We see ourselves as participants in community conversations and drivers of new ideas.

Where it makes sense, we distill information into community resources. We also create forums for learning, like a community lending library and a yearlong study on Othering and Belonging. These are ways we enjoy collaborating and contributing to the community.

Purpose of Study   
To examine the sentiments of othering and belonging in the community of greater Pasadena. And to provide a current snapshot of resident-centric beliefs for the benefit of city governance, NGOs, and residents in future planning and policy making.
Core Questions Being Addressed in Study

• What are the dominant narratives driving residents’ sense of identity and belonging within their communities?
• Where are the differences in perceptions of opportunity for a good quality of life?
• Where are the perceived areas of need (met or unmet) within the community?
• How do people engage (or not) with civic/political life?

Approach
Phased interviews and focus groups synthesized with publicly available data to measure:

1. Perceptions of need within the community in areas of:
   1. Community cohesion
   2. Representation within policy decisions
   3. Community supports
2. Narratives around
   1. Race / inter-racial dynamics
   2. Community identity
   3. Personal safety
3. Perceptions of possibility for self within:
   1. Economic opportunity
   2. Impact in spheres of power/influence
   3. Quality of life

Outputs
Synthesized data and insights to be used as input into ongoing community discussions and planning. Recommendations will be made as to the applicability of the study’s reporting to relevant audiences. The study and its results will be made publicly available and will be seen as the first iteration of a longitudinal study taking place every 5 years.