We need to belong: it’s a fact, to one another, to our friends, to our families, to our culture, to our community, to our country, to our world, to our religion. Belonging is primal and essential to our sense of happiness, health and well-being. Our interests, motivation, health and happiness are inextricably tied to the feeling that we belong to a greater community that share common interests and aspirations.
A lack of belonging can have adverse effects for children and young people, causing them to become disaffected, disengaged within school, disillusioned with society, and removed from activities which are unconstructive to their learning.
In 1986, social psychologists McMillan & Chavis formed this theory that has become the most widely accepted understanding of how communities work. They describe it like this:
"Sense of community is a feeling that members have of belonging, a feeling that members matter to one another and to the group, and a shared faith that members’ needs will be met through their commitment to be together (McMillan, 1976)."
I implore you to take a moment (right now) to reflect on what are the most important communities and groups you belong to in your life at the moment (or ones you would like to belong to?). Think, how you can get involved, become more engaged, and take a leadership role (if possible) in these groups.
If you feel lonely without many supportive connections and communities in your life, make a decision to get out there and meet people. Link in with family members, make contact with old friends and get involved in new communities that match you passions and interests as well as your needs and desires.
Because truly, belonging is a privilege, not a guarantee, therefore take the first step and never look back.
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