Belonging and Civic Muscle

Written By Kat Hetterscheidt

Healthy, fulfilling relationships and strong social supports provide a foundation for individuals and families to thrive. These relationships and supports build social ties, trust, and cooperation in communities and foster connections that bring people together and shape a common vision.  

Communities with an inclusive sense of belonging and strong civic muscle may be better able to:

  • Design their own pathways to resilience  

  • Gather assets to respond effectively and equitably in a crisis  

  • Persistently expand vital conditions while alleviating urgent needs  

  • Use their power to ensure mutual accountability   

Belonging and Civic Muscle includes:  

  • Civic agency  

  • Civic association  

  • Collective efficacy  

  • Equitable access to information  

  • Opportunities for civic engagement  

  • Vibrant arts, culture, and spiritual life  

  • Freedom from stigma, discrimination, and oppression  

  • Social support  

  • Support for civil rights and human rights 

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Kat Hetterscheidt
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