The CI Aggregator is a compilation of recent stories regarding the hockey world, The Carnegie Initiative, our Board members, other industry influencers, similar organizations doing work to change the culture of the game, related issues, and anything aligned with our important mission to make hockey more inclusive, supportive, and welcoming to all.
A new edition is posted each Friday.
Please feed us news! We welcome submissions to be considered for the weekly “CI Aggregator. Send stories to “[email protected]” with “CI Aggregator” in the subject line.
WEEKLY RECAP: Friday, August 18, 2023
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Interest in girls hockey continues to grow throughout Ohio and beyond
Alese Underwood, Spectrum News 1, Aug. 18, 2023
Despite it still being a very male-dominated sport, these days more and more young girls are lacing up their skates, putting on jerseys, and scoring key positions on hockey teams.
There’s nothing like the feeling of hitting the ice and scoring a goal.
“It’s a really, really good feeling to score. Your whole team cheers you on,” said Rory Bisgaard.
14 year old Rory Bisgaard has been playing hockey since she was four.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve played your whole life or for the last few years like 13 year old Sarah Kraus, girls are carving out their spot.
USHL has produced some of NHL’s top talent. Is it hockey’s best junior league?
Allan Mitchell, The Athletic, Aug. 18, 2023
At the first universal NHL draft in 1969, 81 percent of the players were chosen out of the three major Canadian junior leagues. The OHL (OHA at the time) led the way, followed by the WCHL (now WHL) and QJHL (now QMJHL).
There were four American-born players chosen. One (Bobby Sheehan) came from the OHA, and three were college men.
Fast forward to this year’s draft and things have changed over the decades. If you include the U.S. National Development Team as part of the USHL, the number of players being drafted exceeds each of the Canadian junior leagues.
What’s more, the men who have funneled through the USHL aren’t fringe players, checkers and also-rans. Some of the USHL grads are among the elite players in the NHL today, with large amounts of forwards, defensemen and goalies of various quality marbled into NHL rosters and pipelines.
The question: Is the USHL hockey’s best development league? Is it close?
Proceeds from Panthers first 3 preseason games to benefit charity
The Florida Panthers Foundation and youth hockey in South Florida will be the beneficiaries of the team’s first three preseason games of 2023
David Dworkl, The Hockey News, Aug. 18, 2023
The Florida Panthers are doing something pretty cool during the team’s first three preseason games at FLA Live Arena.
On Thursday the Panthers announced that all money collected for tickets to Florida’s preseason doubleheader against the Nashville Predators on Sept. 25, as well as their game against the Carolina Hurricanes on Sept. 29, will benefit the Florida Panthers Foundation.
The team also said some of the donation-based admissions from the Carolina game will benefit the “growth of youth hockey and local hockey rinks in South Florida.”
“Carnegie Corner”
The Carnegie Initiative’s newsletter (Issue No. 5, Aug. 17, 2023)
The CI’s official newsletter includes a message from Bernice Carnegie, news, Q&A with Ken Gelman, an infographic about USA Hockey, a quote from NHL Senior Executive VP Kim Davis, and more.
USA names its hockey teams for series in Lake Placid
Lake Placid News, Aug. 17, 2023
USA Hockey announced on Sunday, Aug. 13 its rosters for the 2023 U.S. Collegiate Women’s Select Team and 2023 Under-18 Women’s Select Team. The teams were slated to compete in a three-game series with Canada on Aug. 16, 17 and 19 at the Olympic Center in Lake Placid.
The U.S. Collegiate women’s team features 12 forwards, eight defenders and three goaltenders. Six players on the team are from Minnesota and Michigan; three players hail from New York. Two players come from Missouri. Illinois, Massachusetts, Texas and Pennsylvania each have one player.
Three players are from the University of Wisconsin, which recently won the NCAA Women’s Ice Hockey National Championship, including Kirsten Simms of Plymouth, Michigan, Casey O’Brien of Aquinnah, Massachusetts and Vivian Jungels of Edina, Minnesota. U.S. Under-18 National team standout Joy Dunne, of O’Fallon, Montana is also on the roster.
“This is a talented group that we’re excited to compete with next week,” U.S. Collegiate team head coach Chelsea Walkland said. “We have a lot of dynamic collegiate players that we know will represent Team USA proudly.”
