Building Belonging: Moving Beyond Inclusion to True Community

The Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley created this guide to help communities move from basic inclusion to true belonging. While inclusion asks people to fit into existing systems, belonging means everyone helps design and create the systems together. The guide explains three key ideas: First, "othering" is when people are pushed out or made to feel less than human - belonging is the solution. Second, structural belonging means changing policies and systems, not just feelings. Third, "Targeted Universalism" means everyone shares the same goal, but different groups may need different paths to get there. The guide also teaches "bridging" - building strong relationships across differences in race, class, culture, and beliefs. This isn't about erasing what makes people different, but finding shared humanity. The resource includes practical tools, reflection questions, and action steps for building belonging in schools, workplaces, and communities. Anyone working on equity, inclusion, or community building can use these research-based strategies to create systems where everyone truly belongs and has power to shape their community.

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The Bigger WeStories of Community Builders Who Weave Neighbors TogetherThis article shares inspiring stories of three community builders from Phoenixville, PA who found ways to connect neighbors and strengthen their town. Maddie Goodwin started PXV Gives after the Women's March to help people find volunteer opportunities with local nonprofits. Julie Miller, an English teacher for immigrants, created a Spanish library and builds bridges between immigrant families and the community. Teresa Haag paints murals that bring beauty to the town and create spaces for neighbors to share stories. These 'weavers' show how regular people can make their communities stronger by building relationships and helping others get involved. Their work demonstrates that lasting change happens when neighbors know and care for each other. The stories are part of a series celebrating everyday people who create positive change in their communities through small but meaningful actions.

The Bigger WeAuthor Sue Monk Kidd on Finding Support to Live Your True SelfFamous author Sue Monk Kidd talks about how we need both personal strength and support from others to live our fullest lives. She wrote bestselling books like 'The Secret Life of Bees' and shares how her own journey from traditional Southern Baptist wife to successful author required both inner work and help from friends. In her latest book 'The Book of Longings,' she tells the story of Ana, who she imagines as Jesus's wife, and how Ana needs her Aunt Yaltha's support to find courage. Kidd believes we can't transform ourselves alone - we need what she calls 'Aunt Yalthas' in our lives, people who believe in us and bless our potential. She says American culture teaches us to be independent, but real growth happens in relationships. During tough times like COVID-19 and racism, we need each other even more. The key is finding people who support your dreams while also being willing to support others. This balance of personal growth and community support helps us become who we're meant to be.

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