Doubling Down on BELONGING

Our team at Inspired To Give chose June’s editorial theme of “Belonging” back in April. We planned to feature stories about people and organizations who were focused on building community and strengthening the bonds of our ultimate interconnectedness.

June began by featuring insights about Ubuntu by wildlife activist, Boyd Varty and a story from The New York Times about several programs connecting older and younger generations. It felt like we had found a groove.

Then the subject of death by suicide came forward in the US public square with the tragic news of the death of two well known and respected individuals – Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain. This news, along with the release of a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting on the dramatic increase of suicide in the US, compelled us to pause…and consider how we might help our community.

Suicide seems like the antithesis of Belonging. The act separates one from others. Some have suggested that support for those at risk of suicide may come from strengthening ties of connection – anything that brings individuals closer so they feel they do belong. One story we published last year about the good work of the Crisis Text Line suggests that many kids have been able to re-connect and choose life in part due to the care, love and compassion that CTL counselors and others express during times of crisis.

The subject is complex, for sure, and we understand that mental health professionals are wrestling with the causes and treatment. However, because of the intrinsic interconnectedness of life, we think it important that all of us reflect on what we and others can do better in being present for each other and demonstrate a more practical sense of Belonging here on Earth.

As our team has been reflecting this past week, we were reminded of this NPR’s Invisibilia’s program from 2016, “The Problem with the Solution.” It’s worth a re-listen.

—

Inspired To Give will continue to focus on Belonging this month. We hope it will be a support to individuals and society-at-large as we reflect on and recommit to the many opportunities we have to “love our neighbor” and do good. And, as always, we invite you to post your reflections too.