Central to the human experience is the concept of community. We are, by nature, social creatures. A huge aspect of our social behaviour is building communities – a space in which we gather with like-minded individuals and share a focus.
We build communities in physical space and time (sports clubs, churches, schools, neighbourhoods) or virtually (online groups). How or where a community gathers has little impact on what its members gain from being part of it.
Why are Communities so Important?
Being part of a community creates a sense of belonging and connectedness. These feelings nourish our spirit, strengthen our character, and are vital ingredients of a healthy and functional society. Furthermore, social connections have been proven to have a profoundly positive impact on our overall health.
Those who feel socially isolated are also vulnerable to the risk factors associated with poor mental health – anxiety, depression and suicide. Never has this been more apparent than over the past few years.
The meaningful connections we form with others serve as powerful coping and healing mechanisms. The pandemic limited or removed our opportunities to interact and connect and now, with the recent devastation we’ve witnessed during the Auckland floods and Cyclone Gabrielle, our capacity to cope has been tested further. The number of people who will be left feeling anxious and depressed will skyrocket and will highlight the need for us to support and check in with each other as much as we can.
Benefits of being part of an engaging community
Communities are united by shared values and goals that bond the members by a duty of care for each other.
Within a community framework, it is usual for smaller groups to form. Within this space, the community’s support network establishes itself; this network gives rise to many valuable benefits.
- Practical support – helping those in their time of need
- Empowerment – belonging to something greater than one’s self gives people a sense of strength, even when the going gets tough
- Shared resources – easy access to resources enables people to learn, to teach and to be informed citizens who make valuable contributions to their community and society as a whole
- A safe outlet – a trusted place where members can share their passion, vent their concerns, encourage each other and problem solve
Now more than ever, we must embrace our community instincts, look to extend our view of what the word means and work together to ensure that no one is left to chart the next few months without support.