Community Building

Something I have written about before and am taking a class on this term is community. I went to a fantastic conference on Friday about health disparities in this region and one of the outcomes of the conference was the desire and ability to create community amongst diverse groups in order to reduce the health disparities found within many subgroups of our population. A recurring theme was that if one of us is unhealthy then we ALL are unhealthy. Community can be a descriptor for a variety of different groups based upon location, issues, or a defining characteristic. Yet how often do we daily engage in activities to build community?

This is a concept that was discussed Friday evening with a good friend of mine. I tend to view many of the current global, societal, and individual problems that we are all facing as a break down of community. When we began to focus more on individualism and being the one to get ahead, we also turned our backs on many of the pertinent values that kept us in a better check and balance system. We've stopped raising our children via a community. We've stopped working and helping others for the good of the community. We drive around in our isolated cars, work in our isolated cubicles, and live in our isolated houses for the most part. Often times we become so exhausted from the moments when we do work with others that we need a reprieve. Yet has living in a state of isolation really benefited the majority of individuals in our nation?

This weekend I have tried to take some steps toward living in better community. I met two other individuals in my apartment building--one of whom is my next door neighbor. I chatted with the newer neighbor down the hall. And what I discovered is that I live right next door to some pretty cool people. We may be very different individuals, but I feel much safer knowing the people in my wing while also having made two new friends. While talking to my sister yesterday, I stated that I felt like I hadn't done anything yesterday as all I'd really done was socialize with other people. She in response said, "Isn't that what matters in the end anyway?" Good point sister!

So even though I'm just now opening my books for the week, I have come to realize yet again how important community is for all of us in this nation and in this world. If we get to know others, we're able to give and receive help when needed. We're able to borrow cups of sugar, to carry a heavy box, or give a quick lift to someone in need. We're able to support those that are pregnant, be a shoulder to those who need one, and share in a moment of gut wrenching laughter. We're able to educate and validate one another. And we're able to create change at a time when it is so badly needed.

While we might not get along with everyone, the best way to make a difference for everyone is to make a difference for someone. Won't you get to know your neighbor? After all, it all comes down to the opening message from Friday by Professor Gibbs of Harvard, "It's about what's in your heart." So what IS in your heart?