A new perspective on inclusion and integration.

Mainstream inclusion and integration policies often reduce belonging to learning the language, entering the workforce and ‘overcoming’ cultural differences. Rooted offers a different path – one that centers human experience, not performance. We believe that true inclusion starts from within, and is only sustainable when people are seen, valued, and empowered to be their full selves. We propose a different narrative and choose to use rooting instead of integrating.

Our approach embraces plural identities, promotes self-acceptance, and encourages active participation in society — not by asking people to fit in, but by helping them root deeply and confidently in who they are.

“Integration is often approached or conceived as a one-sided process where the host society is not expected to change or accommodate cultural diversity. The implication for immigrants is that their acceptance depends on aligning with the dominant, mainstream culture, by denying parts of themselves, which has severe consequences on mental health, wellbeing, agency, capacity to participate, and thus, eventually on our collective ability to build a cohesive society. By tying belonging to cultural conformity, integration debates risk framing certain cultures, practices, and identities as problematic—leaving those who belong to these cultures feeling unwelcome and reinforcing patterns of social marginalization. The Rooted approach to integration takes a more holistic perspective, emphasizing authenticity and autonomy as central to successful integration. Rooted recognizes the constant negotiation between cultures, the dance between adaptation and authenticity, as something to be embraced rather than resolved, rejecting the idea that belonging requires choosing one identity over another.”

Hannah Coutts, Rooted research volunteer, roots in France and Australia

Rooting in eight dimensions

At the core of our methodology is the idea that belonging is multi-dimensional. Rooted helps participants strengthen their connection to self and society across eight essential dimensions:

Physical – feeling at home in one’s own body
Emotional – connecting with and expressing one’s true feelings
Mental – making choices based on one’s values
Social – building meaningful, reciprocal relationships with others
Spiritual – grounding in faith, meaning, or a sense of being part of something greater
Intergenerational – honoring one’s heritage and shaping a legacy
Spatial – feeling connected to one’s environment and physical surroundings (this includes language and work environment)
Temporal – living consciously in the present while integrating past and future

The below visualization illustrates how the eight dimensions of rootedness come together in an individual. On the horizontal axis we see what happens in the physical world around us: our social network (social rootedness) and environment (spatial rootedness). The vertical axis runs from the sky (our faith, spiritual rootedness), through us as human beings (our hearts, emotional rootedness) to earth, which we stand on with our feet (our bodies, physical rootedness). The time axis runs through us, from the past (our ancestors, intergenerational rootedness), the present (our here and now, temporal rootedness) to the future (where our choices lead us, mental rootedness).

The Rooted methodology is based on academic literature and practical experience. We have also drawn knowledge from many fictional and non-fictional books. We happily share with you our Rooted library, a resource for inspiration to strengthen your sense of belonging.

Rootedness begins within – but doesn’t end there

Rooted works on three interconnected levels:

Individual: we support people to reconnect with their layered identity and voice. Everyone is empowered to belong.
Community: we build communities with strong ties based on mutual respect and recognition. Communities rooted in care, not conformity.
Society: we foster visibility, civic engagement, and inclusive public narratives for deeper social cohesion.

Our growing community includes speakers, facilitators, and changemakers who are reimagining what inclusion and integration can look like – not as assimilation, but as shared belonging. Rooted strengthens society from the inside out.