I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about community; ask anyone who knows me. It doesn’t take much to start me on a rant :o What?! That’s not a community! Make the popcorn and take a seat. We’re going to be here for a while.

I was frustrated that so few people understood what community is according to Scott Peck, and, now, according to me. I tried to get people to read The Different Drum but people are so busy so the rants continued. My soap box was getting worn out.

So I decided to write a book about community, a concise guide on how to build it. As I researched it, Life threw lots of material and experiences my way that asked to be included in the book. The more I thought about community, and researched it, the more I understood the importance of community to us personally and globally. I learned that any one of us can build community when we know how.

Why should we build community? Here are 15 reasons why.

1. Community building is fun!
2. People who have a community are happier.
3. People with a community recover faster from illness.
4. People who have a community in their lives feel valued and important.
5. Community gives you a broader, more holistic perspective on life.
6. In Community, people can solve problems using consensus – so everyone is happy.
7. People in community have more fun, even introverts. (I know you were wondering about that!)
8. Community makes us feel less lonely, even when we are alone.
9. Being part of a community means there is always someone to talk to.
10. The collective thought-power of the members of a community exceeds that of any individual member.
11. Community offers many perspectives on an issue so it’s the ultimate problem-solving vehicle.
12. When you have a community you always have a home to return to.
13. Community is our natural state.
14. We all need community.
15. Building community is some of the best fun you’ll have. (I already said that, didn’t I? Doesn’t matter – it’s worth repeating.)

Are you a community builder? What are your thoughts?

Photo Credit: tec_estromberg