☐

Reviewingpoliciesandpracticesonanongoingbasisandrevisingthemasneeded

☐ ☐ ☐

Developingpoliciesthatcommunicatethevalueofdifference ☐ ☐ ☐Ensuringpoliciesandpracticesfocusonstrengthsandpossibilities ☐ ☐ ☐Organizingsystemstocreateopportunitiesthatfosterparticipation(e.g.minimize‘redtape’)

☐ ☐ ☐

EnsuringthatRelationshipsareCentralwithinPolicyandPractices

Valuingandcelebratingpersonalconnectionsandrelationships ☐ ☐ ☐Ensuringleaders,staffandvolunteerscantaketimetonurtureandre-newrelationships

☐ ☐ ☐

Providingconnectorswhocanmeetpeoplewheretheyareinthemomentandsupporttheminbuildingacommunitylife

☐ ☐ ☐

Ensuringthat“weallbelong”ispartoftheworkplaceculture ☐ ☐ ☐ **NA=NotApplicable**

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ChecklistSummary

Fillinthetablebelowbasedontheresultsofthebelongingstrategychecklistabove.Thisquicksummaryallowsyoutoevaluateataglanceathowwellyou/yourorganization/grouparedoingatfosteringbelongingandidentifypotentialareasforimprovement.

Thecalculatedpercentage(%)scorerepresentsthenumberofbelongingstrategiesidentifiedherein,whichyouoryourorganizationiscurrentlyimplementing.

Theme #Yes #NA %Score

SPACESAREOPEN,INVITING,AND

ACCESSIBLE

(#Yes)÷(18-#NA)

(______)÷(______)=______%WELCOMINGANDACKNOWLEDGING

OTHERS

(#Yes)÷(17-#NA)

(______)÷(______)=______%

CREATINGOPPORTUNITIESFOR

PARTICIPATIONANDCONTRIBUTION

(#Yes)÷(13-#NA)

(______)÷(______)=______%

CONNECTINGPEOPLEAROUNDACOMMON

INTEREST

(#Yes)÷(12-#NA)

(______)÷(______)=______%

NURTURINGBELONGINGTHROUGHPOLICES

ANDPRACTICES

(#Yes)÷(14-#NA)

(______)÷(______)=______%

Totals

AreasDoingWell

AreasforImprovement

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ENDNOTES

1UnitedNationsAdHocCommitteeonaComprehensiveandIntegralInternationalConventionontheProtectionandPromotionoftheRightsandDignityofPersonswithDisabilities(2007).ConventionontheRightsofPersonswithDisabilities.Retrievedfromhttp://www.un.org/disabilities/convention/conventionfull.shtml

2Choenarom,C.,Williams,R.,&Hagerty,B.(2005).TheRoleofSenseofBelongingandSocialSupportonStressandDepressioninIndividualswithDepression.ArchivesofPsychiatricNursing,19(1),18-29.doi:10.1016/j.apnu.2004.11.003

3Kitchen,P.,Williams,A.,&Chowhan,J.(2011).SenseofCommunityBelongingandHealthinCanada:ARegionalAnalysis.SocialIndicatorsResearch,107(1),103-126.doi:10.1007/s11205011-9830-9

4Cacioppo,J.T.&Patrick,C.W.(2008).Loneliness:HumanNatureandtheNeedforSocial

Connection.NewYork:W.W.Norton&Company,Inc.

5Baumeister,R.F.,Twenge,G.M.&Nuss,C.K.(2002).EffectsofSocialExclusiononCognitiveProcesses:AnticipatedAlonenessReducesIntelligentThought.JournalofPersonalityandSocialPsychology,83(4),817–827.

6StatisticsCanada(2013).SenseofBelongingtoLocalCommunity.http://www.statcan.gc.ca/tables-tableaux/sum-som/l01/cst01/health100b-eng.htm

7KitchenerWaterlooCommunityFoundation.(2013).WaterlooRegion’sVitalSigns.KitchenerWaterlooCommunityFoundation:Waterloo,Ontario.

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ADDITIONALRESOURCES

TheNewStoryGroupwebsiteincludesaregularnewsletterthatfocusesonthemesofbelongingandinclusion–www.newstorygroup.ca

AbundantCommunityisaprojectofJohnMcKnightandPeterBlock,prolificauthorsaboutcommunityandthepowerofneighbourhoods.Theirwebsiteisfullofideasandstrategiesthatcanenhancebelonging–www.abundantcommunity.com

BridgestoBelongingisadynamic,WaterlooRegioninitiativethatprovidesafacilitatorforpeoplewithdisabilitieswhowanttoenhancetheirconnections,buildmeaningfulrelationships,andpursuealifeincommunity.Theyhaveaveryusefulnewsletter-www.bridgestobelonging.ca

ANewStory–JohnLord’swebsitehasnumerousresourcesforbuildingaNewStorywithpeopleandcommunities.TheNewStoryincludescreatingrelationshipsandsupportsthatenableasenseofcommunityandbelonging–www.johnlord.net

TamarackInstituteisaleaderincommunityengagementandcollaborativeleadership.BasedinWaterloo,Tamarackhoststrainingeventsandworkshopswithcommunityasthecoreoftheirwork.Theirwebsitehasextensiveresourcesforbuildingstrongcommunities–www.tamarackcommunity.ca

WaterlooRegionCrimePreventionCouncilhasdevelopednumerouscampaignsdesignedtocreatesafeandwelcomingcommunities.Their“sayhi”campaignencouragesconnectionsandhospitality–www.preventingcrime.ca

TheWorkingCentreisaninnovativeresourcecentrethatprovidesawiderangeoftoolsandresourcesforpeopleindowntownKitchener.Theirwebsitehighlightsaccesstohousing,jobsearch,communitytools,andcommunitydevelopment,allwithafocusonrelationships–www.theworkingcentre.org

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nsg belonging guidebook final2 - new story group · means to belong. statistics canada reports that...

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