An Exploration of Community
The world has been forever changed. We’ve looked in the face of an immeasurable disaster that will be studied and discussed for decades, if not longer. With that, comes this new normal that is being discussed. I’ve mentioned many times how we will make it through this with a combination of intelligence, determination, and each other, and maintaining that sense of community has become extremely important, despite have to achieve it further apart then ever.
Making our way through life, we come in contact with countless people, most pass right by, but some stick around. They fill some void in your life that keeps them with you. The actions you take however, can affect ALL of these people. A community is at the mercy of its inhabitants, and only as strong as the combined efforts of those who live in it. I’m hoping to relay the importance on building a community that is safe, reliable, and overall, better.
A lot of this growth in community comes from simply being there for each other. Check up on those around you. Whether this means seeing if they need anything, some supplies that you can get to them safely, or just talking with them. A listening ear can oftentimes mean the world to those around you. Understand that people are scared right now. People have anxiety, and at times, may not have a chance to voice that, bottling it up, which only festers within them. Allow your community the opportunity to voice how they are feeling, what they need, what they’re worried about. An open dialog and discussion among people are how we find our common ground, and a starting point to making things better.
There are plenty of other ways to help the community around you, donating to a nonprofit organization, or donating to food banks for example. Our industry has been lucky in that it’s kept us working. Unlike many other fields of work, we are able to continue with our mission. The tribe has the benefit of doing well for ourselves, but unfortunately not everyone has the type of opportunity that we have. Considering donating, is possibly giving someone who’s struggling, a chance to reach a stage in their life where they can hopefully one day pay it forward. Many of those non-profits and food banks have had difficulty keeping up with demand in the wake of this crisis, while many people rely on those services. This tribe can make a difference in this world through helping them.
Many people fall prey to an attitude of keeping to yourself, which is fine to a certain degree. The issue is, it’s such a strange time in history, where we’re forced apart but must stick together. We all have to rise to the occasion, and be there in a way we’re not used to. Many of us aren’t the most comfortable in that mindset, but now’s a time for heroes. When we break that mold, and get out of that comfort zone, then it’s time to look around you, and see how you can make this world a better place, for your community, for your tribe, and for yourself.
I look around the tribe, and swell with pride over the hard work and dedication to helping people that we know are in need of help. We find ourselves in a world right now where more people need help then ever, and I have total confidence that we can rise to the occasion.