This is a short article I have drafted for PLAN's newsletter... feedback welcome.I, like everyone else, have insecurities. Sometimes, I pretend to know more than I actually do. Other times, I am overly conscious of how I look and act when I am with others. Often, I work hard at being likeable, at saying the right thing, at not offending others with my opinions, at making considerate decisions. Why am I so worried about the impression I make? It’s simple… being alone is among my greatest fears. Yet, I feel extremely fortunate. I am married to a brilliant woman and our first born arrived just a few short weeks ago. I grew up with a wonderful family, have good friends and neighbours and have the pleasure to work with people whom inspire me every day. And still, I am threatened by loneliness.
It seems to me that each of us knows, at an instinctual level, that being a part of a rich network of relationships enables our safety, health, and ability to become well-developed human beings. In the early 1960s, Abraham Maslow developed a Hierarchy of Needs theory wherein only basic physiological and safety needs are more vital than belonging. This instinct to be together has, in fact, been confirmed by empirical evidence. Robert Putnam writes, in his book Bowling Alone, that “…social connectedness is one of the most powerful determinants of our well-being.”
It is from these instincts, theories and evidence that our new social network is growing. This network is called the Belonging Initiative, and it is, in essence, a belonging network. Organizations that are similarly focused on the well-being of Canadians are being invited to join this network. The need to belong resonates across disability certainly, yet also resonates with single mothers, seniors, youth, immigrants and refugees, among others. We are building a critical mass of support. For the first time, leading organizations are collaborating regardless of why their constituents are vulnerable or marginalized. There are currently ten organizations that are collaborating from the basic premise that belonging knows no outsiders.
This network has many offerings. One of our collaborators publishes a nationally syndicated magazine, another organizes learning institutes with participants from all over the world, another works with families to build good lives, yet another is doing research on social innovations and the list goes on. This network will improve the health and well-being of its own members, and their constituents, through celebration of our collective as well as individual efforts.
This belonging network will also provide a container for knowledge and wisdom. Each member brings richly unique stories and perspectives. The belonging network will be as dynamic as those people, stories and perspectives of which it is comprised and the sharing of ourselves through gatherings, telephone calls and new technologies will illuminate our common story.
This network is also being strategic in seeking public policy change. Work has already begun on what is being dubbed a ‘No One Alone Fund’. This Fund of $50 million will sustain a campaign to end isolation and loneliness among persons with disabilities. Matched with private sector contributions and other donations, this Fund will create a sustained national effort promoting the development of relationships and the creation of inclusive communities.
My son Aldo is just over 2 months old. So, like all babies, he too has insecurities. Aldo’s Mom and I hear these insecurities in his cries. Of course he cries when he is hungry, cold or simply annoyed. But, he also cries when he is afraid, afraid that he might be alone. I, like any parent, want Aldo to be safe, healthy and full of esteem. Though, perhaps greatest of my desires as his father, is that I want him to know that he belongs, that he is not alone. I want him to know that he is a part of our family, our belonging network, our community and our society.
Landscape of Literacy and Disability (Canadian Abilities Foundation publication) by Ezra Zubrow, et al. 
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