Welcoming and Belonging in NH

Welcoming and belonging. We all want to feel as if we are welcoming. We all want to feel as if we belong. Welcoming and belonging seem to be two sides of the same coin. The question on the table today — “Is New Hampshire a welcoming place for diverse people such that they feel as if they belong”?

First, some definitions. Merriam-Webster defines welcoming as “to greet (someone) in a warm and friendly manner as in // She welcomed the students into her home.” Belonging is defined as “close or intimate relationship // as in a sense of belonging.“ How do we welcome people such that they feel they belong? By greeting them with a smile and warm tone of voice. Introducing them to others and to new ideas. Including them in conversations and activities. Providing equitable access to public resources and services. Acknowledging their contributions.

C.E. Garcia, in her article “Belonging in a predominantly White institution” described five primary characteristics of belonging:

1. Where I have a role or responsibility;

2. Where people look like me;

3. Where I am valued and cared for;

4. Where my racial identity and culture is recognized and valued; and

5. Where I share interests or values with others.

While the article was focused on race, I think most people would agree that these characteristics of belonging are applicable from more than just the perspective of race. How does this play out in our daily lives in New Hampshire?

U.S. News & World Report “Best States Ranking” New Hampshire is No. 4 in the nation for best places to live. This ranking measures healthcare, education, economy, infrastructure/environment, public safety (crime & corrections), fiscal stability of state government, and opportunity for residents. But does that translate to being a welcoming state where everyone feels they belong?

Healthcare: According to NH Health and Human Services reporting, African Americans and Latino citizens are twice as likely to contract Covid-19.

Education: The NH Department of Education reports that White students are 10% more likely to graduate from high school than African American students. ProPublica reports that white New Hampshire students are 2.5 times as likely to be enrolled in at least one AP class as students of two or more races.

Economy/Opportunity: The World Population Review reports that in New Hampshire, people of color are three times more likely to be in poverty than whites.

Infrastructure/Environment: While the physical infrastructure of the state does not seem to be discriminatory, the attitudes of many leaders and hate groups in this live free or die state create an atmosphere where people feel they cannot speak their minds or be themselves. The passing of recent bills such as HB2, which included the Right to Freedom from Discrimination statute and various abortion bans, have struck fear into many, including those of the predominant race.

Public Safety (Crime & Corrections): Black and Hispanic people make up 9% of arrests, although they are just 5% of the population.

Looking at those statistics through the lens of the characteristics of belonging we can answer the question: Is New Hampshire a welcoming state where people feel they belong?

1. Where I have a role or responsibility — New Hampshire seems to be doing well here with employment being representative across difference.

2. Where people look like me — the most recent census shows New Hampshire is becoming more diverse.

3. Where I am valued and cared for — the discrimination seen begs the question of whether diverse people feel valued and cared for. Many do. A disproportionate number do not.

4. Where my racial identity and culture is recognized and valued — the discrimination described begs the question of whether diverse people feel their racial identity and culture is recognized or valued. The passing of the “Right to Freedom from Discrimination” statute in the recent HB2 and HB1255 bring recognition and value of diverse people into question.

5. Where I share interests or values with others — this seems to be OK.

From this analysis, it would appear that New Hampshire is predominantly a welcoming state where diverse people feel they belong. But it also shows that we still have work to do to live fully into the sentiment we see on the signs on highways as we drive into New Hampshire that say “Bienvenue au Welcome to New Hampshire.” Research says that we are happier when we are welcoming — acting in service of others. I invite us all to consider how we can each be happier and make our fair state truly live up to that welcome. 603