| Photo by Joel Avalos on Unsplash
NEW YORK — A new national study from the Center for Inclusion & Belonging at the American Immigration Council is reshaping the conversation about what it means to feel part of the American story. The Belonging Barometer, a first‑of‑its‑kind research initiative, measures how Americans perceive belonging in their daily lives — at work, in their communities, and in the broader civic fabric. Its findings reveal both troubling disparities and surprising areas of unity at a moment when polarization often dominates public discourse.
Designed to capture the emotional and relational dimensions of belonging, the Barometer goes beyond traditional demographic polling. It asks whether people feel seen, valued, safe, and able to contribute — the core conditions that shape how individuals engage with their communities and the country. The study surveyed thousands of respondents across race, age, geography, and political identity, offering one of the most comprehensive snapshots to date of how Americans experience inclusion.
One of the report’s most striking findings is that a majority of Americans — across political lines — report feeling a lack of belonging in at least one major area of their lives. While the reasons vary, the emotional impact is consistent: people who feel excluded are more likely to disengage from civic participation, report lower trust in institutions, and express pessimism about the country’s future.
Yet the Barometer also highlights areas of unexpected common ground. Respondents across ideological divides expressed a shared desire for stronger community ties, more respectful dialogue, and leaders who prioritize unity over division. The Center says this shared longing for connection represents an untapped opportunity for bridge‑building at a time when national narratives often emphasize conflict.
“Belonging is not a soft concept — it’s a measurable social condition that shapes how people engage with their communities and their country,” the Center noted in its summary of the findings. “When people feel they belong, they are more resilient, more collaborative, and more hopeful.”
The Barometer identifies several key drivers of belonging. Representation — seeing people like oneself in leadership roles — emerged as a major factor, particularly among younger Americans and communities of color. Voice — feeling able to express opinions without fear of dismissal — was another. Respondents also emphasized safety, both physical and psychological, as essential to feeling part of a community.
Immigrant Communities Show Complex Patterns of Belonging
For immigrant communities, the findings were especially nuanced. Many respondents reported strong belonging within their cultural or faith communities but weaker belonging in broader civic spaces. The Center says this pattern underscores the importance of local institutions — schools, workplaces, and community organizations — in shaping the everyday experience of inclusion.
Among Filipino Americans — one of the fastest‑growing Asian American groups — the Barometer’s insights resonate deeply. Many Fil‑Ams describe a dual reality: strong cultural belonging within family and community circles, but uneven experiences in broader civic or professional environments.
“Reading the Barometer felt like someone finally put numbers to what many of us quietly carry,” said one Fil‑Am community member. “You can be successful, hardworking, and deeply rooted in your Filipino identity, yet still feel like you’re navigating spaces where you’re not fully seen.”
Fil-Ams as Natural Bridge-Buildersfor Connection Across Divides
Another Fil‑Am respondent emphasized the opportunity the findings present. “The results don’t surprise me — but they give me hope. Filipinos are natural bridge‑builders. We know how to create community wherever we go. If leaders tapped into that strength, belonging wouldn’t feel so out of reach.”
The Center for Inclusion & Belonging hopes the Barometer will serve as a tool for policymakers, educators, and civic organizations seeking to strengthen the social fabric. To support that effort, the Center will host a research briefing on Sept. 29 at 3 p.m. titled Using the Belonging Barometer to Strengthen Communications. Interested readers can register now. The conversation will explore how the latest research can help organizations improve programs, engage residents, and make more informed decisions that strengthen belonging in their communities.
The briefing is expected to draw interest from community leaders, nonprofit organizations, and local governments — including those serving immigrant‑origin communities such as Filipino Americans. Many Fil‑Am civic groups have long emphasized cultural pride, intergenerational connection, and community service as pillars of belonging. The Barometer’s findings suggest that these strengths can serve as models for broader efforts to build inclusion across the country.
A Hopeful Path Toward a More Inclusive Future
Ultimately, the Belonging Barometer paints a complex but hopeful picture: Americans may feel divided, but they share a deep desire for connection — and a belief that belonging is possible. As the Center notes, “Belonging is not about erasing differences. It’s about creating a society where everyone feels they have a place.”
