The Power of Belonging!
Everyone needs to feel a sense of belonging. A sense of belonging is not just a "nice-to-have," it's a fundamental human need that influences mental health, productivity, organizational effectiveness, and overall happiness.
The PROBlem is all around us...
What's the Problem?
We smile, take selfies, and live our best lives online. However, in churches, schools, and companies across the country, the evidence shows that a sense of isolation and hopelessness is often the reality. The lack of belonging shows up in all populations: Students perform poorly, young adults experience increased anxiety and depression, employees don't reach their full potential, the elderly feel discarded, and veterans feel disregarded. It's no secret that our country is in an epidemic of isolation and loneliness. But YOU have the power to make a difference and impact BELONGING!
Assess and Activate!
Founder, Danese Turner, often says, "We all have different roots. But we have the same basic need to belong and to feel connected on the tree of life." In fact, research shows that individuals who do feel valued and safe in a given setting are more likely to succeed in school, perform better at work, and experience better mental health outcomes. But when a sense of community and belonging are lacking, the opposite is true for both young and old--especially in the church, where love and fellowship should abound.
We can help!
- We begin with a brief pre-workshop consultation with stakeholders to assess your specific needs and goals.
- We then design a solution and deliver an interactive workshop with measurable objectives that align with yours.
We offer three workshop levels. Each one promises to empower your staff, leaders, or members with winning strategies to activate and instill a lasting sense of belonging within your community of practice.
What you will learn:
Promote Inclusivity
Inclusivity is not a buzz-word, it is a Super Power! Develop and implement policies that ensure all individuals, regardless of background, feel welcomed. Inclusivity should be embedded in the fabric of your organization's culture.
Learn Active Listening
Gain strategies that encourage open dialogue by actively listening to the thoughts and feelings of those you serve to create a safe space where everyone feels valued and understood.
Engage in Insightful Activities
Learn impactful ways to help others understand WHY belonging is critical by DOING the work. You'll engage in activities that promote interaction, team-building, and strengthening connections that foster a sense of community.
Who Can Benefit from our Workshops?
Most children, youth, and young adults spend a considerable amount of time with church, ministry, scouting, organization and club leaders, as well as coaches. Often, young people are with adults in extra-curricular activities more waking hours than with parents. Consequently, these leaders and coaches must create an environment of belonging, especially with age groups that experienced the pandemic. The pandemic crisis greatly impacted young people, with many experiencing isolation and disconnection from their peers and community due to lockdowns and social distancing measures. As we continue to navigate past the challenges of the pandemic, it is crucial that youth leaders prioritize creating a sense of belonging within their communities and making sure every student feels valued. Special strategies are imperative.
HR Professionals are called on to actively listen to workers' thoughts and feelings. By actively listening, they show that they value each individual's opinions and perspectives. This creates a safe space for open communication. But active listening is just one of many methodologies that must be practiced when dealing with adults who feel isolated or disconnected.
Today many people experience isolation which can have detrimental effects on mental health, as human beings are social creatures who thrive on connection and relationships. Social Workers/Program Managers must understand the importance of fostering a sense of belonging among people to promote overall well-being.
Story
Workshop Origin Story
The idea of The Power of Belonging Workshop was birthed after a trifecta of events. After working with curator, Lisa Yolanda George, to promote the “Unplugged for Self-Care” Exhibit; preparing to deliver a Leadership Development segment for her Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Chapter (Alpha Alpha Psi Omega Chapter); and also planning for the kick-off meeting with Worship Arts Ministry leaders at Turner Chapel AME Church in Marietta, GA where Danese serves as Worship Arts Director, the lightbulb went off! Danese saw the critical NEED for people in general, and especially for youth and young adults, to be connected and to BELONG, fostering stronger bonds and positive relationships. After the WXIA TV appearance promoting the exhibit, one of her good friends and "pusHers" brought up the idea to Danese for a "mental wellness" conference, but Danese knew that this was merely confirmation for her vision to tackle the deeper issue, which affects our mental wellness: BELONGING.
And in November 2024, the first Power of Belonging Workshop was held with four dynamic and gifted facilitators. Facilitators and guests gave great feedback and insight. This was further confirmation that workshops, of varying degrees, were needed for a wide-range of audiences--wherever people work, play, and serve.
Who should schedule a workshop?
The Evangelist of belonging
Lead Facilitator
Danese Frazier turner
Instructional Coach, Storyteller, and Writer
Danese Turner is a gifted writer and storyteller with over 30 years of experience in corporate communication, content and leadership development, and instructional design. She has the unique ability to bring any vision to life. She has written, produced, and co-directed over 20 stage productions, which have been seen by thousands. Danese gives leadership to youth and adults in the Worship Arts Ministry at Turner Chapel AME Church in Marietta, GA. She is also an Instructional Coach for teachers and teacher candidates through the Global Campus of Davenport University (Michigan).