Following Launch Of New Pro League, Here’s Four Opportunities Soon To Follow
A single league will bring with it a deeper fan experience, from gaming to fantasy leagues, hockey cards, to betting, it’s all possible.
Ian Kennedy, The Hockey News, Aug. 17, 2023
With the launch of a single pro league, opportunities for enriched fan experiences are about to explode. This week, Cheryl Pounder was named the new play-by-play voice of EA Sports’ NHL 24. It was an exciting moment to finally have a woman’s voice calling the game, which includes international hockey for women. But as the new professional women’s league continues to prepare for their inaugural season, it also signals a moment of opportunity
Hurricanes’ Arena District Set For $1.1B Transformation
Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon will spend $800 million to redevelop areas surround PNC Arena.
Local governments in Raleigh, N.C. will fund $300 million of renovations to the arena.
David Rumsey, Front Office Sports, Aug. 17, 2023
The Carolina Hurricanes’ long-awaited renovations to PNC Arena represent a $1.1 billion transformation of the hockey venue and its surrounding footprint in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina.
With a new 20-year lease signed, $300 million will be spent by local authorities to upgrade the Hurricanes’ home ice, which also houses the N.C. State men’s basketball team. Team owner Tom Dundon will fund $800 million of redevelopment on the 80 acres surrounding PNC Arena during the life of the lease.
Mississauga hosting Canadian Blind Hockey camp
Toronto City News, Aug. 17, 2023
A number of blind and partially blind athletes of all ages have made their way to the annual Canadian Blind Hockey camp. Brandon Rowe was there and has that story.
Path Forward outlines organization’s commitment to ensure hockey is diverse, welcoming and inclusive for all.
Hockey Canada, Aug. 16, 2023.
Hockey Canada has published its first Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Path Forward, which includes a Commitment to Action statement that summarizes the organization’s ongoing work to drive long-term, sustainable change within the hockey ecosystem in Canada.
The EDI Path Forward highlights three key areas that may be customized to meet unique needs at all levels and regions in Canada: people, customer community and brand. In addition to the Commitment to Action statement, the document includes the guiding questions that led this important work, 13 objectives that will be addressed in the next two years and the Hockey Canada manifesto.
“Through this Path Forward, we want to re-affirm our commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion in the organization and throughout the Members across the country,” said Denise Pattyn, senior vice-president of people, culture and inclusion at Hockey Canada. “It is essential to creating an inclusive environment, to the growth and retention in the game across the country and using our platform for social impact.
“We strongly believe that building a diverse and inclusive culture is a journey, and I have every confidence that the leadership throughout the country will decisively lead us in the direction we need to go on this important work together.”
Rich Coppola, WTNH Hartford, Aug. 16, 2023
When Jeff Russell was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, he felt that Quinnipiac University’s ice hockey team could be the conduit to raising awareness.
Russell was a part of Hamden university’s first hockey team. The group, which won a national championship earlier this year, is now giving him a way to spread his message — and help end the disease.
Russell will strap on gear for Saturday’s “Over 40” alumni game, just as he did in the mid 1970s. Another alum, current assistant coach Joe Dumais, will help out with the game.
“He saw the affliction and said, ‘How could we help?’” Russell said.
Fans are invited to the over 40 game at 11 a.m., followed by the under 40 game. Both games will be at M&T Arena. There will also be the opportunity to take a photo with the national championship trophy.
This is the gayest World Cup ever (and no one’s batting an eyelid)
By Frances Vinall. The Washington Post. Aug. 16, 2023
There are several superlatives one could use to describe this year’s women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. It’s been really well-attended and really exciting to watch. And it’s really, really gay.
There are about 100 openly LGBTQ+ players and coaches across the tournament’s expanded 32 teams, according to counts by LGBTQ+ publications. One of those, Autostraddle, noted that the tournament “just might be the most openly queer sporting event in history.”
The impact for the queer community — not just here but around the world — can’t be underestimated, said Beau Newell, Pride in sport national program manager with ACON, an LGBTQ+ health not-for-profit.
“These women in the World Cup currently, they’re the catalyst for change. These athletes are proving that they can be their authentic selves and that doesn’t compromise their success,” he said.
