Defining Terms

Taking or being assigned responsibility for something that you have done or something you are supposed to do. (dictionary.cambridge.org)

Accountability is the acceptance of responsibility for one's own actions. It implies a willingness to be transparent, allowing others to observe and evaluate one's performance. (dictionary.cambridge.org)

A feeling of being happy or comfortable as part of a particular group and having a good relationship with the other members of the group because they welcome you and accept you. (dictionary.cambridge.org)

Belonging is the extent to which people feel appreciated, validated, accepted and treated fairly within an environment. (Belonging Through a Culture of Dignity, Cobb & Krownapple)

A group of people forming a smaller social unit within a larger one, and sharing common interests, work, identity, location, etc. Friendship between different people or groups, and a sense of having something in common. (dictionary.cambridge.org)

The way of life of a particular people, especially as shown in their behavior and habits, their attitudes toward each other, and their moral and religious beliefs. (dictionary.cambridge.org)

In organizations it is ‘the way we do things around here.' (Belonging Through a Culture of Dignity, Cobb & Krownapple)

The spectrum of individual differences and the corresponding group memberships and identities that human beings have in society. (dictionary.cambridge.org)

The range of human differences, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, social class, physical ability or attributes, religious or ethical values system, national origin, and political beliefs. (ferris.edu)

The condition of being equal, especially of having the same political, social, and economic rights.(dictionary.cambridge.org)

Equality is about ensuring that every individual has an equal opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents. (equalityhumanrights.com)

The quality of being fair, impartial, and just. The policy or practice of accounting for the differences in each individual’s starting point when pursuing a goal or achievement, and working to remove barriers to equal opportunity, as by providing support based on the unique needs of individual students or employees. (dictionary.com)

The condition of being oneself and not another. The condition or character as to who a person or what a thing is; the qualities, beliefs, etc., that distinguish or identify a person or thing. (dictionary.com)

A person’s sense of self, established by their unique characteristics, affiliations, and social roles. (berkeleywellbeing.com)

The practice or policy of including and integrating all people and groups in activities, organizations, political processes, etc., especially those who are disadvantaged, have suffered discrimination, or are living with disabilities. (dictionary.com)

Engagement within a community where the equal worth and inherent dignity of each person is honored. An inclusive community promotes and sustains a sense of belonging; it affirms the talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of living of its members. (Belonging Through a Culture of Dignity, Cobb & Krownapple)

The fact or quality of being done on purpose or with intent. An attitude of purposefulness, with a commitment to deliberate action. (dictionary.com)

The activity of thinking about your own feelings and behavior, and the reasons that may lie behind them. (dictionary.cambridge.org)

The mental process used to increase understanding of who you are, what your values are, and why you think, act, and feel the way you do. (toolshero.com)

The state of being open to injury or appearing as if you are. The quality of being easily hurt or attacked. (vocabulary.com)

Willingness to show emotion or to allow one’s weaknesses to be seen or known; willingness to risk being emotionally hurt. (dictionary.com)