Increasing Sense of Belonging
in Our Youth
By Joan Plumley
What’s the difference between being noticed and known?
According to the Springtide Research Institute, who does qualitative and quantitative research on the inner and outer lives of youth, there are three levels of belonging for young people.
Level One—You are noticed. You may be recognized as someone’s daughter or son.
Level Two—You are known by name. Call young people by their name. Ask about their interests.
Level Three—You are known for who you are and accepted without judgement.
Young people trust adults who foster relationships and care about them.
Challenge: What can you do to make young people feel like they truly belong to our community?
*Hint to the Challenge:
Join Generations of Faith in the fall for your opportunity to sit, talk and foster that relationship with our young people.