Kelly Dyer Hayes interviewed by “Game Changers”
The Womens Sports Museum, LinkedIn Post, Aug. 16, 2023
On behalf of the Women’s Sports Museum, the latest episode of Game Changers, we had the pleasure of speaking with one of only six women to play men’s professional ice hockey. Kelly Dyer Hayes is a game changer in the sport of ice hockey in more ways than one.
Listen to the full episode and learn more about Kelly’s journey on the ice and off.
O’Rourke more than 1,155 miles through fundraising bike ride for blind
Longtime NHL referee enjoying ‘unbelievable experience’ on road from California to Chicago
Amalie Benjamin, NHL.com, Aug. 16, 2023
When Dan O’Rourke swung through Williams, Arizona, a city outside of Flagstaff, he popped into an antique shop. The longtime NHL referee started chatting with the woman who ran the shop, Donna Hovet. As he was about to walk out, she stopped him.
What are you doing here, anyway?
He explained that he was in the middle of his Route 66 Ride for Literacy, a bike ride along Route 66 from Santa Monica, California, to Chicago to raise funds for the National Foundation of the Blind and their BELL (Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning) Academy, a summer program of Braille and nonvisual skills that helps low-vision children with the skills and confidence to live independent lives.
NHL 24 ‘everything I love about hockey’, Makar says
Avalanche defenseman on cover of EASPORTS game, which will be available Oct. 6
Jon Lane, NHL.com, Aug. 16, 2023
Cale Makar is not just the cover athlete for EASPORTS NHL 24, he’s also a fan.
“NHL 24 represents everything I love about hockey,” the Colorado Avalanche defenseman said. “It is fast-paced, physical and a lot of fun. I can’t wait for fans to get their hands on the game to feel the intensity of NHL 24 for themselves.”
The wait is almost over, with the game becoming available Oct. 6 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
It will feature new animation-based reactions designed to create big moments during the game and allow players to create more turnover opportunities with bigger checks. Another enhancement is physicality with players able to break the glass and send their opponent to the bench.
Women’s Ice Hockey Names Olivia Fox Director of Hockey Operations
Fox spent last season with Boston University in a similar role
GoPSUSports.com, Aug. 15, 2023
Penn State women’s ice hockey head coach Jeff Kampersal announced the addition of Olivia Fox as the Nittany Lions’ new director of women’s hockey operations on Tuesday.
“Olivia can do it all” stated Kampersal. “She has playing experience, ops experience, and she is a social media presence. She is creative and productive.”
Fox previously worked at Boston University where she severed in the same role during the 2022-23 season. Prior to Boston University, Fox was at Dartmouth College where she served as the director of women’s hockey operations for three seasons and oversaw all aspects of the program’s game-day, travel, and equipment operations. Prior to arriving in Hanover, Fox served in the same role at RIT for one season.
2023 NAHL Showcase just one month away
NAHL.com, Aug. 15, 2023
The 20th annual North American Hockey League (NAHL) Showcase is just one month away and will be held from September 13-16, 2023, at the Super Rink in Blaine, Minnesota. All 32 NAHL teams will play between three and four regular-season games at the Showcase, which is one of hockey’s most prominent and popular events of the entire season and has become the ‘Greatest Show on Ice.’
All 64 NAHL Showcase games will be broadcast live and in HD through NAHLTV. Pricing and packages will be available soon.
“We continue to raise the bar and the 2023 NAHL Showcase will be our biggest and best one yet. It is a thrilling four days of competition and no other event in the hockey world brings people together like the Showcase. The opportunity it represents for our teams and players is one that unique to the NAHL, and we always look forward to seeing a new crop of players and talent showcase their skills. It truly is the Greatest Show on Ice,” said NAHL Commissioner and President Mark Frankenfeld.
Ranking the 5 greatest Black NHL players in league history
Cole Shelton, Sportkeeda, Aug. 15, 2023
The NHL had the first Black player in 1958 and since then, many Black players have gotten into the league and become Hall of Famers.
The first Black NHL player was Willie O’Ree and currently, it’s projected that only 3% of the league is Black. However, even with limited Black players, some of the league’s best players are Black.
How Many Black NHL Players Are There: Breaking Barriers on the Ice
JStationX
Ice hockey has long been associated with predominantly white players, but the game has seen a significant increase in diversity over the years. The National Hockey League (NHL) has made great strides in promoting inclusivity and breaking racial barriers. Today, there is a growing number of black players in the NHL, who have become role models for aspiring athletes from diverse backgrounds. In this article, we will explore the progress made and address some frequently asked questions about black NHL players.
