Thought Piece: What Does It Mean to Belong? Youth Voices Offer Us Their Perspective

By: Bailey Rivera-Wymes

Belonging isn't just about being seen, it’s about being safe, supported, and truly valued.

That’s the message from dozens of Utah teens who participated in our recent qualitative study, What Does It Mean to Belong?: Listening to Youth Voices. Through honest, vulnerable conversations, youth shared where they feel they do belong and where they don’t.

Across four varying communities, one theme stood out: belonging happens through relationships. Whether it was a coach who cared, a peer who spoke their language, or an after-school space that offered comfort, belonging was rooted in connection.

But youth also told us where belonging breaks down. Many described school environments where they felt invisible or stereotyped. Others opened up about watching their immigrant parents work grueling jobs without dignity or protection. Since these themes came up across all focus groups, could this be indicative of a larger systemic issue? 

We need to expand how we define belonging. It’s not just about fitting in, it’s about being able to show up fully and help shape the spaces we live, learn, and grow in.

"It’s not rejection—it’s more about mutual understanding," one youth told us. "Acceptance and safety, feeling comfortable in the space that you interact with."

Want to build belonging in your school or community space? Start by listening. Youth are already telling us what they need.

Read the full What Does it Mean to Belong?: Listening to Youth Voices report here.