I must say, living here in Phoenix has been a blast so far, even though it's hot as you know what out here.

Hey Advocates!

Did you miss me? I know I've been MIA for a few months, but I have a good reason. First of all, shout out to my Sis. Sholanda for holding things down these last few months while I finish up writing my next book. I can't thank her enough.

I must say, living here in Phoenix has been a blast so far, even though it's hot as you know what out here. But I digress. I've been cooking (no pun intended) my next book entitled "Don't Bring Boxed Macaroni to the Potluck! The Ultimate Cookbook for Creating Belonging in School." If you've been following me over the last year, you may have attended some of my Sense of Belonging series webinars and live streams on my YouTube channel. If not, check out some of the videos and subscribe to the channel.

Before I dig into today's topic, I just want to say that I can't wait to release this book, it's some of the realist content that I've ever written. But I'll give you a few sneak peeks over the next few months. Let's dig in!

How Does That Mac and Cheese Taste: Why Intentionality Matters

First of all, with everything happening in the political and educational spaces, creating a sense of belonging is not optional, it's absolutely necessary. I know I don't have to state the obvious that there is so much pushback to end DEIB these days within our schools, that "buzzwords" take more emphasis than considering the lived experiences of our students.

That's why we must approach the task of fostering belonging with the same care and attention we would give to preparing a dish for a potluck. After all, no one wants to be the person who shows up with boxed macaroni when everyone else has put in the effort to bring something homemade and meaningful. But we see boxed macaroni all the time. We see a lack of effort and intentionality in the process of ensuring each student feels accepted, supported, and included within the confines of our educational settings. This lack of intentionality can have far-reaching consequences for our students.

Why Intentionality Is Key

Belonging is a fundamental human need. When students feel that they belong in their school environment, they are more likely to engage in their studies, participate in extracurricular activities, and develop positive relationships with their peers and teachers. A strong sense of belonging is linked to higher academic achievement, better mental health, and reduced absenteeism. On the other hand, students who feel excluded, tokenized, or marginalized are at a higher risk of disengagement, academic struggles, and emotional difficulties.

Creating this sense of belonging requires more than just well-meaning intentions. It demands purposeful action. It is not enough to state that all students are welcome; we must show them they are valued through our actions. This means reviewing policies, hiring practices, curricula, and school activities that reflect the diversity of our student body and address the unique needs of each individual. It also means fostering a school culture that celebrates differences and encourages empathy, kindness, and mutual respect. Long are the days of "we've always done it this way." And "Well, we invite them to join us, but they never come." It's time to be intentional with our efforts.

The Pitfalls of Unintentional Efforts

When we fail to be intentional in our efforts, we risk falling into a pattern of glorified inclusion. This is where the metaphor of boxed macaroni comes into play. Just as bringing a pre-packaged dish to a potluck can be seen as a lack of care and effort, relying on token gestures or generic programs to foster belonging can come across as insincere and ineffective.

For example, a school might implement a "diversity day" once a year, where students are encouraged to celebrate different cultures. While this might seem like a positive initiative, if it is the only effort made to address diversity and inclusion, it can feel more like a checkbox activity than a genuine attempt to build a supportive community. Students can easily see through such surface-level efforts, and these can sometimes do more harm than good by highlighting differences without fostering true understanding or connection.

How to Be Intentional

In the book I share multiple ways to avoid these pitfalls, schools must adopt a holistic approach to creating belonging. Starting with understanding your student's demographics and asking them what they need to thrive. I created a Sense of Belonging Assessment tool that you can use at your school to help collect the data you need to gain an authentic pulse on your school's culture. Additionally, I provide tons of strategies and recommendations based on your Sense of Belonging score to help you find the right recipe for an authentic, slap yo' mama, bussin', lick the plate clean, meat falling off the bone...

You get the point, school experience :)

Conclusion

Ultimately, creating a sense of belonging in schools is much like preparing a dish for a potluck. It requires thought, care, and intentionality. When we approach this task with the seriousness it deserves, we help ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive, both socially and academically. Let's be the educators who bring something meaningful to the table, ensuring that no student feels like they are merely an afterthought in the recipe of their education.