Stories matter. Many stories matter.
What does belonging mean to you? Do you know a story of belonging that deserves to be told? We are collecting stories, testimonials, lessons & wisdom from community members throughout this year. Submit yours, and scroll down to read local voices!
Why does belonging matter to you?
“Belonging is the most important component of a human being's sense of self and mental health. We can so easily make a difference in each other's lives by opening the circle and inviting each other in. To feel wanted, seen, known is magic. I'm all about sharing that magic.”
— Stephanie Walker, Humanities Working Group, Barrington Cultural Commission
“Connection with others and a sense of belonging are fundamental human needs. They are critical building blocks of both mental and physical wellness from birth and throughout our lives. A strong sense of connection and belonging gives us the confidence to take chances, try new things, and reach for the stars while also providing us with the support and grounding needed to weather the storms that are a natural part of life. Knowing that we belong centers us and gives us strength through our respectful, thoughtful, safe, caring connection with others.”
— Kyle Kick, BStrong Together
“Belonging matters to me because we all deserve to be treated with respect and kindness. We all want to be seen, heard, valued, and appreciated. As we do this, we can create a culture of belonging and acceptance.”
— Lori Parrish, Samaritan Counseling Center
“Belonging matters to me because I feel everyone should be included.”
— Todd Sholeen, Barrington Breakfast Rotary
“Belonging matters to me because great things happen when we welcome all to come together with a common mission of making our community a better place to live.”
— Matthew McLaughlin, Bernstein Private Wealth Management
“Belonging matters to me because it helps foster empathy, relationship, understanding and purpose.”
— Drew Glassford, Boys & Girls Clubs of Dundee Township
“Belonging matters to me because you never know the private battles people are dealing with.”
— Keely Hegner
“Belonging matters to me because it should be a priority for our community.”
— Rollin Potter, Barrington’s White House, Barrington Cultural Commission
“A sense of belonging is identified under our strategic plan core values. We’re focused on strengthening connections on campus in several ways in and out of the classroom.”
— Dr. Avis Proctor, Harper College
“Excellent schools are the result of a supportive, unified community. We are committed to creating a sense of belonging in each of our students. Belonging is at the heart of our fundamental needs as humans. Students who have a strong sense of belonging are more engaged and feel like a valued part of their school community.”
— Dr. Robert Hunt, Barrington School District 220
“Belonging matters to me because we are all humans.”
— Matt Blue, volunteer, InZone Project
“Each of us, at every age, needs to have a sense of belonging in order to thrive.”
— Sam Oliver, Lifetime Volunteer & Citizen of the Year, Citizens for Conservation
“I realized early on that people of all ages long to feel belonging, especially in one’s community. There are so many opportunities to reach out and welcome others to join in an activity that will pay it forward and make people feel they truly have a home to cherish.”
— David F. Nelson, former Village President
“Every one of us deserves to be a part of our community, and to contribute, to be heard, and feel welcome.”
— Linda Strunk
“Belonging matters to me because it creates a welcoming environment for everyone in the community.”
— Terri Channer, Barrington Area Council on Aging
“In the whole scheme of things, if you have an open heart, belonging is what it's all about. For me, it provides a very warm feeling of comfort. I wish that for everyone who wants it.”
— Carol Nelson
When do you know you belong?
“I know I belong when I am accepted as who I am.”
— Todd Sholeen, Barrington Breakfast Rotary
“I know I belong when I feel welcomed in a group, safe, and comfortable, able to express my thoughts and opinions and feel supported even if others might disagree or have differing opinions.”
— Lori Parrish, Samaritan Counseling Center
“I know I belong when I feel seen, heard, respected, and valued.”
— Kyle Kick, BStrong Together
“I feel my most true, authentic self when I can trust others I am with, I can share and be vulnerable with others without judgement or criticism. When I can contribute and feel like I'm making a difference. When I am helping and serving others.”
— Lori Parrish, Samaritan Counseling Center
“I feel my most true, authentic self when I give myself permission to be exactly who I am without conforming to others' standards.”
— Stephanie Walker, Humanities Working Group, Barrington Cultural Commission
“I know I belong when I can share information and feelings without remorse or fear of negative consequences.”
— Matthew McLaughlin, Bernstein Private Wealth Management
“I know I belong when I feel seen. When someone makes an effort to see me for who I am.”
— Stephanie Walker, Humanities Working Group, Barrington Cultural Commission
“I feel my most true, authentic self when I am when I am with my family and friends and when I am helping and connecting in there service of others.”
— Kyle Kick, BStrong Together
“I know I belong when I can exhale.”
— Peer Lykke, Barrington Area Council on Aging
“I feel my most true, authentic self when I feel relaxed with someone and don't even think about what they think of me.”
— Carol Nelson
“I know I belong when I don't worry about being judged.”
— Matt Blue
I want all people to feel…
“I want all people to feel they are not alone.”
— Maryrose Peters, NAMI Barrington Area
“I want all people to feel seen, loved and wanted.”
— Stephanie Walker, Humanities Working Group, Barrington Cultural Commission
“I want all people to feel accepted and free to be their authentic self.”
— Keely Hegner
“I want all people to feel seen, heard, valued, loved, cared for, safe, considered, respected, connected, supported, and part of a larger community.”
— Kyle Kick, BStrong Together
“I want all people to feel safe, accepted, valued, respected, and appreciated.”
— Lori Parrish, Samaritan Counseling Center
“I want all people to feel loved, understood, and a sense of belonging.”
— Drew Glassford, Boys & Girls Clubs of Dundee Township
“I want all people to feel welcome. Supported. Engaged. Comfortable. Loved.”
— Matthew McLaughlin, Bernstein Private Wealth Management
“I want all people to feel welcomed and valued in our community.”
— Peer Lykke, Barrington Area Council on Aging
I will nourish a culture of belonging by…
“I will do my part by helping provide strategic insight, reflect my personal and professional experiences, and offer our Clubs and staff as a resource for piloting new initiatives to promote belonging.”
— Drew Glassford, Boys & Girls Clubs of Dundee Township
“I am school bus driver and I constantly shut down any bullying that I see happening on the bus.”
— Keely Hegner
“I will do my part by checking myself on my own assumptions and privileges, by paying attention to the community around me, and being an ongoing safe space for people to be themselves around me in a judgment-free zone. And modeling this for our kids.”
— Stephanie Walker, Humanities Working Group, Barrington Cultural Commission
“I will do my part by sharing the message of belonging and weaving it into both my own life and the work of BStrong Together.”
— Kyle Kick, BStrong Together
“I will do my part to create a culture of belonging by being kind and encouraging to others. By being welcoming to all people even if they are different than me or believe differently than me.”
— Lori Parrish, Samaritan Counseling Center
“I will do my part by sharing, welcoming, and engaging others to belong without fear of negative consequence.”
— Matthew McLaughlin, Bernstein Private Wealth Management
“I will nourish a culture of belonging by volunteering in the community.”
— Peer Lykke, Barrington Area Council on Aging
Local Stories in the News
Media Coverage
“Belonging To Each Other”
Quintessential Barrington (Sept/Oct 2022)
“U.S. Soccer Star Abby Wambach to Speak Wednesday in Barrington”
Daily Herald (Sept 2022)
Barrington Village President Karen Darch Recognizes Belonging Initiative
Village Board Meeting (Sept 26, 2022)
Barrington 220 School District Announces #WeBelong220 As Theme For 2022-23 School Year
Barrington 220 School District (August 2022)