1. How many black players are currently in the NHL?
As of the 2021-2022 season, there are approximately 50 black players in the NHL. The number continues to grow as more black athletes are drafted and make their mark in professional hockey.
2. Who was the first black player in the NHL?
Willie O’Ree, a Canadian forward, became the first black NHL player when he debuted for the Boston Bruins on January 18, 1958. O’Ree’s career paved the way for others and he is often referred to as the “Jackie Robinson of ice hockey.”
Local female hockey players say Pittsburgh is perfect for new pro team
Isabella Abbott, 90.5 WESA, Aug. 15, 2023
Three major sports teams play in the Steel City: the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Penguins, and the Steelers — all men’s teams. But news broke this summer that organizers plan to launch a new professional women’s hockey league — The North American league.
The top sites being considered for the new league are Washington, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Boston, New York, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and London, Ontario, according to one of the people who spoke to the Associated Press.
Although organizers haven’t officially announced where or when they’ll be starting the women’s pro teams, local hockey players and coaches are excited.
Disabled Hockey Event Calendar Set For 2023-24
Inaugural Toyota USA Hockey Warrior National Championship Set For April
USA Hockey, Aug. 15, 2023
A new Toyota USA Hockey Warrior National Championship is among the highlights of the list of national-level disabled hockey events scheduled for the 2023-24 season it was announced today by USA Hockey.
Set for the Ice Vault Arena in Wayne, New Jersey, from April 11-14, 2024, the Toyota USA Hockey Warrior National Championship is for athletes from both the warrior and standing amputee disciplines.
The Fall calendar of events will include Classics for Warrior, Sled, Special and Blind disciplines.
The USA Hockey Warrior Classic will take place Oct. 5-8, 2023, in Denver, Colorado. The Tampa Bay Lightning will play host to the USA Hockey Sled Classic, presented by the NHL, Nov. 16-19, 2023, in Wesley Chapel, Florida. The USA Hockey Blind and Special Classics are being held in conjunction November 17-19, 2023, in Chicago, Illinois.
The Toyota USA Hockey Sled National Championship will expand in 2024 to incorporate each level of sled hockey (including youth). The National Championship will be held April 18-21, 2024, at the Ice Line Arena in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Teams will be grouped into divisions by age and skill and will face off to be crowned the top sled hockey team in the country at each level of the sport.
Hawaii-born former hockey pro Jessica Koizumi looks to grow game with local clinics
By Brian McInnis Kapolei. Spectrum News, Aug. 15, 2023
The origins of Jessica Koizumi’s frigid career calling began in, of all places, Hawaii.
A childhood skating session at Ice Palace at age 7, just before her family moved to Minnesota, was a fond first memory of being on the ice. She loved it.
After some initial objections to the move to the frigid Midwest, Koizumi wanted to do what all the other kids were doing in the Land of 10,000 Lakes: hockey.
“I haven’t looked back since,” Koizumi told Spectrum News in a recent interview. “It encompasses my whole entire life. I have my best friends, my career, my education, everything came through the sport of hockey.”
After moving to California at 11 and playing with the boys until age 15, Koizumi went on to become an accomplished college athlete, a professional in the burgeoning North America women’s hockey leagues, and even a member of Team USA. She went on to be an assistant coach at Yale, Ohio State and Vermont for 13 years.
And now, Koizumi, 38, is returning to the islands in the hope of passing on some of what she learned to the next generation of local girls. It’s in line with her new career path of helping high schoolers in New England play at the next level.
Color of Hockey: Inaugural Black Girl Hockey Club Canada camp big success
Event in Toronto ‘extraordinary experience’ for 68 players from across North America
by William Douglas, NHL.com, Aug. 14, 2023
Kianna Saillant said she was in tears when she left the ice on the last day of Black Girl Hockey Club Canada’s summer camp in Toronto on July 23.
“I was so sad to leave,” Saillant said. “The last hour I was just crying. The camp meant the world to me, and it really changed my perspective on how important it is to have diversity in hockey.”
The 18-year-old forward from Winnipeg was one of 68 players of color from across Canada and the United States who attended the inaugural camp held by BGHC Canada, a free event held July 22-23 at the Canlan-York Sports Arena.
