What does it mean to belong? Current research suggests that a strong sense of belonging is a key characteristic of healthy and resilient communities. To this end, the Wyoming Nonprofit Network in collaboration with the Natrona Collective Health Trust aspires to catalyze a cohort of socially conscious changemakers within the Natrona County nonprofit community to embark on “Building Belonging.” Through a series of in-person and virtual learning experiences, community leaders will connect with one another, reflect on cultural norms and values, and create plans for positive change within their organizations. 

Participation in inaugural Building Belonging Cohort will be limited to organizations in or serving Natrona County. If your organization is not in or serving Natrona County and you are interested in future opportunities to participate in a similar learning cohort, contact Tess Mittelstadt.  

Cohort Learning Outcomes:

• Enhance understanding of the concepts of belonging, othering, social identity, and social equity in the context of Wyoming history and culture.
• Enhance understanding and apply knowledge of current trends, best practices, and relevant skills for advancing social change within nonprofit and community contexts.
• Create and employ an individualized action plan for personal and professional growth and changemaking.

Key Resources and Frameworks:

• Do the Work by Roxane Gay and Megan Pillow

Registration includes:

In-Person Cohort Session #1 (6 hours) - Friday, November 22, 2024 

Four Virtual Sessions – (1.5 hours each)

• Virtual Session #1 - Friday, January 17, 2025
• Virtual Session #2 - Friday, February 14, 2025
• Virtual Session #3 - Friday, March 14, 2025
• Virtual Session #4 - Friday, April 18, 2025

In-Person Cohort Session #2 (4 hours) - This session will be hosted at the Wyoming Nonprofit Conference in May 2025 at Little America Conference Center, Cheyenne, Wyoming. The Wyoming Nonprofit Conference registration fee and associated lodging are not included. Registration and attendance at the conference are encouraged, but not required.

Do the Work by Roxane Gay & Megan Pillow

Cohort workbook and supportive resources for virtual sessions

About the Facilitator 

Natawsha “Tawsha” Mitchell is a fifth generation Wyomingite with a deep commitment to community engagement and wellbeing. Utilizing her foundation in Western history from study at University of Wyoming and significant experience in nonprofits and P-16 education  Natawsha works with organizations and individuals to build cultural fluency and advance positive change. As a facilitator and educator, Natawsha emphasizes the strength of rural communities and power of local leadership. She is a certified facilitator with Colorado Humanities and holds related credentials in restorative practice education from the University of Oregon and University of Michigan. Natawsha is also certified in Mental Health First Aid, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, Green Dot Violence Prevention Education and more. In addition to her independent work across the Mountain West, Natawsha leads engagement strategy and inclusion initiatives at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Cohort is presented in partnership with Natrona Collective Health Trust.