The Significance of Belonging and the Benefits of a Stakeholder Approach in Policy Decision-Making
Recapping the First Public Screening of "Homesick" in Nashville, TN
One week ago today, I traveled to Nashville, TN, as Love Beyond Walls partnered with Christ Cathedral, Open Table Nashville, and Urban Bicycle Food Ministry to host the first public screening of the documentary “Homesick” in one of the cities where the film was shot.
Below is a recap video from that experience that also includes testimonials of what people thought about the film:
Immediately after the screening, we hosted a panel discussion on public policy and the importance of using a stakeholder approach to develop healthy solutions to aid and stand in solidarity with those without an address.
A stakeholder approach to policy decision-making involves considering and engaging with the various individuals, groups, and organizations affected by a particular policy or issue.
It aims to incorporate the perspectives, concerns and needs into the decision-making process. This approach is particularly beneficial when passing policies that could harm those experiencing poverty because it ensures that their voices are heard, and their interests are considered.
My talk introducing the film focused on belonging because belonging creates space for all to be seen, affirmed, and included in the Beloved Community.
In essence, belonging is revolutionary because belonging seeks to build longer tables instead of taller walls.
On the panel, we talked about how the unhoused community, not just in the State of Tennesee but worldwide, faces a significant threat to their sense of belonging when laws aim to sanitize them publicly from public spaces.
I greatly appreciate King’s exploration and expansion of Josiah Royce’s concept of the Beloved Community. King grapples with the language of this phrase to confront issues of injustice and advocate for the civil and human rights of those targeted and excluded. Through his profound engagement with this concept, King delves into the depths of social inequality and strives to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
Belonging within the framework of the Beloved Community entails recognizing the inherent worth of every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances—even if they are without an address.
It requires actively working towards constructing a society that values equality, compassion, and social harmony. When viewed through the lens of the Beloved Community, belonging becomes a powerful and transformative force, aiming to dismantle divisions and cultivate a shared sense of purpose and responsibility for the well-being of all members of society.
Tennessee’s current public policy poses various threats to the sense of belonging for individuals experiencing homelessness:
Firstly, laws like the one in TN reinforce societal stigmatization and exclusion of individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness. By aiming to remove people from public view, these laws communicate that the unhoused community is unwanted and unworthy of participating in the broader community. This intensifies their feelings of marginalization and increases their isolation from the social fabric that nurtures a sense of belonging.
Secondly, the public sanitation approach undermines the opportunity for meaningful social interactions and connections essential for fostering a sense of belonging. Public spaces are vital as meeting grounds where people come together, engage in activities, and build community bonds. When laws seek to displace the unhoused community from these spaces, it restricts their ability to develop relationships, hindering their social cohesion and integration opportunities.
Third and last, the displacement caused by such laws denies the unhoused community the chance to form relationships, establish support networks, and engage in community activities. This perpetuates their alienation and impedes their capacity to cultivate a strong sense of belonging. By depriving them of these opportunities, these laws further isolate and marginalize individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness, making it even more challenging for them to find a sense of belonging in society.
Belonging is of utmost importance to individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness, as it serves as a fundamental pillar for self-worth, dignity, and personal growth. It is a deeply ingrained human need, integral to our well-being.
Without a sense of belonging, individuals can endure the harsh impacts of social isolation, leading to a significant deterioration in their self-worth and overall sense of value. Recognizing and nurturing a sense of belonging becomes essential in restoring their humanity and fostering their personal development.
When laws target vulnerable individuals and aim to erase their presence in public spaces, they effectively strip away their sense of identity and rightful place in society.
I want to give a special shoutout to all sponsors, including Christ Cathedral, Urban Bicycle Food Ministry, and Open Table Nashville.
If you would like to view the film, check it out [HERE]
If you want to explore homelessness in the U.S., please consider checking out the book “I See You: How Love Opens Our Eyes to Invisible People.”
Explore my book “When We Stand: The Power of Seeking Justice Together” to delve into the profound impact of community involvement and collective action for social change.
Discover “All God’s Children: How Confronting Buried History Can Build Racial Solidarity” to gain insight into the significance of understanding the historical narratives that shape individuals and foster racial solidarity.
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