By Clive Johnson
‘Community’ is a much used term, but one which leaves open a wide interpretation of its meaning. Certainly it involves association, empathy and connection with a particular group or area. Community is the level where we can have most obvious impact to enrich the lives of others around us and to improve the places where people live, now and for the future. It is where we all can most easily give back.
Communities may share many values, ethics and beliefs with other communities, but they also have other means for association which make them unique. Some of these, e.g. historical traditions, may not always be desirable if they act against social inclusion. Yet communities are the bedrock for engendering pride, collective ownership and a sense of belonging; cultural enrichment, participation in action/debate and positive social conscience can all play out at this level. Without feeling a part of a community, individuals are left feeling isolated and vulnerable.
Community is a complex concept in multi-cultural society. Most people root their association and identity in more than one group: for example, a resident of Swansea might be a Methodist, Welshman, Swansea-sider, Newcastle United supporter and TUC activist. The usual web of geographic communities with which individuals can associate is usually all the more complex for those living in the suburbs of a large metropolitan area. The extent to which a geographic community can define an area’s social identity and character is striking.
New communities are being created. A new ‘new town’ or major development zone such as the Thames Gateway will need to be more than a low-rate base for businesses and endless tract of new housing if it is to become a place in which people want to live. Such areas need to build a new sense of community and cultural richness.
Community is most obviously demonstrated at a local (town/city/neighbourhood) level. At this level, individuals can readily participate in community affairs, make their voice heard and may make a difference.
Opportunities for giving back to your community abound. We can take part in local politics, support or start a local charity, help our elderly or less able neighbours, and take part in school PTA’s and hospital trust committees. We can expect our letters to be published in local newspapers and take part in local radio programmes more easily than we might do on a national level.
And every day, in the most simple ways, we can show interest and engage in conversation with others who share our community. If you are pondering where you might best give back, you might want to consider starting in your own back yard.
Clive Johnson is a career & self discovery counsellor and editor of the Wellbeing Network’s Career section. He helps individuals take control of their careers and find satisfaction in work, both by changing direction and by rethinking the way they work now. A former management consultant and personal development trainer, Clive holds an MBA from Henley Management College and is a member of the Association for Coaching and Institute for Career Guidance. To contact Clive or to book a FREE, no-obligation coaching session, email: info@proactivestyle.com or telephone 0800 881 8592 (website: www.proactivestyle.co.uk).
