Centering Belonging for NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation

Volunteer leaders and staff in NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation (NIRSA) aimed to establish shared norms for belonging, guided by recommendations from the Association's climate study conducted by 122 Consulting Group. The climate study precipitated the formation of an implementation team for justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion (JDEI). This case study explored stakeholders' perspectives about shared norms (diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and respect) for belonging, using multiple data points (historical context, JDEI trends, association reports, and focus groups) to ignite action. Analysis of these perspectives at in-person and virtual NIRSA educational sessions identified three themes: positive reception, action/accountability, and integration/ongoing engagement. The study provides valuable insights for association leaders to shape belonging initiatives by using shared expectations, thus effectively guiding actions based on the findings of a climate study. This study is essential for associations, and its findings can also empower members to drive similar initiatives on their respective campuses.