Building Community
"Community is the heart of belonging." - David Spangler
The surgeon general recently came out with a warning that loneliness is one of the leading health risks in our country. Think about how significant that is. Loneliness has consequences as significant as physical health issues like smoking, substance use, and obesity.
What is the opposite of loneliness? Connection. Community. We need it now more than ever. In a world that continues to become more digital, divided, and individualistic, we need to actively choose connection. How do we do that? Where do we start? Let’s look at some simple ways to building community.
Start believing that it’s cool to care. Don’t shy away from getting involved in a cause you care about and dedicate your time to it!
Reflect on causes and values you care about. Financial literacy? Food insecurity? Women’s healthcare? Make it personal to you and research local organizations in your area to get involved with.
Make it fun! Go to the event with a friend or coworker and get brunch after. It’s not always easy to go somewhere alone, invite the people already in your life to join!
Be open to possibilities. It’s likely, there are opportunities all around you, you’re just not aware of it! Look at flyers hanging at your coffee shops, local bookstores, libraries, etc.
Stick with it! Try to commit to the get together or volunteer opportunity once a month, once a quarter. Whatever works for you, but stick with it! You never know the like minded people you could meet and it gets you outside yourself.
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