We Build Communities

If we build it, they will come. This iconic line might hold true today. If we build the right communities, people will join and take part. I hope so because that’s the intent. Before we build it, let’s define it. The leader’s role is to define the vision and mission. Without these parameters, we get lost. We become lost in uncertainty.

Uncertain about the purpose.

Uncertain about the value.

Uncertain about the impact.

Let’s clarify the meaning and purpose of the community (or communities) we are creating. ?

What is a community?

Often, the term community is defined as a place – a geographic location. Growing up in Philadelphia, I grew up in a community. From a geographic perspective, I understood where I was. I knew the parameters of the space. I knew the landmarks. I could walk to the grocery store, the gas station, even the playground. As I grew older, I could walk to my high school. This was my community. I knew it well.

But the idea of community has come a long way since my childhood. In fact, we now talk about community from a much broader sense than just geographic limitations.

Community is people. Communities are people who share the same interests, values, and practice the same moral ideologies. Communities can be faith communities. Communities can be social media communities. Communities can be hobby communities. People come together with a shared interest and purpose. These are communities that expand beyond geography.

Communities are where we share ideas, thoughts, and feelings in a safe place to grow, develop, and change. These are the communities that impact the world. This is what many of us long to create. We want to create an impact and leave a legacy.

Why do we build communities? ????

We build communities because we can’t change the world by ourselves. What? Change the world? It’s a hope. It’s a quest. It’s a vision. It’s a mission. But is it possible? It is possible if we plan, act, and build communities appropriately. The socially aware leader considers the possibility that if one person makes a change, and inspires enough people to make a change, then a community can change. Let’s consider change to be a reality – not a dream.

I had the pleasure of talking with two powerful leaders this past week: Richard Mabe and Shekita Jackson. Both of these people are community leaders who are leaving their mark, and their legacy, on the people around them. They are creating change and impacting the lives of others. They were kind enough to share their stories on my podcast. What follows is only part of what they shared.

Richard had a vision, then wrote a book about HOPE. You will find the link to the book in the comments. His book of HOPE is about change – from the inside out. In our conversation, he told me a story. In the story, he had regular conversations with a homeless man. Richard did not share the full details of the man, just that he was homeless. Richard gave the man HOPE. As a result, the man disappeared for a while. Then one day (Richard, forgive me if I get some of the details wrong), Richard saw the man eating at a local restaurant. The man was different, but it was the same man. The man found hope, found a job, and found his life once again. The man became a part of his community because one person – Richard Mabe – gave him hope.

I also had the privilege of talking with Shekita Jackson, a Hampton Roads, Virginia, community leader. Some might call her a local hero. Having grown up in adversity, Shekita is now the proud mother of four girls, with the youngest being in high school. She will be the first to tell you that she became pregnant with her first girl when she was only 13. Having known nothing but adversity from a young age, she relied on the good will, nurturing, and aid of those outside her immediate family to care for her and provide her with the support that her own parents could not give.

As a result, she grew up personally knowing – it takes a village to raise a child. Out of this situation, she eventually founded the Care For Me Youth Initiative – a nonprofit organization focused on aiding families in need. Her latest program, Lunch and Literacy, is focused on providing educational services for youth. Shekita is building up her community and hoping (and expecting) others to follow. Meaning, for the local families to be successful, Shekita needs the support of the people around her – she needs her community. ??

Calling All Leaders

The socially conscious leader builds success by building up their community. And communities create success through the act of collaboration. In so doing, I have collaborated with Mitch Gray and Brandon Ficara to bring leadership and professional development to the next generation of leaders. We are changing how people think about leadership, sustainability, collaboration, and impact. We are building up communities from the ground up.

?As a local Hampton Roads community leader, Shekita is going to be speaking at my Emerging Leaders Conference in January 2023. Her topic – collaboration. Shekita and I value the power of collaboration – knowing that when people come together, they bring synergy – a power greater than the individual. Shekita is going to bring that power with her to the conference.

You need to be there to experience that power!

Our focus in Hampton Roads, Virginia, is only the beginning. We are going from community to community, working with local leaders to create a sustainable future.

?This is how we make change. These are the stories that change lives. With each life changed, we change the world.?

A special point of interest. Shekita is hosting an event on December 4, 2022, in Franklin, VA (part of the Hampton Roads community region). This is an emotional wellness lunch for children aged 6 and up. The event starts at 2 pm (EST) at the Franklin Workforce Development Center.

Thanks for reading!

Credit for images: www.pixabay.com