The "COM" in Community

by Asha Dullabh, Clinical Psychologist

When His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan declared 2025 as the “Year of Community”, he issued a powerful call to action—an invitation for all of us to strengthen our bonds, embrace inclusivity, and build a culture of belonging. Under the theme “Hand in Hand,” this initiative is more than a campaign; it is a movement toward a future where connection, collaboration, and compassion define our way of life.

As someone deeply invested in the idea of meaningful communities, I have spent years observing, learning, and experiencing what it takes to foster strong, sustainable communities. The COM in COMMUNITY—a guiding framework for understanding and nurturing community in a way that ensures longevity, authenticity, and real engagement.

The COM in COMMUNITY: A Framework for Thriving Communities

When I reflect on what makes a community truly strong, I come back to the prefix COM-, which means “together” or “with.” It serves as the foundation of many essential qualities that define a thriving and enduring society. This is where the COM in COMMUNITY comes in. Just like a compass provides direction, these key principles starting with COM serve as a roadmap for building communities that are resilient and sustainable.

1. COMmunication: The Heartbeat of Connection

• Host community forums to encourage open discussions about local challenges and solutions.
• Leverage digital platforms like WhatsApp groups, Facebook communities, or neighborhood apps to keep people informed.
• Teach active listening through workshops to enhance understanding and respect among community members.

2. COMpassion: The Glue That Holds Us Together

• Create volunteer opportunities that support vulnerable populations, such as food drives or mentorship programs.
• Encourage acts of kindness by implementing "pay-it-forward" initiatives in schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods.
• Offer emotional support networks for mental well-being, grief, and resilience-building.

3. COMmitment: A Pledge to the Collective Good

• Establish long-term community projects like urban gardening, literacy programs, or sustainability initiatives.
• Encourage civic participation by getting community members involved in decision-making processes.
• Develop mentorship programs to ensure knowledge and skills are passed down to the next generation.

4. COMmon Ground: Embracing What Unites Us

• Celebrate cultural diversity through festivals, storytelling, and shared traditions.
• Create neutral, inclusive spaces where people from different backgrounds can collaborate.
• Encourage interfaith and intercultural dialogues to bridge divides and build understanding.

5. COMpliments: A Culture of Encouragement

• Start community recognition programs where individuals are celebrated for their contributions.
• Encourage businesses to reward acts of kindness with discounts or special recognition.
• Create a “Wall of Gratitude” in schools, workplaces, or public areas where people can write notes of appreciation.

6. COMradery: Strength in Unity

• Organize community-building events such as group hikes or sports tournaments.
• Establish mentorship circles where experienced members help newcomers integrate.
• Encourage skill-sharing workshops where people teach one another valuable life skills.

7. COMfort: A Safe Haven for All

• Develop safe public spaces with well-lit parks, accessible transport, and inclusive facilities.
• Offer community-based mental health support to create an emotionally safe environment.
• Create “safe zones” in neighborhoods where people can go in times of distress or emergencies.

8. COMprehension: Understanding and Learning From One Another

• Implement cultural exchange programs that foster deeper understanding between different backgrounds.
• Host educational talks and storytelling sessions to share experiences and knowledge.
• Encourage youth engagement through peer-led discussions on topics like inclusivity and diversity.

9. COMbine: The Power of Collaboration

• Encourage partnerships between local businesses, schools, and non-profits to maximize impact.
• Promote community crowdfunding for projects that benefit the collective good.
• Create incubators for social innovation where individuals can co-develop community-enhancing ideas.

10. COMpass: The North Star of Community Leadership

• Lead with purpose—a strong community needs leaders who guide with clarity, ethics, and vision.
• Set a moral direction—like a true compass, communities must align with values that uplift, empower, and unite.
• Ensure adaptability—the best communities evolve, pivoting in the face of challenges while staying true to their core principles.
• Create a lasting legacy—mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and future-focused strategies ensure that communities thrive across generations.

Beyond 2025: Making Community a Way of Life

The Year of Community in the UAE is a powerful initiative, but true community isn’t built in a year—it’s cultivated for a lifetime. By following The COM in COMMUNITY, we can ensure that the spirit of COM in commucity continues to thrive well beyond 2025.

So, as we move forward, let’s ask ourselves: How can we contribute to a sustainable community? What role will we play in ensuring that the values of unity, kindness, and collaboration become part of our daily lives?

Because when we COMe together, we don’t just build communities—we build a future that is strong, inclusive, and enduring.