As the summer draws to a close, it's a fitting time to reflect on my recent travels to the Walmart Racial Equity Convening and Belonging Summit and the Uplifting Black and Brown Lactation Success (UBBLS) Conference, hosted by Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere and the North Carolina A&T Pathway 2 Lactation Program, on the strides we've made in the fields of maternal and infant health, particularly within the WIC program. One of the most powerful frameworks guiding my work is the concept of “Belonging Without Othering,” articulated by renowned scholar John A. Powell. In his thought-provoking book, Powell explores how fostering a genuine sense of belonging—where everyone feels valued without the need to exclude others—can transform our communities and institutions.
At the heart of Powell’s message is the idea that belonging is a fundamental human need, one that transcends simple inclusion or diversity. Belonging goes deeper, requiring us to create spaces where individuals not only have a seat at the table but also feel that their presence is essential and valued. As Powell aptly puts it, “Belonging is not just about being included; it’s about being an essential part of the whole.” This concept is particularly relevant to the work we do at the National WIC Association’s Center for Innovation and Partnerships (CIP-WIC).
Belonging in Maternal and Infant Health
The WIC program has long been a cornerstone of maternal and infant health, providing essential nutrition and support to millions of families. However, access to WIC’s resources is often shaped by structural inequities that prevent some of our most vulnerable populations from fully benefiting from the program. Powell’s framework challenges us to move beyond simply ensuring access; it urges us to build a WIC program that actively fosters a sense of belonging for all participants, especially those who have historically been marginalized.
When we design WIC services with a focus on belonging, we address more than just the immediate needs of food and nutrition. We create a supportive environment where mothers and their children feel connected, supported, and empowered to thrive. This holistic approach is crucial for improving outcomes in maternal and infant health. It’s not just about providing food; it’s about creating entry points for access that are equitable, dignified, and affirming of each family’s worth.
CIP-WIC’s Vision: From EDI to Belonging
At CIP-WIC, our mission has always included promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within WIC and beyond. However, as we look to the future, we recognize that true transformation requires us to go further. By focusing on belonging, we can create a culture where EDI principles are not just policies or practices but are woven into the very fabric of our work.
This shift requires a new kind of leadership—one that prioritizes training and develoment centered on belonging. It involves equipping WIC staff with the tools and understanding they need to create inclusive, welcoming environments that honor the dignity and humanity of every participant. Through this lens, we can design a WIC program that not only meets immediate nutritional needs but also contributes to the long-term health and well-being of the communities we serve.
A Call to Action
As we close out this summer, let us envision a future where the WIC program is a model of belonging. A program where every mother and child feels seen, heard, and valued. A program that not only addresses disparities in access and outcomes but also builds strong, connected communities. This is the vision we are working towards at CIP-WIC—a WIC program designed for the outcomes that “we” want, outcomes rooted in the profound sense of belonging that Powell so eloquently advocates.
Let’s move forward together, from equity, diversity, and inclusion to a culture of belonging, where everyone has a place, and no one is left behind.
Written by: Stacy Davis, MPH, IBCLC, Director of CIP-WIC