Narrative Strategies for Belonging
Narratives shape how we understand the past, make sense of the present, and imagine the future. But what exactly is narrative, and how does it influence feelings of belonging or non-belonging? A new digital library —created by a Narrative Community of Practice co-led by OBI and the Center for Inclusion and Belonging at the American Immigration Council— offers a curated collection of resources exploring narrative change. Whether you’re just beginning to explore how narratives shape our world or are a seasoned practitioner, this collection provides essential tools and insights to strengthen your work and support a more inclusive, pluralistic democracy.
Image credit: Artwork by Nina Yagual for Amplifier.org and Belonging Begins with Us |
Normalizing the Exceptional: Migration Governance and the Authoritarian Turn
Migration debates may feel repetitive, but beneath the surface, profound changes are underway. Policies justified in the name of “control” are reshaping rights and governance in ways that echo democratic erosion worldwide. At the same time, public opinion is fluid—shifting between fear and opportunity, challenge and benefit. Míriam Juan-Torres' latest Connecting the Dots piece unpacks how migration is not a temporary issue to be managed, but a defining reality shaping democracy—past, present, and future.
Disclaimer: The ideas expressed in this essay are not necessarily those of the Othering & Belonging Institute or UC Berkeley, but belong to the author. |
Get ready for our 2026 Othering & Belonging Conference!
We'll soon be announcing registration for our 2026 Othering & Belonging Conference happening in Louisville, Kentucky on April 1-2, 2026! Check our our website for the latest updates on our conference. |
Impact Story: Bridging in the biosciences by building a better environment
This coming Friday, Sept. 5, our Campus Bridging Project and Berkeley's Graduate Division will host a Biological Sciences Bridging event in the Valley Life Sciences Building. From noon to 3 p.m., the lunch gathering will bring together students, faculty, and staff to share stories of their experiences in science and to build a culture of collaboration across departments. Our latest impact story profiles this initiative from the perspectives of the people behind it.
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Structural racism explained in 101 seconds
Berkeley News recently produced this short explainer video featuring OBI Assistant Director Stephen Menendian breaking down structural racism, which is the topic of his new book. In this 101 in 101 video, a series that challenges UC Berkeley scholars to explain their field in 101 seconds, Stephen explains how most of the mechanisms that form structural racism –– like mass incarceration –– have taken shape in the post-Civil Rights era. Watch this video here, read a related Berkeley News interview with Stephen here, and learn more about his new book here.
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Impact Story: Renewing my commitment to the power of connection
We recently wrapped up our 2025 summer fellowship program with an outstanding cohort of inspiring young changemakers. One of the fellows, Anjali Pajuri, summed up her experience and collected testimonies from others in her cohort in this recent impact story we published. "Far from the silent summer I envisioned, the last 14 weeks have served as a constant source of inspiration, and I’m truly looking forward to applying the skills I’ve gained in research and community-building to my life post-fellowship," Anjali writes.
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Letter: Stop Starving Gaza
A few weeks ago a number of OBI staff members authored an urgent letter calling for an immediate end to Israel's forced starvation of Palestinians in Gaza. We invited our colleagues at other departments, centers and organizations inside and outside of Berkeley and the general public to add their names to the letter, repost it to their websites, and speak out publicly on this moral calamity happening before our eyes in Gaza. The letter remains open for you to add your name to, which you can do at the bottom of this page.
Disclaimer: The ideas expressed in the letter and in this email post are not necessarily those of the Othering & Belonging Institute or UC Berkeley, but belong to the signers. |
(En)Gendering Authoritarianism report launch
Join the Othering & Belonging Institute and Over Zero next Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 8am PT / 11am ET for the launch of a new report, "(En)Gendering Authoritarianism: A Six-Strategy Framework Examining How Political and Cultural Leaders Weaponize Gender in Ways that Advance Authoritarianism." The report, which will launch on the same day as our event, explores how political and cultural leaders weaponize gender to advance authoritarianism.
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+ IN THE NEWS -
OBI Director john a. powell was recently interviewed on this "Our State of Education" podcast, to discuss how we can come together across political, racial, and social divides to improve education in Michigan. Have a listen.
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+ WORK WITH US We currently have two staff positions open:
Check our website regularly for the most up-to-date information on job vacancies. |
We are clearing out our conference merch store to make room for new items we'll be releasing at next year's Othering & Belonging Conference. Here's your chance to grab some merch at 50% off! Grab your swag before it runs out. |
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Together, we can make belonging the norm, not the exception. – The Othering & Belonging Institute |
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