Sayora Tinker, BGHC Canada’s co-founder and executive director who played for Toronto of the Premier Hockey Federation last season, and Sophie Jaques, a former Ohio State University defenseman, led the camp.
Tennessee State hopes its new hockey program inspires other Black colleges to follow suit
Supported by NHL and Nashville, advocates view new team as step toward increasing diversity and equity in the sport
Mia Berry, Andscape.com, Aug. 14, 2023
When athletic director Mikki Allen announced in late June that Tennessee State would become the first historically Black college and university to create a Division I hockey program, he hoped TSU wouldn’t be alone.
“That’d be pretty cool if you had all the HBCUs that have a neighboring NHL hockey team that, you know, adopted this model that we’re going to create,” Allen told Andscape. “That was the wind behind this [decision] to advance the puck through Tennessee State, and we hope that other HBCUs will join us in this effort to have HBCU hockey teams all across the country.”
After successful expansion within the NHL over the last 30 years, advocacy organization College Hockey Inc., partnered with the NHL and NHL Players Association to lobby for collegiate hockey to undergo a similar expansion.
Peoria non-profit makes hockey accessible for everyone
The non-profit’s adaptive hockey team took part in the Arizona Cactus Cup Special Hockey Festival at AZ Ice Peoria with the aid of the Arizona Coyotes.
CBS 5, Aug. 14, 2023
Putting everything out on the ice, no matter anyone’s abilities, is made possible by a local non-profit. It’s Something Good when a local adaptive hockey team is supported by the Arizona Coyotes so players can play the game they love.
One Step Beyond, Inc. serves adults who have intellectual disabilities and this summer, they took part in the inclusive Arizona Cactus Cup Special Hockey Festival at AZ Ice Peoria with their local adaptive hockey team, the One Step Coyotes. Nine American Special Hockey Association adaptive hockey teams from across the western United States gathered here in Arizona to grow the game and connect for a weekend of fun, friendship and hockey at the festival.
Girls’ ice hockey team first of its kind in Knoxville
Smoky Mountain Lady Wild is Knoxville’s first ever elite girls ice hockey squad.
John Sartori, WVLT, Aug. 14, 2023
Fall means football season is here, but in Farragut, another playing surface is ready.
The Smoky Mountain Lady Wild 10 and under team are the first elite girls’ ice hockey squad to ever call Knoxville home.
“We’ve had girls come through this program,” said Lady Wild Coach Jeff Monckton. “But we’ve never had a path forward for them to stay here at home.”
A team of 20 girls makes up the Lady Wild roster. Their motivation for playing varies.
Coyotes Street Hockey League Set to Drop the Puck for Third Season
Program has doubled in size over last year as team plans continuous growth
Patrick Brown, Arizona Coyotes, Aug. 14, 2023
The NHL regular season is still a few months away, but kids in The Valley can already start getting their hockey fix.
The Coyotes Street Hockey League (CSHL) officially drops the puck on Saturday, marking its third season of play. The program officially kicked off last fall, sporting 27 participants in its inaugural season, and it has grown to 60 players spread across four teams.
Ankit Kumar, Sportskeeda, Aug 14, 2023
Wayne Gretzky’s trade to LA Kings had dire effects on his Oilers teammates
It was a fateful day in August, 1988 when Wayne Gretzky, often referred to as the “Great One,” was traded to the Los Angeles Kings. This trade, while shocking and unexpected, had far-reaching consequences that would reshape the landscape of the National Hockey League (NHL).
In a conversation on the NHL Network, former NHL player and then Oilers teammate Grant Fuhr provided a unique perspective as someone who experienced the repercussions of that monumental trade firsthand …
Fuhr acknowledged the team undoubtedly suffered a blow as they lost a player of Gretzky’s caliber. The departure of the superstar disrupted the team’s dynamic and, to a certain extent, signified the end of an era for the Oilers, who had enjoyed a period of unrivaled success with Gretzky leading the charge …
“Bad for us as a team. I think the bad thing is we kind of lost out as a team, but at the same time it’s been great.”As Fuhr pointed out, the long-term effects of Wayne Gretzky’s trade were, in fact, beneficial for hockey. The NHL’s expansion into Sunbelt markets and its growing global reach can be traced back to this watershed moment.
