Doors to Wellbeing invites you to join our monthly Peer Specialist Webinar Series. This FREE continuing education opportunity brings experts by experience to expand peer specialist skills, knowledge and best practices. The series is the last Tuesday of every month (except December) at 2pm ET/1pm CT/12pm MT/11am PT.
The Power and Importance of Belonging
Belonging is more than being included—it is a fundamental human need that shapes our emotional well-being, resilience, and sense of purpose. In this engaging one-hour webinar, participants will explore the science and lived experience of belonging, why meaningful human connection is essential to recovery and wellness, and how peer support fosters acceptance, hope, and community. Together, we'll examine the impact of belonging on mental health, identity, confidence, and personal growth while identifying practical ways to strengthen authentic connections in our work and everyday lives. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how creating spaces of belonging can transform individuals, relationships, and communities.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe 3 characteristics of belonging.
- Recognize at least 3 indicators that an individual may be experiencing a lack of belonging and discuss how these experiences can affect recovery and wellbeing.
- Demonstrate how peer support values and practices— mutuality, shared lived experience, and authentic relationships—can strengthen a person's sense of belonging.
- Create 1-2 action plans to cultivate belonging within their peer support practice, workplace, or community.
About the Presenter: Michael Nelson is Program Director of IDEYAS Training Academy of PA, a peer-led behavioral health organization. Michael is a seasoned certified Peer Specialist. Michael is the creative mind behind numerous trainings and workshops that he conducts throughout the state of Pennsylvania. Michael currently sits on the board of Montgomery County Human Services and also creates and implements trainings for Creating Increased Connection which is under the umbrella of Resources of Human Development (RHD). All his experience has made him a leader and educator in the field of Mental Health & Wellness.
This is part of Doors to Wellbeing's Peer Specialist Webinar Series.
