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It’s important for my mental health

I feel connected and heard when I belong


By: Margie Bayanay

To me, belonging means a sense of connection, acceptance and being valued. Feeling like I belong is important for my mental health and well being.

I experienced belonging when I joined a non-governmental organization when I first arrived in this country.

For more belonging to take place, I’d like to see more interactions, and more group activities. I’d like to see gatherings of friends and community, and the organization of groups. Also, I’d like to see help from the community sector to help create belonging in these ways.


Belonging also takes sensitivity with communication. I learned this from adjusting my own communication with others. When I was a newcomer to Canada, I learned that there are differences in the way people talk here. There were some things that were okay to talk about, and others that were not. I needed to reflect on this and adjust my own facial expressions and body language to be more sensitive to others. This helped me create more belonging in community with others.


I’d also like to see more anti-bias training take place to educate others on cultural differences. I already see this happening in many workplaces.


To me, belonging looks like the colour lilac, light blue, orange or red.



Story developed by Iman Kaur

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This is part of a series of stories on Belonging.

Do you have a story or thoughts to share about belonging? We would love to connect. You can share that story or leave your contact info in the form and we can document your story for you. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BelongingStories

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