The use of the word “community” has accelerated since social media has made it easier for people to connect and engage with each other.
Facebook started with the news feed. Then they had Pages for businesses. Eventually, they added Groups.
Now, community is an entire industry comprised of community professionals that focus on helping businesses, brands, and non profits create and engage members for different reasons.
But while there may be new technologies available to connect people who have mutual concern for each other, the heart of the leader that's making use of that technology is what community work is all about.
Behind the website, email, social posts, and events…there's a purpose.
That's what makes this a life lesson for me. The often thankless work of that passionate and purpose driven individual that is making the time and investing the energy and resources to ensure their community gets what it needs.
It could be youth mentorship, veteran services, the mentally ill, a sports organization, the outdoors, a tattoo convention, or those in poverty…I think we all can learn something from those who have a desire to bring people together for a common good.
I think everyone could benefit from a bit more togetherness. And no matter if we're leading a community or just an active and enthusiastic member of one, each are equally important.
“People like us do things like this”
- Seth Godin, Tribes
Who is your community?
