That idea of an invitation really resonates. Removing barriers may create access, but belonging asks us to go further — to actively show people that they are wanted, valued and that their presence enriches the space. #LTHEchat

Q3 - How much responsibility do educators have for creating belonging and what can we actually do through our everyday teaching?

Reply with A3 #LTHEChat and your response @ifawolowo.bsky.social

Absolutely. I love the idea that belonging requires neither permission nor invitation. It is about knowing your presence and contribution are valued, not feeling like you have to keep proving you belong. #LTHEchat

A1 - in my current workplace. The warm welcome, the enthusiasm for my work and recognition. It all helps with creating that sense of belonging. #LTHEchat

I really like this distinction. Inclusion can give you a seat at the table, but belonging is about feeling that who you are matters once you are there. It is relational — being known, valued and able to bring your whole self into the space. #LTHEchat

A2 Inclusion is about being invited in and belonging is about feeling accepted, valued, and recognised as a member of the community. #LTHEchat

A2 interesting (just finished a paper on this topic-inclusion is just presence (whether or not you're given voice, opportunity, sponsorship, etc.) Belonging involves relational dynamics, advocacy, understanding, voice & real opportunity. It's very rare for some @ifawolowo.bsky.social #LTHEChat

Hello everyone from near Birmingham 🙂 #LTHEchat

A2 - IMHO you can be included in the way that there is consideration in the planning of activities/running of things, but if there's no human/social interaction with you as a person, with interests, hopes etc, then I'm not sure you can feel you belong. #lthechat

What a wonderful full-circle moment. There is something powerful about returning to a place that shaped you and realising you can now help shape others. Feeling valued and useful can be such a strong foundation for belonging. #LTHEchat

A2 Geniunely belonging is being accepted and valued for who you are, and what you uniquely bring. No permission is needed, nor invitation. #LTHEChat

Absolutely. Being seen is central to belonging, but it must go beyond visibility. It is also about having voice, opportunity and meaningful access to the spaces where decisions are made. #LTHEchat

That's wonderful Mirena #LTHEchat

A2 It strikes me as the difference between barriers and taking an interest. One puts it all on you, the other is more of an invite. #LTHEchat

I really like this. Belonging is often connected to agency—the feeling that we are there because we choose to be, rather than simply because we are expected to be. That freedom can completely change how we engage with a space. #LTHEchat

What do those spaces look like Yaz? #LTHEchat

A1 In a previous role, working in a team of eight, teaching on a PGCert Academic Practice. The way the Programme Director and the team created psychological safety, by allowing us to be both ourselves and have a sense of belonging to the team. This helped our 125 students too. #LTHEChat

So true. There is something incredibly powerful about being known by name. It says, “I see you, you matter, and your contribution is valued.” Sometimes belonging begins with something as simple as that. #LTHEchat

A1 friendship with peers, responsiveness to ideas and interests, encouragement, impact #LTHEchat

A1 When other attendees spoke/engaged with me, my input was welcomed and respected. There was warmth to the engagement and a level of personal interest in me. #lthechat