Original artwork by George D. Bluebird, Sr.
I believe a true sense of belonging is one of the most
important factors to being engaged and successful at school. The truth is
though, that this does not come often enough and certainly not without work and
intention. At times, we need to choose to accept what might be different, what
might make us uncomfortable, or what may even scare us. We must challenge
ourselves to view the world through someone else’s eyes and see what they might
see. We have all found ourselves in moments when we have desperately wanted
someone else to be able to feel what it is like to be “us.”
In Native American and First Nations cultures, significance was nurtured in communities of belonging. Lakota anthropologist Ella Deloria described the core value of belonging in these simple words: "Be related, somehow, to everyone you know." Treating others as kin forges powerful social bonds that draw all into relationships of respect.
I want you to think of those around you. Think of someone
who may 'feel' different, or perhaps that they don’t belong to the group. What would that actually feel like? Maybe you feel like one of these people. You are certainly
not alone. As we strive to create inclusive environments in our schools, we
must work together to create a culture where all are accepted regardless of
ability, religion, sexual orientation, cultural background, skin color,
hobbies, interests, strengths, weaknesses, and family history. We must work
together to be a truly inclusive community of learners. I personally believe
that a sense of belonging is the foundation on which we build all other skills.
"Belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity, these are the four well springs of courage." –Martin Brokenleg
In essence we may actually be discussing the underpinning
of community and belonging which is empathy. Our ability to recognize feelings
experienced by another being is the skill needed when forming connection, community
and belonging, ultimately bonding us to the larger human experience.
Everett Tetz
Counselor
Glendale Sciences and Technology School
No comments:
Post a Comment
Your comment will be posted as soon as it is reviewed for relevance and appropriateness. Thank you.