What it means to build community:

• Build on people’s assets and strengths rather than focusing on their deficits; all people have something positive to share
• Build on the resources in the community by partnering with private businesses, nonprofit organizations, civic groups, and faith-based organizations to enhance existing service or develop new programs
• Build on residents’ knowledge of their community by listening to their priorities and concerns, not just making assumptions about their “needs”
• Build on a sense of community by offering services and ministries within the community themselves and including residents in the planning, implementation and evaluation process
• Build on the experience and knowledge of all generations so that each becomes invested in the community

Who builds community?

Everyone! It doesn’t take special skills to strengthen your community. It does require, however, a commitment to listen to others, to offer your time and talents, to seek help when needed, and to look for the positives. In our programs, communities have been strengthened by young and old, male and female, city dwellers and country folk, and neighbors and strangers.

When you look at a starry night sky, you notice that each star shines in its own unique way. Each star, regardless of size, has light to share. Put all of the stars together to form a constellation, and the light becomes brighter and spreads farther. That’s what we do when we build community: We encourage each person to share his/her light, and in turn, the community becomes stronger and reaches more people.

How do I help build community?

1. Identify community issues that interest you or affect you personally, spiritually, or professionally.
2. Invest your time, talent and resources in organizations that address those issues.
3. Involve yourself and others in neighborhood, local, and global community events, fundraisers, and volunteer opportunities.
4. Watch how your investment and involvement not only strengthen the community around you but also impact your life as well.

Want to learn more about how to build community? Contact LightShare to schedule professional development opportunities, speaking engagements, and workshops for your business or organization.