Belonging In Their Own Words
We asked ISSOTL members to describe what the organization means to them in their own words. Participants were invited to choose three words to describe their engagement with ISSOTL. The words that appear as the largest and are centred in the word cloud represent terms that were mostly commonly used by participants. You may note the predominance of positive words like “engaged,” “interesting,” “collaboration,” and “community.” However, there are also words like “frustrate” and “minimal,” and the term “international” is quite small, connoting complex experiences with, and understandings of, ISSOTL.
As you browse the word cloud, consider to what extent these words resonate with your own experience.
Of the 52 participants who answered this question, the majority (n=38) had found a sense of belonging within the ISSOTL community. This group appreciated the generosity of their colleagues and their positive attitudes.
“Wonderful, generous colleagues, interdisciplinary and international community”
“The group I’m engaged with the most makes me feel very welcome”
“Meeting like–minded people engaged in similar pursuits”
They also enjoyed the opportunity to present and attend the ISSOTL conference, collaborate through the ISWG and other avenues, and “the international and interdisciplinary aspect of SoTL.”
Fourteen indicated that they did not find a sense of belonging within the ISSOTL community, and one responded “somewhat.” Although they appreciated the community they had developed when attending the ISSOTL conferences, they noted that “between conferences the community diminishes.”
