The Vision for a Belonging Society
Dr. Cordell Carter, Founder of the Aspen Institute's Project on Belonging, shares his inspiring vision for a belonging society with Rhodes Perry on Imagine Belonging.
In 2020, current US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy authored, Together, a powerful treatise on the “lethal” impact of loneliness and the benefits of human connection. Drawing on rich science, compelling personal stories, and beautiful prose, it explores the high costs of loneliness and considers how individuals, societies, and governments can tackle the problem by promoting human connection by building a belonging society.
The book discovered one of the most common underlying themes of ill health was loneliness, without exemption by wealth, education, or accomplishments. The Surgeon General labeled this as an epidemic and said:
Loneliness and isolation have been an underappreciated public health crisis that has harmed individual and societal health.” He went on to say that human relationships – connection and belonging – are the medicine that can allow us to heal and live healthier, more fulfilled, and productive lives.
In the Belonging Membership Community, we recognize that one important ingredient to building this belonging society is the role of the workplace. Sadly, building belonging cultures at work has yet to take root – it’s a stretch for some of us to even permit ourselves to imagine what a belonging workplace can look and feel like on a full sensory level. As George Washington Carver once said, “without vision, there can be no hope.”
Fortunately, Dr. Cordell Carter, Founder of the Aspen Institute’s Project on Belonging, joined the Imagine Belonging Podcast and shared his vision of what a belonging society can be. He also talked about the role of the workplace in helping to activate this vision. Dr. Carter is a transformative leader in championing democracy, DEIB, and promoting the greater good. He serves as the Aspen Institute’s Founding Director of the Project on Belonging, and his career journey is as diverse as it is impressive, spanning roles at the White House, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and IBM.
The conversation supports DEIB professionals, along with other executives, and those on their way to joining us, by defining a clear vision for a belonging society. Topics explored during this episode include:
Dr. Carter’s calling to serve as the Founding Director of the Aspen Institute’s Project on Belonging.
The importance of having a vision, even if that vision feels elusive, and how it can make what feels impossible become a reality.
The threat of not addressing the global epidemic on exclusion and loneliness, and how building a belonging society and upend it.
Savor this insightful talk, and if you’re looking for more ways to connect with inspiring leaders like Dr. Carter, register for the Winter Belonging Circle on February 29th. There, Dr. Carter will join us for a special screening of his documentary, The Road Trip to Belonging, and I hope you’ll be able to join us then!
Thanks for growing the #BelongingMovement!