The Belonging Project

Earlier in May of 2025, Joni Doherty, Senior Program Officer for Democracy and the Arts with the Charles F. Kettering Foundation, extended an invitation to attend an event at the Dayton Theatre Guild on Saturday, May 24, 2025. This was the first time vignettes from The Belonging Project would be shared publicly on stage. This partnership project with The Human Race Theatre Company and the Charles F. Kettering Foundation tells a story about Dayton, Ohio, using the words and memories from over 130 residents of the greater Dayton community. During numerous listening sessions, community members shared and reflected on stories about belonging, exclusion, and what a truly inclusive democracy would look like and feel like.

In the vignettes performed, an example listening session was presented, interspersed with individual story segments. The stories offered first-person accounts of cultural identity, neighbors, race, faith, and the fundamental human need to belong.

Interestingly, the vignettes beautifully highlighted how a strong sense of relatedness and belonging within any community can foster a greater willingness to engage, participate, and respond constructively to the needs of that community. By understanding the past and present practices, conditions, complexities, and consequences of belonging—and not belonging—perhaps we can all work to create more inclusive, supportive, and empowering environments where people feel motivated to contribute their unique gifts and perspectives. The work aligns with how Self-Determination Theory emphasizes “relatedness” as a key driver of intrinsic motivation and well-being. On the other hand, social exclusion (i.e. “othering” or “not belonging”) threatens psychological needs satisfaction, increases anger, and contributes to group polarization.

While The Belonging Project is an exploration of Dayton experiences which will eventually form the basis of a play, the project aims to give voice to Dayton citizens, exploring themes of community and belonging. It uniquely delves into questions of belonging and not belonging, as well as the concept of “othering” and ultimately aims to be a true reflection of contemporary America.Sierra Leone, Dayton’s first poet laureate and artist-in-residence at the Charles F. Kettering Foundation, is leading the project. Emily Wells, The Human Race Theatre Company Artistic Director, is directing with production assistance from Magdelen Silver.