Defining Community (& Why It Matters)

How do you define “community”? When we hear the word community, we usually think about the city of town we live in. While this is certainly true, I’d like you to think a little deeper about this topic:

• Geography of course: City, town, state, region, country, world. Also think about your business park or office complex.
• Industry: Trade associations, business networks.
• Business: Customers, suppliers, partners, co-workers, employees.

Merriam-Webster defines “community” as:

1 : a unified body of individuals: as a : state, commonwealth b : the people with common interests living in a particular area; broadly : the area itself <the problems of a large community> c : an interacting population of various kinds of individuals (as species) in a common location d : a group of people with a common characteristic or interest living together within a larger society <a community of retired persons> e : a group linked by a common policy f : a body of persons or nations having a common history or common social, economic, and political interests <the international community> g : a body of persons of common and especially professional interests scattered through a larger society <the academic community>
2 : society at large
3 a : joint ownership or participation <community of goods> b : common character : likeness <community of interests> c : social activity : fellowship d : a social state or condition

Pretty broad, yet comprehensive definitions.

So why does all this matter? You are a part of many communities. You probably haven’t spent much time thinking about this, though. Now, more than ever, we need to leverage our communities. Now, more than ever, we need to be positive contributors in our communities.

• Georgraphy - What are you doing to help your geographic community? Are you philanthropic? Do you provide community services? Do you volunteer? Take a few minutes and think about a few things you can do to support your town. Start small but follow through.
• Industry - Are you involed in trade associations and business networks? Find one or two to join and be an active contributor. You have lots to offer and lots to learn from others.
• Business - The people you work with and buy stuff from are important. You know this. Have you told them?

Remember the days when small towns were thriving and prosperous? Remember when you shopped at the mom-and-pop businesses on Saturday mornings? We can revive our community by being more aware and realizing we need them just as much as they need us.