Belonging Forum
@belongingforum.bsky.social
linktr.ee/belongingforum | Working together to overcome isolation and build belonging. Founded by Kim Samuel, home to #TheBelongingBarometer, #TheBelongingResearchLab
Pinned
This autumn, we become the Belonging Forum. A unified global identity, a platform for research & dialogue, and a movement to make belonging a right, not a privilege.
We look forward to partnering with you in the work ahead!
Learn more: belongingforum.org/a-new-chapte...
We look forward to partnering with you in the work ahead!
Learn more: belongingforum.org/a-new-chapte...
What does it mean to truly belong to a city?
The London Festival of Architecture 2026 explores this question through its theme of Belonging—inviting us to design not just for beauty or function, but for community, memory, and inclusion.
https://ow.ly/oglE50Xqcb0
The London Festival of Architecture 2026 explores this question through its theme of Belonging—inviting us to design not just for beauty or function, but for community, memory, and inclusion.
https://ow.ly/oglE50Xqcb0
‘Belonging’ – the LFA 2026 theme is revealed, exploring how places can become personal
The idea of 'Belonging' and what it means in today's world will be central at the London Festival of Architecture's explorations, as it's announced today as the event's 2026 theme
ow.ly
November 26, 2025 at 2:50 PM
What does it mean to truly belong to a city?
The London Festival of Architecture 2026 explores this question through its theme of Belonging—inviting us to design not just for beauty or function, but for community, memory, and inclusion.
https://ow.ly/oglE50Xqcb0
The London Festival of Architecture 2026 explores this question through its theme of Belonging—inviting us to design not just for beauty or function, but for community, memory, and inclusion.
https://ow.ly/oglE50Xqcb0
How do we foster belonging across generations?
Join us Dec 2 at 7 p.m. ET for The Walrus Talks at Home: Aging and Belonging. Explore what it means to age—and thrive—in a world that often overlooks older adults.
Register: https://ow.ly/8BWA50Xx02S
Join us Dec 2 at 7 p.m. ET for The Walrus Talks at Home: Aging and Belonging. Explore what it means to age—and thrive—in a world that often overlooks older adults.
Register: https://ow.ly/8BWA50Xx02S
November 24, 2025 at 4:57 PM
How do we foster belonging across generations?
Join us Dec 2 at 7 p.m. ET for The Walrus Talks at Home: Aging and Belonging. Explore what it means to age—and thrive—in a world that often overlooks older adults.
Register: https://ow.ly/8BWA50Xx02S
Join us Dec 2 at 7 p.m. ET for The Walrus Talks at Home: Aging and Belonging. Explore what it means to age—and thrive—in a world that often overlooks older adults.
Register: https://ow.ly/8BWA50Xx02S
What’s the role of small talk in building belonging?
The question may seem trivial, even offbeat. Yet two researchers offer a fresh perspective about the power of playful small talk in fostering connection, bonding, and belonging.
https://ow.ly/J7KP50Xqbmo
The question may seem trivial, even offbeat. Yet two researchers offer a fresh perspective about the power of playful small talk in fostering connection, bonding, and belonging.
https://ow.ly/J7KP50Xqbmo
Opinion | You’re Probably Doing Small Talk Wrong
Our research shows that many of the strongest bonds come not from any amount of similarity but from playful banter.
ow.ly
November 21, 2025 at 3:20 PM
What’s the role of small talk in building belonging?
The question may seem trivial, even offbeat. Yet two researchers offer a fresh perspective about the power of playful small talk in fostering connection, bonding, and belonging.
https://ow.ly/J7KP50Xqbmo
The question may seem trivial, even offbeat. Yet two researchers offer a fresh perspective about the power of playful small talk in fostering connection, bonding, and belonging.
https://ow.ly/J7KP50Xqbmo
In the early pandemic, we clapped & sang to strangers, sending the simplest message: I’m right here with you. These acts gave way to division. In her latest for Psychology Today, our founder Kim Samuel talks about how we can reclaim solidarity & rebuild belonging.
https://ow.ly/ic3I50Xqb6T
https://ow.ly/ic3I50Xqb6T
Supporting Solidarity Over Orthodoxy
A lesson from the pandemic on the power of listening, participation, and reciprocity.
ow.ly
November 18, 2025 at 4:35 PM
In the early pandemic, we clapped & sang to strangers, sending the simplest message: I’m right here with you. These acts gave way to division. In her latest for Psychology Today, our founder Kim Samuel talks about how we can reclaim solidarity & rebuild belonging.
https://ow.ly/ic3I50Xqb6T
https://ow.ly/ic3I50Xqb6T
✨ Global Symposium: Day 1 Recap
The day opened with reflection and creativity—from keynote insights to music, dialogue, and shared mapping of barriers to belonging. Hope, courage, and connection set the tone for what’s ahead.