Ice hockey talent pool expanded in southern China
Overflowing potential
Lu Wenao, Global Times, Aug. 13, 2023
The ice hockey competitions at the National Winter Games, though rarely held in the summer, concluded in early August in Hulun Buir, North China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, as the spotlight surprisingly fell on teams from southern China.
Debutants Guangdong Province, whose women’s ice hockey lineup included several players affiliated with international teams such as national team captain Yu Baiwei, claimed their maiden national championship title as they won the seven-team competition.
“It allows more people to witness the charm of ice and snow in the summer. It’s our first experience participating in such an event during [the summer] season,” Yu told the Global Times. “I hope more people will watch our games, fall in love with ice hockey and even engage in the sport.”
Glenn Kittle, Abigail Murillo Villacorta, WGGB – Western Massachusetts, Aug. 13, 2023
For the 13th year, hockey players in western Massachusetts came together in support of the Kevin J. Major hockey tournament to raise money to provide AED and CPR classes to local organizations involved with youth.
19 hockey teams hit the ice for the annual Kevin J. Major memorial hockey tournament at the Olympia Ice Center in West Springfield.
The tournament in honor of Kevin Major, who died back in 2011 after suffering from cardiac arrest at the young age of 19.
Kev’s foundation’ was started by Kevin Major’s mother Susan Canning after her son’s death.
She told Western Mass News support for the foundation’s tournament continues to grow year by year.
Indigenous-led hockey camp starts sixth season in Warman, Sask.
Brooke Kruger, Global News, Aug. 11, 2023
An Indigenous-led summer hockey camp kicked off its sixth season in Warman, Sask., this week to teach young athletes how to love the game.
Coordinator Scott Daniels from Mistawasis Cree Nation said he started Daniels Hockey Camp because of his late father, a residential school survivor.
“He started playing hockey in school as a way to survive and to get better meals,” Daniels said. “After he left the school, he brought hockey to our family.”
HCF: Assist Fund in Action – Cyiza
Aug. 10, 2023
The Hockey Canada Foundation Assist Fund helped Cyiza Nsanzimana find a place where he belongs, make new friends and encourage his growth in the game at a higher level.
Click here to apply to the HCF Assist Fund.
Lalonde teaches Detroit youth at ‘rewarding’ Summer Street Hockey event
Red Wings head coach revealed a Learn, Play, Score participant will walk the Hockeytown Red Carpet at Home Opener; recapped busy offseason at Tuesday’s session
Jonathan Mills, DetroitRedWings.com, Aug. 9, 2023
Being the head coach of the Detroit Red Wings and the father of three children can be a balancing act for Derek Lalonde, but there are special times when those roles overlap.
On Tuesday morning, Lalonde and his son, Luke, visited the Crowell Community Center in northwest Detroit to help teach the basics of hockey to the city’s youth for the Red Wings’ third annual Street Hockey in the D: Summer Series, powered by Chevrolet.
“I think just exposing him to opportunities like this, he loved it,” Lalonde said about his son’s experience. “He was all smiles. This is rewarding for me and my son, as much as it hopefully was for the children.”
As part of the Red Wings’ groundbreaking Learn, Play, Score program, the seven-week clinic series is providing more than 300 metro Detroit youth ages 6-14 with an opportunity to learn more about hockey, along with fundamental life skills, in a fun, laid-back outdoor atmosphere at eight Detroit Parks & Recreation locations across the city this summer.
The Language Of “You Belong Here”
Mike Lipkin. Owner and President, Environics/Lipkin. LinkedIn Post, Aug. 9, 2023
You belong here.
Of all the compliments you can pay someone, “you belong here” IS the greatest –
In the age of peri-pandemic alienation, no matter what your job, your role is to make others feel like they belong. Until someone feels connected by a common bond or purpose, they operate in fear, uncertainty or doubt. They’re scared of messing up and being embarrassed or humiliated. Only once they feel part of the TRIBE, can they fully express their gifts and maximize their contribution. A single sentence or gesture from you can free people up to be great or constrain them to be self-protective.
Belong may be the most emotive verb in the English language. It’s both the cause and effect of happiness, love, belief and the realization of one’s dreams. It’s essential for feelings of safety, comfort, and joy. It refers to time, place, culture, relationship and mindset. It’s the difference between laying down roots or looking for somewhere else to go. Its absence condemns one to a life of fear, suspicion, and isolation. In short, it’s an essential aspect of the human experience.