A Personal Reflection on Inclusion and Belonging
Every December 10, I find myself pausing for International Human Rights Day, taking stock of where we are as a society and where we still need to go. I’ve seen firsthand how the world has changed, sometimes for the better, sometimes in ways that leave me worried. This year, the United Nations has stated, “human rights are positive, essential, and attainable.”
Lately, it’s hard not to notice the growing divisions in our communities and the challenges to rights many of us once took for granted. Inclusion and belonging aren’t just nice words they’re practices we need to weave into our everyday lives. It’s not enough to say everyone is welcome; we must ensure every voice is truly heard, every identity respected, and every experience valued when decisions are made.
Belonging, to me, means creating spaces where people don’t have to hide who they are or feel like they need to apologize for simply existing. It’s about making sure no one feels left out, whether because of disability, race, gender identity, immigration status, or financial struggles.
I know these barriers are real and acknowledging them isn’t admitting defeat; it’s the first step toward real change.
As we close out 2025, I’m reminded that our shared humanity is what binds us together. We need to listen more, challenge exclusion wherever we see it, and support systems that honor dignity, accessibility, and justice for all.
Human Rights Day isn’t just a date on the calendar, it’s a promise we renew, year after year, to build a world where everyone truly belongs. Let’s commit to upholding the dignity and rights of every person as we move forward into the new year.