Belonging

Humans are social animals. Consequently our need to belong is strong and is critical to our wellbeing individually and in community with others. Initial research conducted by the Imagine Fox Cities team identified the need for greater inclusion and belonging as a priority in the region as we work together to achieve a shared vision in which all members of our community prosper. While the desire to belong is strong, people also instinctively create in-groups and out-groups, excluding folks at times without even realizing it. This discussion guide provides an opportunity for us to  begin to explore what it means to belong, the ways in which we “other” members of our community and strategies that we can employ to intentionally promote a greater sense of belonging for ourselves and those we view as different from us.