I appreciated reading about the economic and demographic shifts in the Sierra linked to the notion of belonging. Yep, it isn't news that lifeways and lifestyles are changing in the mountains, along with cultural norms and the social fabric that sustained a certain type of community life. But drawing the connection between community change and a sense of belonging to a place isn't something you read about everyday. At least I don't. And I'd like to. Because I am curious about what it is that causes one to feel a tangible sense of belonging somewhere or to some place or group of people. What is it that gets us from feeling like outsiders to feeling like insiders, or at least part of something larger--be it a meadow, a town, a region, or a group of folks. How to get from here to there? I think it is an interesting question, especially for the Sierra towns that are exploding at the seams with new sub-division residents, vacation home owners, and tourists. The scene is definitely set for tension between newcombers and oldtimers as well as between folks living close to the land without much spare change and 2nd and 3rd homeowners with plenty of disposable income. The economic forces pushing the changes isn't going to slow anytime soon. So it seems wise to consider how to bring folks together, build community, and strengthen a sense of belonging to both a place and to one another in a place. I agree with Catherine that participation in community efforts is one key way to foster belonging. What are some other ways to it?