Notes from Steve

Theme 2025: Belonging

Knowing the difference between “belonging” versus “fitting in” is important. The definition (we are going with) is belonging is being in a group that you want to be with, and they want you to be there. Kind of like a happy cult. And fitting in is dressing the part and standing with the group. They don’t particularly care if you are there or not … as long as you look the part. 

The example I’ve given is that there used to be an organization that would go to different conferences I would attend, and everyone was in the same t-shirt, and they sat in the front row. I think I commented to one of our staff - this is cool; we should do this. One of the ISH people I was with said, “I talked to them. They didn’t all necessarily want to do that, and if you make us dress alike and sit in the front row, we’re probably not going to attend.” “Ok. Thanks for your honesty.”  

In life - we all have situations that are “do this because I said so.” Personally, I don’t feel awesome about this … it feels very “shut up and do what you’re told.” No one likes this. I would rather be associated with an organization that asks me what I think and how can we - together - make this the best situation possible.

So belonging - we want you here, and we hope you want to be here as well.