PARTNERS in Belonging

Diversity is having a seat at the table, inclusion is having a voice, and belonging is having that voice be heard.

Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy, co-authors

In a season when many of us are physically distant from our families, friends, colleagues and networks, it’s even more important to find and maintain a true sense of belonging. We all need to feel a sense of community and connection. And, despite the constant noise of today’s polarizing landscape, it is important that our voices—ALL of our voices—are shared, heard and, most importantly, valued. That is belonging.

You’ve heard that Grand Rapids Community Foundation is shifting our focus to create a true sense of place and belonging for everyone in Kent County. That means we are more intentional about standing alongside all our partners as we work together to create a brighter tomorrow. We honor the causes that keep you up at night. We affirm the future you dream of for yourselves, your families and our community.

We are challenging ourselves to really listen and to co-create efforts to help heal and strengthen our community. We don’t have all the answers and, frankly, sometimes we don’t have the questions either. What we do know is that your passion, generosity and unwavering commitment fuel us and makes our work possible. In fact, this is the strength and the heart of the Community Foundation.

In this issue of PARTNERS in community, we share stories of how our partners have found belonging by tapping into the Community Foundation’s collective power of giving. This collective power amplifies their voices to champion important causes.

To all of our partners, in this season especially, we hope you know that we see you, we hear you and we value you. Continue to take care of yourselves and of one another.

Diana R. Sieger