Belonging, Step 4: Celebrate

There is magic in celebrating who we are and where we come from. As a parent, some of my most treasured memories are my children’s birthdays. On that special day each year, they knew they were celebrated just for being uniquely themselves. No matter the challenges they faced—at school, with friends, or even figuring out who they are and how to grow up—on their birthday, they knew they belonged. This simple but profound act of celebration extends to every one of us—when we are celebrated for who we are, where we are from, how we look, and what we believe, we inherently know that we belong.

Even though these 10 Steps of Belonging may seem obvious—of course we want to believe in those around us, see their worth, tell their story, and celebrate who they are—that doesn’t mean we actually do them. Building belonging within our personal and institutional circles requires deliberate and conscious application of these steps, especially celebration. For children, a birthday party clearly communicates their value. For adults, especially those who differ from the majority, visible celebration affirms their belonging. It’s a start to say we value others’ uniqueness, but belonging happens when we show it.

Dr. Jacqueline Thompson exemplifies the conscious practice of celebrating our unique identities and backgrounds. Whenever she openly shared her African American heritage as leader of diversity and inclusion efforts in a large predominantly white school district, she would regularly invite everyone present to also share their own heritage. But this was only the beginning of her magic—I might claim Jackie as a valued mentor, but so do thousands of others, especially those who differ from her racially, politically, and religiously. For Jackie, these differences are cause for celebration, not division. Her unique approach celebrated the inherent identity and background of marginalized and majority individuals alike. Every room she enters, she makes sure to learn the names, backgrounds, and what matters for everyone present. She is beloved in her community because of her conscious efforts to ensure every student and adult feels seen and valued.

When we visibly and explicitly celebrate each other, we communicate belonging. While it’s natural to celebrate similarities, true belonging comes from honoring and respecting our differences. As every one of us sees ourselves as unique, we can each contribute something special to the communities we’re a part of, be it at school, church, or the workplace. When these institutions openly celebrate what makes each of us unique, they foster trust and belonging. Let’s embrace the magic of celebrating who we are, where we come from, how we look, and what we believe. For us to all belong, we need to celebrate every one of us.

Curtis Linton, Founder - We All Belong Campaign

Up Next: Belonging, Step 5: Safety

The 10 Steps of Belonging:

Belonging, Step 1: "Believe Me"

Belonging, Step 2: "Inherent Worth of Every Person"

Belonging, Step 3: "Talk Story"

Belonging, Step 4: "Celebrate"

Please like, follow, and sign up at the We All Belong Campaign to learn about all 10 Steps of Belonging.

#superintendents #principals #edtech #belonging #edequity #students #k12 #inclusion?