Belonging.

This dreary, pandemic spring left us dreaming of sunshine and community. While waiting for summer to arrive, we spent a lot of time discussing belonging and dignity. Now, during this summer solstice week, with local Juneteenth and Pride events to help us connect and be grounded in collective liberation and solidarity, we asked our amazing team to share what belonging means to them. We are so grateful for the following folks and others who challenge us to grow and evolve in our thoughts and actions. Inspired by the following sentiments of belonging, we look forward to what the rest of 2022 may bring in terms of joyful (re)connections, re-visioning and resilience in social justice efforts across Central Oregon.

“When I hear my language spoken beyond the lips of my grandmother, when I see myself in the spaces that have been unsafe before me, when my experiences and those of my ancestors are acknowledged and validated. When my voice is no longer used against me as a weapon but seen as an asset. When we are seen, heard, valued and respected is when I will feel I belong.” — Jaylyn 

“Belonging is what drives us to connect to our communities on a deeper level, it is the feeling of being seen, heard and valued. “ — Shenika 

“Belonging + mattering + safety = trust for me. Before I engage with anyone they must understand my concerns before I show any vulnerability.” — Marcus

“To me, to fully belong means to fully exist. It is a place where my likes, dislikes, strengths and flaws can be seen, heard, and honored but not never judged. When I feel I belong in a place, I not only feel accepted but also feel empowered to reciprocate that sentiment to where or who I feel belonging to.” — Wesley

“When it feels effortless for me to stay whole and rooted in my body, it’s because I feel I belong; Belonging is the foundation of the interconnection, growth and thriving we all deserve.” — Dana

“Belonging is what keeps folks in the communities they grew up in. It lets them know that they are wanted, valued & needed where they are. It prevents our kids from waiting until the day they can flee and instead lets them know that they have a niche and can be themselves wholly and without fear.”  — Jamie

 “Belonging is a feeling of collective thriving where we each can unabashedly be our full selves and have an authentic connection with all living things that share a specific moment in space and time.” — LeeAnn

“Belonging feels elusive and I feel it in the rare spaces where my full self and those in beloved community not just live fully but flourish, without hesitance or exclusion…where our beautiful and vast human experiences of complexity and joy are embraced, even celebrated…” — Kerani

What does belonging mean to you?

In Solidarity,
LeeAnn and Kerani