Reflections from the global summit on Belonging & Social Relations in the Age of Fragility.
In late September, a landmark global summit was hosted at the Vatican by The Office of the First Partner of California with Patronage from the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.
Titled “Belonging and Social Relations in the Age of Fragility,” the summit brought together leaders of government, philanthropy, research, and more. The two-day event served as a vehicle to discuss relational theories of human flourishing, the contemporary crisis of belonging, and the critical importance of nurturing connections in an increasingly fragmented world.
Coming together at the Vatican, attendees explored what it truly means to belong, the systemic failures of belonging (particularly for youth and marginalized groups), and practical policy solutions (drawing on innovative examples from California and beyond).
We were thrilled and deeply honored that Ray Green, Executive Director of IYT Sacramento, was invited by the First Partner of California to represent our organization, and deliver an address titled “Translating Service into Invested Social Capital Through Boys and Young Men.” Following his return from Rome, we sat down with him to discuss his reflections, and why the experience reaffirmed the urgency of IYT’s mission.
Ray Green delivers his address, Translating Service into Invested Social Capital Through Boys & Young Men.
Worldwide Stage, Local Impact
Standing alongside leading scholars, policymakers, and advocates at the Vatican was both a humbling and validating experience for him. "To be in a space with such incredible intellectuals and know that IYT was included, I felt honored. I felt humbled," Ray reflected. "For me, it opened my eyes to the power and the need for belonging. I understood it from a programmatic lens, but I walked away with a clear sense that it really does tie the fabric of humanity together."
Mentorship as Medicine: The Science of Belonging
Throughout the panel discussions and keynote lectures, one message resounded clearly: the profound biological, psychological, and social impact of human connection. For Ray, hearing scientific research align so closely with the day-to-day work of IYT was powerful.
"We heard repeatedly about the transformative impact of mentorship during the most critical time of development," Ray shared. "During the formative years, we have the power to literally transform lives. I’ve always known this work is sacred, but it made it really clear that not only is the work sacred, it’s necessary. Not just for Sacramento or California, but for humanity."
In one particularly memorable session, Ray recalled how the speaker described mentorship as a biological and social necessity.
"They explained that mentorship, and creating that sense of belonging, is medicine," he shared. "It made me think about why we do what we do. For me, it validated the work even more. If we mentor a young person and create spaces where they feel safe and know they belong, it has transformative effects. But to have it backed by science in the way it was, it was confirming things we at IYT know to be true."
“Not only is the work sacred, it’s necessary. Not just for Sacramento or California, but for humanity.”
Looking Ahead: A Global Movement
It would be shortsighted to believe that building social capital and fostering belonging for young men of color can only be successful as a local effort. If nothing else, we’re walking away with the knowledge that it’s an integral part of a broader, global movement toward human flourishing.
We extend our sincere gratitude to The Office of the First Partner of California, Governor Gavin Newsom, and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences for including IYT in this vital conversation. Armed with new insights, reinforced by science, and inspired by shared purpose, we remain steadfast in our commitment to transforming lives and healing communities through the power of belonging.
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