Belonging at Western
Growing Belonging
Belonging is a fundamental human need that predicts mental, physical, social, economic, and behavioral health outcomes. Belonging invites individuals to feel valued, accepted, and embraced for who they are. It is also the subjective feeling of deep connection with individual and collective experiences (Allen, et al. 2021).
Why It Matters
Belonging is about personal growth and transformation. It's about being able to show up as your more authentic self and showing up in a way that is more about who you really are. We live in a space that's so diverse, that diversity itself can threaten our own identity, because we don't know how our identity fits within the larger diverse space. Academic success can exist without feeling that sense of belonging. Belonging gives a sense of confidence to be ourselves.
Grounding ADEI in Community & Belonging
It is a striving toward an understanding, perhaps an acceptance of the things that divide us and yet at the same time binds us together. It is through that striving that we work to achieve our desire for a place where we feel a greater sense of community, belonging, psychological safety, and are treated fairly. This shared desire for community, for connection with and acceptance by others precedes belonging.
ADEI is grounded in community building and belonging because who we are individually informs who are we collectively. Because it focuses on who are individually and collectively, that focus will help us navigate the of power and other group dynamics that can jeopardize our ability to share space as individuals. If we understand our individual and collective selves, we will become more aware of not only what divides us, but also what connects us.
Dr. Hughes explains the Western approach to growing belonging.

Join The Work
Free copies of Design For Belonging available for students at Old Main 345.
MEET UP
Meet up on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 - 11:30 am. Come for honest and engaging conversation on how we can build belonging at WWU.
REFLECTION ONE: Moments of Belonging
Can you identify?
Take a moment and reflect on your personal experiences and try to pinpoint specific instances where you felt a strong sense of connection, acceptance, and contribution within a group.
What actions, interactions, and environmental cues contributed to that feeling? How does the initial experience of entering a room or joining a group contribute to feeling welcomed and included?
Can you identify moments where you feel empowered to share your ideas, expertise, or support others?
When do common practices or traditions create a sense of unity and belonging?