This is the year I make a deep dive into a newish subject, a way of looking at the world that seems to summarize what I've learned heretofore. Universal Belonging is a way of framing solutions to the challenges we face in our world today. A sense of belonging is a core human need and a requirement for human flourishing. Lack of belonging creates conditions that damage societal bonds and perpetuate further outcasting. Universal Belonging describes a way of being that invites everyone to take their seat at the table, where everyone feels safe and heard, where everyone is valued.
I am on a journey to understand what I mean by Universal Belonging.
I want to dig into existing research, including studies with college students that show deliberate activities to increase a sense of belonging shows measurable increases in academic achievement.
I want to survey terminology to understand all the ways we currently talk about these ideas.
I want to hit the road and go meet people who are living their lives in service to this idea even if they never thought to phrase it this way. What is their motivation? How do they stay open-hearted? How did they find their groove?
I want to write a field guide so that you, me, and everyone we know can have the tools to build and live a life of Universal Belonging.
This is the beginning. I hope you follow along.
