Belonging is a powerful vision for creating a world where every person is seen, valued, and empowered—a world where each individual's humanity is recognized and celebrated, and the planet itself included in the circle of human concern. If ever there was a time to double down on building this world, it is now. – OBI
Belonging: A Definition from the Othering & Belonging Institute
Belonging is both a feeling and a practice—something we experience personally and something we create collectively.
It happens in structures when all social groups are included in the critical institutions and communities that shape their lives, recognized and made visible within these spaces, empowered to have a real voice in shaping these spaces, and able to report a sense of connection and belonging.
It happens within relationships when there is openness to connection, recognition of each other's humanity, and a practice of reaching out to others, even those who may seem different.
At its heart, belonging can be seen as an ever-expanding circle, one that keeps growing to recognize the dignity and humanity of all people. Instead of encouraging zero-sum thinking, belonging invites us to embrace the perspectives and gifts of all groups. By doing so, we create a richer and more flourishing community—one where every voice matters and where everyone thrives together.
Why Belonging Matters
Belonging is a powerful framework for addressing "othering"—the processes of exclusion, marginalization, and dehumanization that harms individuals and communities. Othering leads to disparities in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and justice. By focusing on belonging, we can shift from othering structures and norms to ones where every person has a meaningful voice and agency in the systems that affect their lives.
At its core, belonging means ensuring that everyone has the right to contribute to and demand change within the political, social, and cultural systems that shape our world. It is a vision for a radically inclusive society where mutual power, access, and opportunity exist for all. Belonging offers a way to design a world that works for everyone, counteracting the forces of backlash, exclusion and division.
Putting Belonging into Action
OBI’s tools like Targeted Universalism, Belonging Design Principles, OBIU, and the Bridging and Belonging section of our website provide curricula and actionable steps to move towards belonging without othering. They emphasize bridging, the essential role of narrative, co-creation, collaboration, and the importance of centering marginalized groups. They also stress that every aspect of policy, program, or institution design must reflect real inclusion and participatory decision-making. These principles transform belonging from an ideal into tangible realities in our communities.
