When I think of "community", I picture the aspects of community life that rarely seem to exist in society today. I think of people pulling together to help each other out. I picture the Amish, all coming together to build a house for one of their community members, being willing to give their time and effort, knowing that their community members will be willing to one day do the same for them. I imagine the deeper friendships that are built in communities where not only are people willing to help out, but people are willing to ask for help, to show their vulnerabilities and drop their defenses.
I think back to pictures I've seen of block parties and barbecues, especially in the 1950s era. It seems like communities were closer back then; that people took the time to get to know their neighbors, and to enjoy their "off" time together more than they do now.
I took a class on community organizing, and it was sad to me that most people polled in the class did not know more than two people in their neighborhood. And I am included in those results! What does that do to a "sense of community" if you do not even know who is around you? Most of us seem to be living isolated lives, filling our time with business and busyness, but what about relationships? We all need friendship, accountability, and a sense that someone cares what happens in our lives. I guess that is how I would define an ideal community: one where its members take the time to know each other, keep each other accountable, and care about each other.
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