Creating Thriving Communities

Last week, I had a conversation with my friend, Dan, about communities he is involved in and whether they are thriving or not. He immediately thought of two and ironically he stated they were on opposite sides of the spectrum - his family, which is thriving, and his church, which is not doing so well. This made me reflect on what could be causing the difference.  Today I want to share with you 3 key elements that help establish a thriving community, like his family, and provide you with a fun activity to use to ensure your community is on the right track.

 Defining “Community”

First of all, let’s create some clarity around the definition of community. Wikipedia defines a community as "a social unit (a group of living things) with a shared socially significant characteristic, such as place, set of norms, culture, religion, values, customs, or identity." 

The Miriam-Webster Dictionary defines community as “a unified body of individuals, such as

: the people with common interests living in a particular area

: a group of people with a common characteristic or interest living together within a larger society

: a body of persons of common and professional interests scattered through a larger society

: an interacting population of various kinds of individuals (such as species) in a common location.”

Notice the recurring themes? "Shared" and "common."  So, for instance, the commonalities in Dan’s family could be as basic as sharing common genes, and for his church, they have a common religion. However, because of the thriving state of Dan’s family, I believe there is a lot more in common.

When I think of "community," what resonates is a sense of belonging. It could be in the workplace, neighborhood, professional organizations, family, church, or even the camaraderie among Green Bay Packers fans. The common thread is the feeling of being part of something larger than oneself.

Decoding "Thriving"

Let's take a closer look at the word "thriving." According to Wikipedia, it means "a condition beyond mere survival, implying growth and positive development." Miriam-Webster’s dictionary definition is significantly more positive, "characterized by success or prosperity."   How would you define thriving?  My friend used words like "connected, involved, with a common purpose/focus" to describe his family. 

A thriving community, therefore, can be characterized by success, growth, and a shared purpose that unites its members.

3 Key Elements

So, what does it take to create a thriving community as described above? There are many different ways to get things started, and, in the end, I believe there are 3 key elements crucial to a thriving community: active engagement, sense of belonging, and working towards a common purpose.

Actively Engaged Community Members are individuals who enthusiastically participate, contribute, and interact within a community. These members go beyond mere participation; they are deeply involved, demonstrating a genuine commitment to the community's goals, values, and activities. Active engagement often includes regular participation in discussions, collaborative efforts, volunteering, and contributing ideas or resources to enhance the community's overall well-being. These members play a vital role in fostering a vibrant and thriving community by bringing energy, passion, and a sense of shared purpose to the collective experience.

Feel a Sense of Belonging is a powerful and positive experience that contributes to one's well-being and fulfillment. Here are some examples of what it might look like when someone feels a sense of belonging:

Neighborhood:

• Members actively participate in events, volunteer initiatives, or neighborhood gatherings. This involvement fosters a connection with others who share common values.

Workplace:

• There is an open and inclusive atmosphere where everyone's perspectives are valued. Employees feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment.

• Being part of a cohesive and collaborative team. Team members support each other, share responsibilities, and celebrate collective achievements.

Green Bay Packers Fans:

• They are passionate about a shared interest and create a sense of camaraderie.

Church:

• Shared traditions, rituals, and values create a bond that goes beyond individual connections.

Family:

• Being accepted, supported, and valued for one's unique qualities. Having shared traditions, values and a common family purpose.  Healthy family dynamics also foster a sense of security and connection.

Feeling a sense of belonging can manifest in various contexts, but the common thread is the warmth and comfort that arise from being part of a group where one is accepted, valued, and understood.

Having a Common Purpose refers to a shared objective or mission that unites individuals or a group toward a collective aim. It involves a sense of alignment in aspirations, values, or efforts, fostering collaboration and coordination among members working together to achieve a common desired outcome.

Call to Action: Cultivate Growth in Your Community

What community in your world needs a boost, or perhaps one that's ready to ascend to the next level? Your role, should you choose to accept it, is pivotal. Be the catalyst for positive change. Assess the needs, communicate openly, and foster an environment of growth. Whether your community is struggling or already on the path to success, there's always room for improvement.

Conclusion: Achieving Great Things Together

In the tapestry of thriving communities, every individual contributes to the collective success. Embrace the power of shared purpose, inspirational leadership, and appreciation. By working together, we can achieve great things and cultivate communities that not only survive but truly thrive. The journey begins with you.

Activity

Below is an example of a fun activity that could be a catalyst for great things to come in your community. It is an activity that works extremely well in families.

This is a two-part activity that to create a forum for sharing, bonding and a clearer sense of purpose for individuals and the community as a whole.

INDIVIDUAL SHIELD

1.     Ask each participant draw a shield – any shape that can be divided into 4 quadrants.  

2.     Ask each participant to put a word/picture in each quadrant of what they would like to be known for. (individually)

3.     Then share their shield and explanations of what their words/pictures mean.

COMMUNITY SHIELD

4.     On a separate sheet of paper, ask each participant to draw another shield and divide it into 4 quadrants.

5.     Ask each participant to identify 4 words/ pictures/values that represent what they want their COMMUNITY (family, team, neighborhood) to be known for.

6.     As each person shares their shield, have one person list the items on the flip chart(s). Then, as a group, have them identify the 4 words/pictures/values that they all can agree on that would represent what they want their COMMUNITY to be known for. (Can be 4-6).

7.     Each word used has meaning and we want to make sure everyone is on the same page regarding the definition/meaning for each quadrant. Facilitate discussions to allow the group to create a “community definition” for each quadrant.

Once finalized you can use the shield as a focus/common purpose to help shape the community’s future.

Activities that bring people together, foster connections, and create positive energy can set the stage for growth and success. Ready to unleash the potential of your community? Start today!