Being in community is about showing up for others. Strong communities help us make better things happen for ourselves and the people around us.

 

I've witnessed thoughtful people create communities with clear intentions. They believe that when a community is strong, the power of collective action can make things happen that didn’t seem possible. They stay curious about what people care about and create space for people to share. This helps groups identify what they have in common: experiences, beliefs, values. When done well, even people who think they have nothing in common discover shared ground.

 

The best community builders pay attention to people's energy and give them space to be. They know that communities aren't forced—they are cultivated around genuine connection.

 

Shared experiences build communities, especially shared challenges. When a group faces difficulty together and comes through it, they become stronger. Especially when leaders believe people can handle hard things because they have each other.

 

Strong communities transform the people in them and the world they touch.

 

When people’s basic needs aren’t being met, it is hard to be a strong community. As of last Friday, SNAP benefits are at risk of being delayed or suspended for 42 million people. One thing I'm doing for my local community is making a donation to Feeding America's City of Milwaukee Food and Funds Donation Drive.

 

What might be something you could do to support a community you care about?