The GDC really forced me to conceptualize my Belonging Framework from idea to process, which is the main focus of my newly start-up consulting business to help organizations become more participant centric by helping foster belonging, where people feel invited, welcome and included.
I am currently working with some colleagues to utilize The Belonging Framework to address a growing concern in Canada of girls participation in sport and the drop-out rate of 1-3 by adolescence. We want to help local community organizations and schools focus on helping girls belong in sport as an outcome rather than on solely skill development and competition. This includes innovative programming co-created and led by women and girls, training and mentoring for activity leaders and coaches on how to foster belonging in their own program design, and finding community collaborations to negotiate constraints and remove barriers to participation (pairing up with schools, local rec centres, sponsors, city councillors, etc).
I have also developed a quick sheet for a coaching organization who was interested in Belonging as a concept and framework, of what The Belonging Framework is and how it can specifically be used for volunteer coaches.
Lastly, looking at starting up a non-profit called "Play to Belong" looking at how we can help adult participants navigate the sport system and help facilitate activity through Community Activators in collaboration with Recreation Facilities using the Belong Framework, by intentionally looking at Belonging as an outcome within the activity, focusing on play and social connections.
- Project Needs *
- Organizations interested in activating / piloting The Belonging Framework in their programs, training and opportunities, with potential future goals of longitudinal studies and research demonstrating the impact that focusing on Belonging as an intentional outcome can have on recruitment and retention of participants.
Organizations willing to help fund or sponsor smaller organizations in activating The Belonging Framework in their programs, training and opportunities.
Support in making The Belonging Framework accessible, understandable, and measurable for organizations to create systemic change within their programs, policies, and culture.
- Other Possible Collaborations *
- Development of on-line training tools to help organizations and their staff understand and utilize The Belonging Framework, including specific modules for different needs of the sector - PE Teachers, Coaches, Instructors, Recreation Activity Leaders, Facility Operators, etc
- Development of research-driven assessment tools for measuring Belonging as an outcome.
Would love to chat with anyone with experience, ideas, thoughts, or interest in exploring Belonging further and its important role in a sustainable sport and rec landscape for ALL.
You can reach me at: youbelong@bonobo-consulting.com
Log in or sign up for Devpost to join the conversation.