Anyone else feel it?
Somewhere along the line we lost our sense of community.
We’re living in a scary period in history with too much “us versus them” thinking.
Lots of anger and intolerance.
An emphasis on building walls (literally and figuratively) instead of building bridges.
Not enough trust and a whole lot of fear.
In these unsettling times we need strong, resilient communities more than ever.
Communities where people care about each other. Where trust and collaboration are the norm. Places people work together to build a better life for all. Communities where residents feel safe and accepted. Communities that get stronger and thrive because of the people living in them.
OK, that sounds like a nice idea — but isn’t that going to take a LOT of work? And time? And money? No, no, and no.
Community building starts right in your neighborhood. Do you know all of your neighbors? If not, just say “Hi” and introduce yourself. That’s the first step. Not so hard, is it?
Now how about joining forces for a common goal, say a neighborhood yard sale? It’s an easy way to get to know your neighbors in a relaxed atmosphere and make a few bucks at the same time.
What does your neighborhood need? A vacant lot that needs to be cleaned up? Bike path? A community garden?
Why not celebrate Neighborday every spring? Check out this site for great ways to build your neighborhood into a friendlier, fun place to live.
We all want to feel safe where we live, right? Working together to bring down crime and help people feel more secure is a great way to build community. Click here for information on neighborhood watch programs.
Want to expand the idea of community building even more? Try hosting a Conversation Cafe to connect and share ideas. Or work with a small group (10 – 20 people) to set up a Resilience Circle designed to “increase personal security during challenging times. The circles have three purposes: learning, mutual aid, and social action.”
Investing our time and energy in building stronger communities means less fear and divisiveness. More cooperation, less conflict. Better places for kids to grow up in. Neighborhoods where everyone feels welcome.
And it’s really not that hard. We all have a part to play in building a better world. Little things lead to big changes.
Do you know of a great community building activity or organization? Please share!
Together we can spread hope and beauty and transform our world.
10,000 Butterflies is dedicated to planting hope and growing change. Every one of us has the power to create positive change — in our own lives and in the lives of others. Together we can solve problems and build stronger communities. 10,000 Butterflies is a place to connect with others making good things happen, to find resources, to be inspired and to celebrate what connects us instead of what divides us.
Please join us.
Bonnie Pond is the founder of the 10,000 Butterflies Project and author of The Power of Three: How to be Happy and Get What You Want in Life (Without Doing Anything Illegal, Immoral, or Unethical) and Unlock Your Creativity: 30 Days to a More Creative YOU!