Taco'bout Wednesdays

What It Takes to Belong

We’re kicking off the first Taco’Bout Wednesday of the year on Wednesday, 5 February, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm (doors open at 5 pm) at The Establishment, with a spicy topic that resonates with us all: What It Takes to Belong.

At some point in our lives, we all have to learn how to fit in. Whether it’s joining a new team or settling into a new school, street, or country town, the journey to belonging is universal.

Last year we chewed over many spicy human themes and 2025 will serve the same starting with ‘What it takes to belong’. 

Expert Guest: Sophie Johnson

Sophie is a researcher studying the successes and challenges of a migrant program at a multinational organisation (which we won’t name). Her research delved into what helps “new kids on the block” integrate. What works? What doesn’t? And how can communities like ours learn from these experiences to better welcome newcomers?

Please note, that while this theme is particularly timely as many people across Australia celebrate their citizenship on January 26, this is not a conversation about this date. 

So! Let’s Taco'Bout Belonging

As always, your host (Sharon/Shaz of Social Gain) will be ready with questions, and research (Sophie’s and others) on what it takes for humans to feel like they belong.

• What does it take for people to feel they truly belong? Is it a matter of fitting in? 
• What does the feeling of belonging look like - individually, universally? 
• How can we create the feeling that ‘we belong’ in ourselves and for others?

Perhaps before joining us, you can take a moment to reflect on a time when have you had to fit in to belong. How did it go? What made it easier - or harder?

A Film to Kick Off the Night

To warm us up for the evening, we’ll screen a short film by Erifili Davies. In it, she shares her journey of belonging across three places: Dubbo, Wollongong, and Greece. Her story is an inspiring lens through which we’ll examine what it means to find a sense of place and connection.

Join the Conversation

Taco’Bout Wednesdays is more than listening to a talk, our audience gets to chime in, share their thoughts, and spark meaningful discussion. Some people of course just come to sit back and soak it all in, but the opportunity to challenge our thoughts and see things from different angles is there for everyone. And like all Social Gain events, It's FUN!!

At Taco'Bout Wednesdays, we serve up hot topics with a side of tacos and margaritas.

Here’s how it works:

Doors open at 5:00 PM for a 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM taco talk.

• Step 1: Choose a cozy chair.
• Step 2: Pick your taco — meat or vegetarian.
• Step 3: Sip on a classic or non-alcoholic margarita.
• Step 4: Dive into a tasty conversation!

So, bring your curious mind and your hungry tum and be part of the cool gang.I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on what it takes to belong. See you at The Establishment on Wednesday 5 February. Let’s kick off 2025 with compassion, curiosity, and connection. And a delicious taco and refreshing margarita.🤓

So, bring your curious mind and your hungry tum and be part of the cool gang.