🔗 ow.ly/Xt6u50XnZvm
#BridgesToBelonging
The day opened with reflection and creativity—from keynote insights to music, dialogue, and shared mapping of barriers to belonging. Hope, courage, and connection set the tone for what’s ahead.
🔗 ow.ly/Xt6u50XnZvm
#BridgesToBelonging
November 14, 2025 at 4:03 PM
✨ Global Symposium: Day 1 Recap
The day opened with reflection and creativity—from keynote insights to music, dialogue, and shared mapping of barriers to belonging. Hope, courage, and connection set the tone for what’s ahead.
🔗 ow.ly/Xt6u50XnZvm
#BridgesToBelonging
The day opened with reflection and creativity—from keynote insights to music, dialogue, and shared mapping of barriers to belonging. Hope, courage, and connection set the tone for what’s ahead.
🔗 ow.ly/Xt6u50XnZvm
#BridgesToBelonging
"People are ready to rebuild in their communities—we just have to open the door to opportunity." — Kasandra James
Kasandra challenges narrow ideas of volunteerism and celebrates diverse, culturally rooted care.
🎧 Listen: https://ow.ly/4jwM50Xqyy6
Kasandra challenges narrow ideas of volunteerism and celebrates diverse, culturally rooted care.
🎧 Listen: https://ow.ly/4jwM50Xqyy6
Kasandra James: Reimagining More Diverse Stories of Volunteerism
Podcast Episode · The Conversation Piece · 2025-07-31 · 12m
ow.ly
November 12, 2025 at 3:30 PM
"People are ready to rebuild in their communities—we just have to open the door to opportunity." — Kasandra James
Kasandra challenges narrow ideas of volunteerism and celebrates diverse, culturally rooted care.
🎧 Listen: https://ow.ly/4jwM50Xqyy6
Kasandra challenges narrow ideas of volunteerism and celebrates diverse, culturally rooted care.
🎧 Listen: https://ow.ly/4jwM50Xqyy6
Two Harvard students share how fostering civility & connection transformed their newsroom.
By setting clear norms for respectful debate & building trust, they found that genuine relationships strengthen belonging—and better dialogue follows.
https://ow.ly/6AZf50Xq9Nm
By setting clear norms for respectful debate & building trust, they found that genuine relationships strengthen belonging—and better dialogue follows.
https://ow.ly/6AZf50Xq9Nm
Opinion | How We Brought Respectful Debate Back to The Harvard Crimson’s Editorial Board
The solution is deceptively simple.
ow.ly
November 11, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Two Harvard students share how fostering civility & connection transformed their newsroom.
By setting clear norms for respectful debate & building trust, they found that genuine relationships strengthen belonging—and better dialogue follows.
https://ow.ly/6AZf50Xq9Nm
By setting clear norms for respectful debate & building trust, they found that genuine relationships strengthen belonging—and better dialogue follows.
https://ow.ly/6AZf50Xq9Nm
✨ Global Symposium: Opening Reception
An Indigenous welcome, remarks from Kim Samuel, and reflections on belonging from Sharon Avery set the tone for the days ahead—connection rooted in presence, care, and listening.
Read more: ow.ly/MXco50XnZvp
#BridgestoBelonging
An Indigenous welcome, remarks from Kim Samuel, and reflections on belonging from Sharon Avery set the tone for the days ahead—connection rooted in presence, care, and listening.
Read more: ow.ly/MXco50XnZvp
#BridgestoBelonging
November 7, 2025 at 4:14 PM
✨ Global Symposium: Opening Reception
An Indigenous welcome, remarks from Kim Samuel, and reflections on belonging from Sharon Avery set the tone for the days ahead—connection rooted in presence, care, and listening.
