The Power of Community: Why Building a Strong Community Matters

The definition of community is a bit of a long one and I invite you to research its definition but in essence, it all boils down to being a “unified body of individuals." Whether they are grouped by where they live, their interests, professions, religion, culture, or anything else, the main idea is that they are a unified body. Now a unified body doesn’t mean that they all agree on the same thing and do the same thing, it just means that there is an underlying unifying aspect that brings individuals together.

Why am I rambling on about community? Community is, and will most likely always be, the backbone of society. Without community, who are we? Without people to surround ourselves with and support us, who are we?

When building Sarah Barbosa Consulting, I knew one thing for sure, I wanted its foundation to be rooted in community. Which is how I ended up with the idea of “the duality of community”. 

Okay but what is it? 

Great question! The duality of community serves two purposes, or two ways to view community and I’ll explain how they are both essential and needed, not only for the work I do but for ourselves individually and collectively as a society. 

First, one aspect of community is the idea that people need to create, grow, and foster their communities that serve their individual needs and purposes. On the flip side of that, they also need to learn how to be members of a community and how to give back to their community. Why? Because there is no taking without any giving. When it comes to community, you need to learn how to take what you need to build your own, but you also have to be willing to contribute back to that community that has supported you.  

Why is this important? 

In the North American context (I stress this point because there are so many places around the world that practice a community-based approach already, but we tend to be more individualistic), we have lost a lot of what it means to be in a community. Everything we do has become about advancing our individual goals and working towards what we want. I am sure many of you can relate to this specific moment where you realize that you can’t go any further alone, you need support, and you need people to back you up. Who can do that for you? Your community.  

Having a sense that we belong somewhere and are a part of something is a basic social need we have as humans. 

Belonging gives us a sense of purpose. It allows us to show up for others, but in return, there is a group of people willing to show up for us when we need it. Belonging and being part of a community is an opportunity to forge deep connections and bonds with people who share our values, beliefs, ideas, or favourite sports teams. 

Now, what can a community do for you? Because I am sure by this point, you’re all wondering what’s in it for me. Why should I care so much about being part of a community or building my own? It's simple really, take a look: 

1. Provides you with a sense of belonging.

2. Addresses your social need to connect with others. 

3. Opens and expands your social networks and social circle.

4. Brings you new experiences, opportunities and moments of fun and joy in your life. 

5. Offers a group of support, for whatever kind you may need.

6. Helps you grow and develop your career. 

I fundamentally believe that people should have the opportunity to engage, grow, and cultivate their community AND in some way give back to those communities that support them. You need both. To build strong, resilient communities and also equally strong, resilient individuals, you have to put the community at the forefront of what you do and what you create.

My goal is to bridge the gap and put the idea of community at the forefront of everyone’s mind. 

As I forge this path between creating and expanding communities, all I can think about is what would the world look like if we took care of one another and our communities. And then I get to work because that’s what I’ll continue to do, day in and day out. 

This leaves me with one question for you, are you ready to start building up your community? There’s no time like the present. Book a consultation here and we’ll get to start – one community at a time. 

Additional reading:

• https://www.masterclass.com/articles/importance-of-community

• https://adityakhan.medium.com/the-loss-of-community-an-existential-threat-d1677bb9f573

• https://www.betterup.com/blog/importance-of-community