From Concept to Practice: A Learning Lab to Supercharge Belonging

Belonging Learning Labs 2025

The 2025 Belonging Learning Labs invite you to answer the big questions of belonging. How do we actually build it? What is required of us and of our community? This series equips you with tools, practices, and new skills to strengthen connection wherever you call home.

Designed for both new and experienced practitioners, these sessions will help you weave concepts like contact theory, bridging, and repair into local action. Whether starting a new initiative or refining an existing one, this series offers expert guidance to implement programs that foster connection.

Opening Session

This opening conversation explored the role of contact theory in building towards belonging. Local leaders and experts looked at how to show community members, rather than tell them, that they belong — even amid economic uncertainty and demographic change.

Closing Session

Our final session offers a window into the key concepts we explored together. Watch the recording to hear reflections from participants.

Curious about the case consultation process we used to work through live scenarios with leaders from around the country? Explore the outline of the process. For support in running your own case consultation process, reach out to us.

Thank you to our speakers —Dr. Linda Tropp, Trisha Dehrone, LeLan Dains, Katie Givens, and Benya Kraus — and to our collaborators at Trust Labs: Maya Pace, K Scarry, and Géraud Bablon.