Read more: ow.ly/MXco50XnZvp
#BridgestoBelonging
An Indigenous welcome, remarks from Kim Samuel, and reflections on belonging from Sharon Avery set the tone for the days ahead—connection rooted in presence, care, and listening.
Read more: ow.ly/MXco50XnZvp
#BridgestoBelonging
Faith can bring us together in quiet but powerful ways. In her article for @express.co.uk, our Founder and Chief Architect, Kim Samuel, reflects on how Dame Sarah Mullally’s appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury can nurture connection and hope.
www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2118...
www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2118...
'Dame Sarah Mullally is exactly the leader C of E needs right now'
Bishop Sarah's nomination has sparked fury in some quarters - here's why her critics are wrong.
www.express.co.uk
November 6, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Faith can bring us together in quiet but powerful ways. In her article for @express.co.uk, our Founder and Chief Architect, Kim Samuel, reflects on how Dame Sarah Mullally’s appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury can nurture connection and hope.
www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2118...
www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2118...
How do the places where we gather shape the way we connect?
Join us online November 4 for The Walrus Talks at Home: Place and Belonging, to hear experts explore how the spaces we create strengthen community and connection.
Register: www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-walrus...
Join us online November 4 for The Walrus Talks at Home: Place and Belonging, to hear experts explore how the spaces we create strengthen community and connection.
Register: www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-walrus...
The Walrus Talks at Home: Place and Belonging
Reimagining the spaces that bring us together
www.eventbrite.ca
October 31, 2025 at 4:18 PM
How do the places where we gather shape the way we connect?
Join us online November 4 for The Walrus Talks at Home: Place and Belonging, to hear experts explore how the spaces we create strengthen community and connection.
Register: www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-walrus...
Join us online November 4 for The Walrus Talks at Home: Place and Belonging, to hear experts explore how the spaces we create strengthen community and connection.
Register: www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-walrus...
“They need to be there for their community.” — Suman Roy
For newcomers, volunteering isn’t just about giving back — it’s about belonging.
🎧 Listen here:
podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/s...
For newcomers, volunteering isn’t just about giving back — it’s about belonging.
🎧 Listen here:
podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/s...
Suman Roy: Volunteer Programs Must Respect the Needs of Volunteers
Podcast Episode · The Conversation Piece · 2025-07-24 · 10m
podcasts.apple.com
October 29, 2025 at 5:11 PM
“They need to be there for their community.” — Suman Roy
For newcomers, volunteering isn’t just about giving back — it’s about belonging.
🎧 Listen here:
podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/s...
For newcomers, volunteering isn’t just about giving back — it’s about belonging.
🎧 Listen here:
podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/s...
Our 2025 Global Symposium brought together voices from around the world to explore how we make belonging real. We shared our Charter for Belonging, announced the Belonging Press, and celebrated connection to people, place, power & purpose.
https://ow.ly/jKOj50XhPbQ
https://ow.ly/jKOj50XhPbQ
October 24, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Our 2025 Global Symposium brought together voices from around the world to explore how we make belonging real. We shared our Charter for Belonging, announced the Belonging Press, and celebrated connection to people, place, power & purpose.
https://ow.ly/jKOj50XhPbQ
https://ow.ly/jKOj50XhPbQ
This autumn, we become the Belonging Forum. A unified global identity, a platform for research & dialogue, and a movement to make belonging a right, not a privilege.
We look forward to partnering with you in the work ahead!
Learn more: belongingforum.org/a-new-chapte...
We look forward to partnering with you in the work ahead!
Learn more: belongingforum.org/a-new-chapte...
October 20, 2025 at 5:44 PM
This autumn, we become the Belonging Forum. A unified global identity, a platform for research & dialogue, and a movement to make belonging a right, not a privilege.
We look forward to partnering with you in the work ahead!
Learn more: belongingforum.org/a-new-chapte...
We look forward to partnering with you in the work ahead!
Learn more: belongingforum.org/a-new-chapte...
Reposted by Belonging Forum
At @sconnectedness.bsky.social presents The Walrus Talks at Home: Place and Belonging, four experts share their unique perspectives on how the spaces we invest in can strengthen our social fabric. www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-walru...
