"How to Build Community"



I turned on my computer yesterday to find an email from our minister, The Reverend Suzelle Lynch. It was a response to last week's shootings at Sandy Hook. Since last Friday, I have received numerous emails from our church, school, and other community organizations about how we, as individuals, can respond to this tragedy. I have found many of them helpful, but was particularly struck by something she said:

"...I want to encourage you to reach out to each other and to your neighbors. Building a stronger community where people know each other and care about each other’s well-being is the best answer I know of to tragedy. Reach out, especially, to those who seem “different from you.”

 

It reminded me of a poster I had seen long ago, created by the Syracuse Cultural Workers. It was called "How to Build Community." Long before I ever could have imagined how crucial this would feel, I was inspired by the idea of community. In particular, the idea that building community is up to each and every one of us. There is so much that threatens our sense of well-being, and yet we have the capability to create a community that supports, nurtures, protects, and heals us all.

 

I found the "how to" list online and re-typed it (above):

 

 

I printed this list for myself, as a reminder of the small things I can do to build a stronger community.

 

I would also love to create my own list and would welcome your input. If you would care to leave a comment, please do so! You can respond specifically to this question:

 

What is one thing we can do to build a stronger community?

 

I plan to create a printable that can serve as a good reminder for all of us...and a way of responding to this tragedy by reaching out to one another with hope, strength, and a desire for change.

 

 

 

 

Thanks for taking a peek inside my Lemon Tree Dwelling!

I hope you feel right at home :)

-Cathy