5 Simple Ways to Build Community
Community is defined as “a group of people with a common characteristic or interest living together within a larger society.” To me, this also includes the shared feeling of appreciation and acceptance among the members of any community. When you think of a community, your mind might automatically imagine “church” or “family” as spaces of community, which is completely true, but I also want you to think of community as all of the people on this Earth. We fit the exact definition—we’re a group of people, and we do have a shared characteristic: we’re all people experiencing life at the same time.
As we’ve adapted to a more digital world where social media and remote jobs are so prevalent, we’ve lost this sense of community. On top of the digital space that consumes so much of our time, the world also experienced COVID at a time when social development was already coming to a halt. We’ve lost the ability to feel excited about having conversations with strangers, or even just with our neighbors.
How can we return to this sense of community? While we don’t all have the power to change the state of the world, we can reintroduce community to our close circles, starting with ourselves. Here are some recommendations that might inspire you to amplify your sense of community:
1. Do more “favors” for people: People often get anxious about asking for favors, or they see it as a transactional interaction, where the other person owes them something in return. This isn’t the way to live. We are meant to help our loved ones without expecting anything back (though, most people will start reciprocating your kindness). For example, buying your friend a drink when they’re feeling down or putting your roommate’s dishes in the sink are small acts of kindness, but they show your community that you appreciate them.
2. Volunteer in your community: Find an organization in your community that supports a cause you care about and get involved. Whether it’s once a week or once a month, helping others and building relationships without being paid is a great way to feel a sense of community. You’ll also spend time with people who care about a cause that matters to you, which will further build your sense of belonging.
3. Host events at your home: Invite friends, family, or neighbors to a social gathering in your space. Some of my favorite events I’ve been to or hosted include movie nights, charcuterie board making, or simply cooking dinner together. It’s a simple way to build community within your relationships. If your friends invite their friends, you’ll meet even more people. If your neighborhood allows it, I’ve also enjoyed “block parties” where the street closes down and everyone gets together outside for an afternoon of music and conversation.
4. Spend time in “third” spaces: A third space is a social place that’s not your home or your workplace. Examples include coffee shops, churches, bars, and movie theaters. These are spaces where you can connect with people who share your interests, and even if you only talk to the people you know, you’re still in the presence of others, fostering a sense of community.
5. Adopt a “community mindset”: This doesn’t necessarily mean doing anything specific—it’s about keeping an open mind toward the people around you. Next time you order coffee, ask the barista how their day is going, or introduce yourself to your neighbors. Simple conversations are an underrated way to build connections and community.
Building community is such an important aspect of life, and in my opinion, it’s the key to happiness. Forming genuine relationships, even with someone you might never see again, reminds us that we are all more similar than we realize and that people are friendly if given the opportunity.