October 9, 2025 at 2:01 PM
At @sconnectedness.bsky.social presents The Walrus Talks at Home: Place and Belonging, four experts share their unique perspectives on how the spaces we invest in can strengthen our social fabric. www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-walru...
Equitable access to nature-based play helps build resilience, social bonds & belonging, even in cities with little green space.
2022 Fellow Laura explored how urban planners can integrate play into everyday spaces to support community well-being.
ow.ly/s69050WUSPr
2022 Fellow Laura explored how urban planners can integrate play into everyday spaces to support community well-being.
ow.ly/s69050WUSPr
October 1, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Equitable access to nature-based play helps build resilience, social bonds & belonging, even in cities with little green space.
2022 Fellow Laura explored how urban planners can integrate play into everyday spaces to support community well-being.
ow.ly/s69050WUSPr
2022 Fellow Laura explored how urban planners can integrate play into everyday spaces to support community well-being.
ow.ly/s69050WUSPr
“Volunteering has huge benefits for those that do it, for community, and the wider social fabric.” — Sara Lyons
In this episode, Sara explores how to reimagine volunteerism as a more inclusive, resilient, and connected force for community.
Listen: ow.ly/T2w350WUS05
In this episode, Sara explores how to reimagine volunteerism as a more inclusive, resilient, and connected force for community.
Listen: ow.ly/T2w350WUS05
Sara Lyons: Canada’s National Volunteer Action Strategy
Podcast Episode · The Conversation Piece · 2025-07-03 · 12m
ow.ly
September 29, 2025 at 9:01 PM
“Volunteering has huge benefits for those that do it, for community, and the wider social fabric.” — Sara Lyons
In this episode, Sara explores how to reimagine volunteerism as a more inclusive, resilient, and connected force for community.
Listen: ow.ly/T2w350WUS05
In this episode, Sara explores how to reimagine volunteerism as a more inclusive, resilient, and connected force for community.
Listen: ow.ly/T2w350WUS05
What do we seek when we reach out for connection? As Paul Bloom notes, it’s to be “humanely understood.” Empathy means caring enough to truly see another’s emotions. That felt care, given and received, is at the heart of belonging.
ow.ly/H96s50WHALc
ow.ly/H96s50WHALc
A.I. Is About to Solve Loneliness. That’s a Problem
The discomfort of loneliness shapes us in ways we don’t recognize—and we may not like what we become without it.
ow.ly
September 17, 2025 at 2:16 PM
What do we seek when we reach out for connection? As Paul Bloom notes, it’s to be “humanely understood.” Empathy means caring enough to truly see another’s emotions. That felt care, given and received, is at the heart of belonging.
ow.ly/H96s50WHALc
ow.ly/H96s50WHALc
During COVID-19, many queer youth found belonging through online communities. As a 2022 Social Connectedness Fellow, Ashli Au explored innovative ways these spaces support 2SLGBTQ+ youth in partnership with McGill.
ow.ly/BHFi50WMbV8
ow.ly/BHFi50WMbV8
September 16, 2025 at 5:35 PM
During COVID-19, many queer youth found belonging through online communities. As a 2022 Social Connectedness Fellow, Ashli Au explored innovative ways these spaces support 2SLGBTQ+ youth in partnership with McGill.
ow.ly/BHFi50WMbV8
ow.ly/BHFi50WMbV8
Immigration raises deep questions of belonging. As Adrienne Clarkson writes: “Immigrants cannot remain they. They will be, and are becoming, us.” Building belonging means moving from mistrust to a new language of trust and respect.
cbc.ca/radio/ideas/...
cbc.ca/radio/ideas/...
August 29, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Immigration raises deep questions of belonging. As Adrienne Clarkson writes: “Immigrants cannot remain they. They will be, and are becoming, us.” Building belonging means moving from mistrust to a new language of trust and respect.
cbc.ca/radio/ideas/...
cbc.ca/radio/ideas/...
“Belonging goes beyond a social need. It’s rooted in a profound connection to the land & water.” — Chief Kluane Adamek.
In The Conversation Piece, Chief Kluane shares how a deep relationship with nature grounds us. Especially in times of disconnection.
podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/c...
In The Conversation Piece, Chief Kluane shares how a deep relationship with nature grounds us. Especially in times of disconnection.
podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/c...
