Why Does Community Matter?

Community Matters
To me, community matters a lot. Once I came to understand what community is, I sought it in all my groups.
But why does community matter so much?
Is it because human beings are social creatures – that we need one another?
No.
Is it because no one should be alone?
No one should be alone, but that’s not why Community matters so much.
Is it because people who have strong social networks live longer, healthier, happier lives?
All of this, according to current research, is true but these are all parts of the deeper answer.
Human Beings Need Community
Community matters because human beings crave meaning in their lives. When we connect meaningfully with another human being, when they “see” us, and care about us, we feel more fully alive.
We need to make sense of the things that happen to us, we need to talk about these happenings, and sometimes, we need to be reminded by fellow passengers on this journey that everything is going to be okay. With a Community in our lives, we have a group of people who deliver messages we never outgrow the need to hear:
“I hear you.”
“I’ve been there too.”
“You’ve got this.”
“You’re not alone: I’ve got your back.”
Community Consciousness
This is why I believe we need to raise community consciousness in the world; this awareness of what Community is, how it grows, and how we can foster this growth is life-changing.
How sad to think that there is anyone who doesn’t have a Community in their lives and, too, how hopeful to know that anybody – yes, you too – can build Community.
Questions for You
Do you believe Community matters? Why? Have you ever been a member of a real Community?