I Belong Mission
I BELONG PHILLY I Belong is a volunteer-led collaborative, powered by and in service of the many immigrant communities represented in Philadelphia. I Belong efforts center on uncovering, honoring and uplifting immigrant stories and the invaluable contributions they have and continue to make towards a better and more welcoming city.
Be Welcoming. It works!
Our Vision
Belonging is more than a sense to create, it is a promise and commitment. We see a world where the current, future and historical contributions of immigrants are recognized and valued by society. Through our efforts we strive to create an environment of discovery and cultural exchange that celebrates our roots well beyond assimilation and into knowing that where we are, is home
Commitment to inclusion
I Belong Philly is committed to cultivating, preserving, and celebrating a culture of inclusion and connectedness. We are able to grow and learn better together when the collective sum of our individual uniqueness, life experience, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, and talent of our members are given a spotlight to shine. We welcome diversity and the nuance and opportunity it can bring. We welcome belief systems that do no harm to the planet or to people.
Our beliefs and values
Inclusion in practice: We are a welcoming community for people of all backgrounds, identities, religions and beliefs that cause no harm to the world.
Accountability to each other and ourselves - We believe that our words and promises are sacred.
Communication - We value and are committed to full transparency with kindness and empathy.
Honesty of self - We believe that when we can be our whole authentic selves we are better able to contribute meaningfully and that our uniqueness is a strength.
Safety - We believe in doing no harm.
Care - We value being a caring community that acts and treats all people with dignity.
Respect - We believe in respecting and celebrating the unique contributions each individual can bring to a collective effort.
Humility with confidence - We believe humility is a strength and that the knowledge gained through lived experience is powerful.
Celebration and credit where credit is due - We value work that serves to uplift, celebrate and uphold immigrant stories, perspectives and contributions in positive ways. The contributions are integral to building inclusive cultural fluency.
Cultural Fluency - We value building cultural fluency as a lifelong journey