In addition to her work in ministry and education, Danese has been recognized as a dynamic creative consultant. She recently served as the Creative Consultant for the "Unplugged for Self-Care" exhibit, curated by Lisa Yolanda George, founder of ConnectingYou To…PR Corp. Danese promoted the event across media outlets such as ATL Live on Atlanta News First, Praise 102.5 FM's "The Neiko Flow Show," “Perspectives with Condace Pressley,” heard on various FM radio stations, and "Atlanta & Company" on WXIA 11 Alive. Danese is also the founder of The Purpose & Power Connection, LLC.
In November 2024, she convened the first Power of Belonging Workshop, featuring three other expert facilitators: Kelley Brown, a mental health Clinical Director and founder of Joy in Motion; Traci Cook, a Public Health Analyst and founder of Arts2Health2Wellness, and Janice Taylor, Leadership Coach and International speaker. The debut interactive workshop provided practical strategies for fostering belonging and deeper connections and helped attendees go back to their various communities and do the same. The workshop received rave reviews and all involved felt the impact and the ongoing need for more to promote improved mental health and wellbeing.
In fact, as she wrote the script for the 2025 Spring Production presented by the Worship Arts Ministry of Turner Chapel, "No Place Like Home," she clearly weaved in a profound message of the importance of having "a tribe," a family, not necessarily formed by blood. The high-energy stage production and "Homecoming" was both moving and motivational and every packed audience connected and related to the message.
Danese Turner is committed to being "The Evangelist of Belonging" and having the same impact from the debut workshop and "No Place Like Home, " felt on a wider scale!
What people are saying about their Power of Belonging experience...
Here are just a few testimonials from attendees of our workshops:
"What a blessed, inspiring, and educational day. Thank you and all the speakers today, especially for allowing me to share this experience with my friend. We learned so much." - A. Dangerfield-Lewis, Parent Facilitator
"The Power of Belonging workshop was relevant, enlightening, and thought-provoking. In the current age of a culture that is disconnected and increasingly isolated, understanding the importance of and facilitating belonging is of the utmost importance, in efforts to improve mental health and well being. This workshop is beneficial for those working with youth in addition to those in any workplace or community agency. The presenters were knowledgeable, succinct, and engaging. I would recommend this training to all who want to make an impact in increasing a sense of belonging in their community environments." - Dr. D. Milligan, Elementary School Counselor
"Blessings on such a wonderful workshop. Just what the world needs. Embrace the Journey."
- Paula G. Voice (aka "Lady Wisdom"), TV and Radio Host
Taking the Self-Care Message to the Community
ATL & Co
with Host, Cara Kneer and Celebrity Photographer, Jus Jenean
aTlanta Live
with Kynnedi Jefferson and Hosts, Becky Sattero & Jobina Fortson-Evans
Praise 102.5
with Kynnedi Jefferson on the "Neiko Flow Show"
Book a Workshop and Get Empowered!
Starting your journey to help others feel accepted, valued and connected begins with a call to assess your needs, the number of expected participants, and the optimal workshop for your group. Call us at 404.668.3012.
After a date and the workshop type is established, you can pay here using PayPal or a debit or credit card (processing fees included). For check payments or P.O. requests, please discuss this during your initial consultation.
Note: Your date is not secured until a payment is made.
Three workshop levels available to help you actualize BELONGING!
We tailor our workshops to the needs of your organization and stakeholders. After the initial consultation, an overview of the curriculum and learning objectives, terms and conditions, and a contract will be provided to you.
Please note: If the event cannot be held at your site, then you, as the host, are responsible for the venue cost and additional expenses.
Click here to reserve The Essential Workshop
The Essential Workshop - Watering
$
1200
2.5 hours
25 Attendees max
1 Lead Facilitator
The Deeper Dive Workshop - Pruning
$
2500
4 hours
60 Attendees max
2 Facilitators
Pre-event Assessment with 1 - 2 Leaders/Key Stakeholders
The Growth experience - HARVESTING
$
6000
Full Day
125 Attendees max
3-4 Facilitators
Pre-event Assessment Survey with attendees
Post-event evaluation and follow-up consultation
Planting the Seed $500
Activate the Power of Belonging at your
next event with Danese Turner, The Evangelist of Belonging, as a panelist, moderator, guest speaker, or subject matter expert (SME).
Please call for corporate event pricing.
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