Dearest Community,
You’ve probably noticed us making the transition, but I’m really excited to share some big news: Community Building Art Works is officially Mission Belonging.
Over the years, we’ve grown from a grassroots initiative into a nationally recognized organization serving thousands of veterans, service members, and civilians. With that growth has come an opportunity to clarify our mission and expand our reach. This decision reflects an evolution that aligns with our expanding vision, deepens our impact, and enhances our ability to reach those we serve.
Our workshops, performances, and storytelling events remain rooted in the same creativity, care, and artistic excellence, but this new name makes our purpose unmistakable: building a world where belonging is not a luxury, but a shared responsibility. Mission Belonging is a call to action, and a reflection of our belief that everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and connected.
We have used Mission Belonging for campaigns and suites of programs for years; it captures the heart of our work—fostering belonging through creativity, connection, and community among veterans, service members, and civilians. More intuitive, emotionally resonant, and easier to remember (and say), this new name reflects the heart of what we’ve always done—fostering belonging through creative expression, community, and connection.
Over the next few months, we’ll be transitioning our branding completely, and we’ll be hosting some events to celebrate. We hope you’ll join us.
Thank you for being part of our journey. I can’t wait to see what we build together next.
With gratitude,
Seema Reza
Chair & Co-Founder, Mission Belonging
Seema Reza is a poet and essayist and the author of two books: A Constellation of Half-Lives and When the World Breaks Open. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Writing and Community Building from Goddard College. In 2010 Seema began working with service members, veterans, and their families at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and has since developed a unique multi-hospital arts program that encourages the use of the arts as a tool for narration, self-care and socialization. In 2015, the USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore awarded Seema the Col John Gioia Patriot Award for her work with service members in military hospitals. Seema is a 2019 George W. Bush Institute Stand-To Veteran Leadership Scholar.