The Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley explains what belonging means and why it matters for creating fair communities. Belonging happens when all people are included in important places like schools and workplaces, have a real voice in decisions, and feel connected to others. It's both a feeling we have and something we build together.
The opposite of belonging is 'othering' - when people are left out, treated badly, or made to feel less human. This hurts individuals and communities, creating unfair differences in healthcare, education, and justice. Belonging means making sure everyone can help shape the systems that affect their lives.
The Institute offers tools like Targeted Universalism and free courses to help people build more inclusive communities. Their approach focuses on bridging differences between groups, telling better stories about inclusion, working together, and making sure marginalized people are centered in decision-making. They provide a visual guide showing how to put belonging into practice in real projects and places.
The goal is creating a world where every person is seen, valued, and empowered - where everyone's humanity is recognized and celebrated.