photo by Aaron Story
Increased economic wealth and consumption have increased our isolation from each other. Instead of nurturing collaborative, communal relationships, we are in constant competition to strive for more money, the coolest stuff, and the ever-elusive “success”. Jobs are ever more specialized, we rely more and more on others to grow food and make things for our daily use.
What does this mean? Communities decay. Anxiety and loneliness increase. Are we really so different we can’t connect over anything?
Do we need so much job specialization that it drives people apart?
If you’ve been feeling more on the isolated side, here are 6 ways to help you re-connect with your community:
1. Explore your neighborhood on foot.
When you walk rather than drive, you see more of your neighborhood. You might find an awesome little coffee shop you’d never see before. You’ll have more chances to interact with a local store owner or run into a friend running errands. When you’re not isolated by your car, you can really experience your community and feel a part of it.
2. Visit businesses that are locally owned and operated.
Buying something from a local business means you’ve supported a small business owner versus a corporate giant’s CEO. Certainly, a Target store owner deserves reward for his work, but for every dollar spent at Target, inevitably some part of it goes to greater overhead and to Target’s shareholders. On the other hand, if you give to your local businessperson, it’s more likely they’ll use their income within the community. Invest in your community, support local business.
3. Shop at a local farmer’s market.
The farmer’s market is a festive and communal place. Farmer’s markets capture all the pleasantry of old-time market festivals: connecting people through food, music, and art. Plus, you’ll be supporting practices that heal rather than sicken, and promoting a new sense of culture and community.
4. Volunteer to clean up your community, help with community gardening, mentor kids, or help the disabled. Pick your favorite community cause and give.
If you don’t have time during the week, take 2 hours on a Saturday to give back to your community. Think about what gifts you were given in your life – free tutoring, mentorship, clean parks, clean water, or medical help. Give a little love back. Your community will appreciate your help, and you will have contributed something positive.
5. Join a community group or a local meetup.
Do you have an interest or hobby? Connect with like-minded individuals via a community group or local meetup.com group. I recently went to a 21+ board games meetup, BYOB. It was great fun to connect with a group of people over a board game. Find out what you find fun: board games, hiking, sewing, crafts, robotics, books, anything!
6. Get involved with your local government or nonprofit, and make your voice heard.
In the words of Tammy Strobel, Flex your citizen muscle. Personal development and awareness are invaluably important, but at the end of the day, we still need government to change. Local government has more influence than you think: vehicle infrastructure, land use, city parks maintenance, city beautification, local businesses and buildings, energy contracts, water use, sanitation and waste services, local arts programs, etc. Join a local civic group for support, and learn what it takes to make a change. Pick your cause, and make a difference. Push for municipal composting, higher standards for tap water, better roads for pedestrians and bicyclists, or more green parks.
There are plenty of ways to re-connect with your community. Try one of these options just once and see how you feel. Walk around slightly aimlessly for half an hour, see what you find. Visit the farmer’s market, see if you can experience that sense of a festive community marketplace.
Also, note the overlap of this list and my TV-free list. Going TV-free can help you re-connect with your community!
All of us strive to feel meaningful within our communities. Become a part of yours by contributing and participating! And most importantly, have fun!
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