Reimagining Us

Episode 5 - "Belonging: A North Star for our Communities” with john a. powell

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In this episode, Nichole and Scott are joined by john a. powell, who leads them in an exploration of belonging while contrasting it with the damaging effects of othering.  By understanding and addressing the dynamics of belonging and othering, communities can create spaces where everyone thrives.

Belonging is a fundamental human need that reflects feeling seen, heard, and valued in a community. Othering is when we fail to see others' humanity or treat differences as threats to belonging. It is not differences alone that cause othering, but the socially constructed significance that is given to them. Belonging and othering are relationship with one another in part because othering is often a misguided tool used to create belonging, when groups bond by excluding or vilifying others. 

john describes bridging---recognizing the humanity in others through compassionate listening and valuing their perspectives, even without agreement---as the antidote to 'othering.' Bridging is not about persuasion or conflict resolution --- it is about compassionate listening, to create trust and understanding. He talks about how small, intentional acts of bridging can feed a collective vision of connection and belonging. But boundaries are essential. For example, one may refuse to bridge with those who condone violence.

In addition to bridging, shifts in collective identity can be driven by storytelling that enables larger "we" groups to form (e.g., via religion, national identity, and other forms of common values, interests, or humanity).

Actionable Steps for Individuals:

  • Reflect on how one's reactions to differences can either perpetuate or counteract othering.
  • Recognize and challenge socially constructed differences that perpetuate division.
  • Practice compassionate listening in conversations, focusing on understanding rather than persuasion.
  • Start with "short bridges" (e.g., family, neighbors who hold differing perspectives) by listening compassionately and acknowledging what matters to them. 
  • Set boundaries to ensure bridging efforts align with personal values and safety.
  • Encourage others to adopt bridging practices by sharing tools and techniques discussed in the episode.
  • Support leaders and initiatives that depolarize their audiences by emphasizing mutual understanding over fearmongering.

    • Actionable Steps for Leaders & Communities:

    • Promote the idea of belonging as a goal for inclusive communities.
    • Promote dialogue and education to counter fear-based narratives.
    • Focus on shared values and common humanity to build bridges across polarized or fragmented communities.
    • Share stories and examples of bridging, like Nelson Mandela’s or others in the podcast, to inspire collective action.
    • Equip residents with tools and structures/systems to process change and uncertainty in collaborative, non-polarizing ways.

      • Resources

      • Read Belonging Without Othering by john a. powell and Stephen Menendian
      • Read The Power of Bridging by john a. powell, with Rachelle Galloway-Popotas
      • Take free classes with the Othering and Belonging Institute at OBI University.


        • For more information or to share your stories and feedback, email [email protected], or comment on YouTube and Social Media @togetherupinstitute

        HOSTS:

        Nichole Argo is the Founder and Executive Director of TogetherUp Institute

        Scott Hutcheson is the Executive Director of E Pluribus Unum

        Produced by Next Chapter Podcasts

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        Reimagining UsBy Nichole Argo