Artist Statement
Community has been one of the most meaningful occupations shaping my journey in occupational therapy. Throughout my experiences as a student, practitioner, and educator, I have come to understand that belonging is cultivated through participation in communities that nurture mentorship, leadership, and shared purpose. Organizations such as the National Black Occupational Therapy Caucus, the American Occupational Therapy Association, the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, Toastmasters, and Tahti’s Social Club represent spaces where individuals gather to support one another and contribute to something greater than themselves. This reflection explores the idea that community itself can be understood as an occupation. Through participation in these shared spaces, individuals develop identity, strengthen relationships, and create pathways for others to grow and lead.
Recommended Citation
Aldridge, Nardia
(2026)
"Community as Occupation: Finding Belonging Through Participation,"
be Still: Vol. 11, Article 7.
Available at:
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/bestill/vol11/iss1/7
ORCID ID
0000-0003-4557-9071
ResearcherID
B-2226-2017
About the Artist
Dr. Nardia Aldridge is an occupational therapist, educator, and scholar whose work focuses on mentorship, community engagement, and advancing equity within the occupational therapy profession. She serves as an associate professor and is actively involved in national and international professional organizations, including the National Black Occupational Therapy Caucus, the American Occupational Therapy Association, and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. Dr. Aldridge is also the founder of Tahti’s Social Club, a community initiative created in honor of her mother to foster connection, service, and belonging. Her work reflects a commitment to building communities that support professional growth, leadership development, and meaningful participation.