In April 2024, Goodfellas Impact Coalition took an important step beyond Wimauma, traveling to Oakland, California, to participate in the Belonging Conference. This transformative three-day gathering brought together changemakers, community leaders, and advocates from across the country, all committed to building spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and included.
By attending workshops, keynote sessions, and engaging in deep conversations, our team gained new tools and insights on how to foster belonging in our own neighborhoods back home. We explored strategies for creating inclusive environments that honor every individual’s identity, culture, and lived experience—whether through community events, resource sharing, or storytelling.
The Belonging Conference reinforced what we already believe at Goodfellas: that real change begins when people feel they have a place, a purpose, and a voice. Armed with fresh ideas and a renewed sense of purpose, we returned to Wimauma inspired to deepen our work and ensure that everyone in our community knows they belong.