Chief Kluane Adamek: Land, Water, and Belonging
Podcast Episode · The Conversation Piece · 2025-06-26 · 8m
podcasts.apple.com
August 26, 2025 at 5:14 PM
“Belonging goes beyond a social need. It’s rooted in a profound connection to the land & water.” — Chief Kluane Adamek.
In The Conversation Piece, Chief Kluane shares how a deep relationship with nature grounds us. Especially in times of disconnection.
podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/c...
In The Conversation Piece, Chief Kluane shares how a deep relationship with nature grounds us. Especially in times of disconnection.
podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/c...
Seoul has opened “mind convenience stores,” community hubs where residents facing loneliness can share meals, watch films, or simply be together. Even small, everyday interactions can spark comfort, connection, and belonging.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Instant noodles, foot spas and counsellors: Seoul tackles loneliness with ‘mind convenience stores’
As South Korea grapples with an epidemic of loneliness, the capital city has launched an ambitious new programme to address it
www.theguardian.com
August 20, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Seoul has opened “mind convenience stores,” community hubs where residents facing loneliness can share meals, watch films, or simply be together. Even small, everyday interactions can spark comfort, connection, and belonging.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
“Do I feel included? Do I belong?” Kelly Lendsay shows how true inclusion goes beyond a buzzword—it drives reconciliation, strengthens communities, and transforms workplaces into spaces where everyone is valued.
ow.ly/MpAy50WHyCJ
ow.ly/MpAy50WHyCJ
Kelly Lendsay: Indigenous Workplace Belonging
Podcast Episode · The Conversation Piece · 2025-06-24 · 7m
ow.ly
August 18, 2025 at 2:30 PM
“Do I feel included? Do I belong?” Kelly Lendsay shows how true inclusion goes beyond a buzzword—it drives reconciliation, strengthens communities, and transforms workplaces into spaces where everyone is valued.
ow.ly/MpAy50WHyCJ
ow.ly/MpAy50WHyCJ
Indigenous youth are 8% of Canada’s youth but 48% of incarcerated youth—a number still rising. 2019 Fellow Shaista Asmi explored how colonialism and systemic failures drive over-incarceration, deepening trauma in Indigenous communities.
ow.ly/I50g50WCMkR
ow.ly/I50g50WCMkR
August 11, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Indigenous youth are 8% of Canada’s youth but 48% of incarcerated youth—a number still rising. 2019 Fellow Shaista Asmi explored how colonialism and systemic failures drive over-incarceration, deepening trauma in Indigenous communities.
ow.ly/I50g50WCMkR
ow.ly/I50g50WCMkR
“Belonging is inherent in the Ininiwak way of life.” Dr. Becky Cook shares how Indigenous-led education can reclaim identity, restore autonomy, and help each person find their place in the community. Belonging isn’t taught—it’s lived.
podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/d...
podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/d...
Dr. Becky Cook: Rebuilding Indigenous Autonomy, Nationhood, and Belonging
Podcast Episode · The Conversation Piece · 2025-06-19 · 9m
podcasts.apple.com
August 7, 2025 at 4:28 PM
“Belonging is inherent in the Ininiwak way of life.” Dr. Becky Cook shares how Indigenous-led education can reclaim identity, restore autonomy, and help each person find their place in the community. Belonging isn’t taught—it’s lived.
podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/d...
podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/d...
“What if loneliness isn’t about individual health but community health?” – Claire Lehmann
Loneliness is more than personal. It's a broader crisis of belonging & disconnection from people, place, power, & purpose. It’s time to build healthier communities.
ow.ly/S4SK50WvOO8
Loneliness is more than personal. It's a broader crisis of belonging & disconnection from people, place, power, & purpose. It’s time to build healthier communities.
ow.ly/S4SK50WvOO8
August 1, 2025 at 1:14 PM
“What if loneliness isn’t about individual health but community health?” – Claire Lehmann
Loneliness is more than personal. It's a broader crisis of belonging & disconnection from people, place, power, & purpose. It’s time to build healthier communities.
ow.ly/S4SK50WvOO8
Loneliness is more than personal. It's a broader crisis of belonging & disconnection from people, place, power, & purpose. It’s time to build healthier communities.
ow.ly/S4SK50WvOO8