The Power of Community

Recently large corporations have been making large decisions in our world.  This is not ideal for the vast majority of those who call our planet “Home”.  Based on profit margins, most of these paths chosen and taken have undermined social equality, brought fear to our people and have sordidly unbalanced the ecosystem.  How do we, as a small, insignificant individual, dare go up against a daunting corporate giant?  The answer is to Strengthen Your Community.

People are social creatures.  We thrive in solid family units, form alliances with our friends and neighbors and co-create our community.  But, a community is made up of more than just the people you live nearby.  Your community is a personal assortment of overlapping circles of influence.  These are the people you see face to face, such as folks with whom you attend worship services, your child’s schoolmates and their families, your clients and colleagues, etc.  It also includes virtual contacts such as your Facebook friends, Twitter followers, and email groups.    What does being in constant, current communications with your circle give to you?

It gives you power.   

Being actively involved in your community allows you to more fully define what is your focus and intention. By communicating your goals to others, you can establish a platform from which others may join you on your endeavors to change the world.  You have a large circle of community members that, when set to a unified purpose, can really make a difference.

A poignant example of community making a huge difference is seen daily in Asheville, NC.  Locals and tourists alike come downtown to choose from the eclectic array of shops and restaurants provided by locally owned entrepreneurs.  Not only will you receive more spicy variety in your life by shopping locally made goods and tasting one-of-a-kind treats, you will also be part of empowering someone’s personal dream.  By breaking out of the box stores and unleashing yourself from chain-owned mundanely, you can embrace more unique experiences powered by local creative people.