Have you ever watched the television series Community? It’s a whirlwind of hilarity and heartwarming moments, centring around seven individuals who initially gather for Spanish tutoring and unintentionally build profound friendships. This show beautifully exemplifies the essence of community – people coming together around a shared interest and discovering connections they might never have otherwise.
The magic of community lies in its diversity, where an array of perspectives and backgrounds come together under a common banner. Take a moment to reflect on the various communities you’re a part of:
- Geographical: From your neighborhood pals to those you meet on daily dog walks.
- Acts: Whether it’s volunteer work or pro bono efforts.
- Interests: Be it sports, music lessons or workout classes.
- Practice: Communities formed around your profession, school or religion.
- Circumstantial: Those rooted in your culture or place of birth.
Now, reflect on how these communities have enriched your life and perhaps elevated you in unexpected ways. Which ones did you organically become a part of without even realizing? Which ones have provided unwavering support and positive experiences? Which ones do you wish you stayed in touch with?
This is the spirit of community — a space to connect with individuals you might never encounter otherwise, driven by a common purpose, whether it’s learning, having fun or uplifting one another. Communities are often underestimated, yet by amplifying their significance and dedicating time to nurture them, we can continue to provide the support we wished we had received.
Here are some ways to invest in the community pillar of your life:
- Alumni: Attend alumni events to expand your network and bond over shared experiences.
- Interests: Join existing communities centred around fitness, sports, arts and crafts, or pet parenting.
- Organized: Dedicate time to support groups that hold personal significance, like those representing specific backgrounds or life experiences.
Start with simple steps to stay connected with communities that have enriched your life. Identify gaps and consider how you can contribute. Being part of or establishing new communities isn’t just about giving; it’s an opportunity to broaden your perspective and connect with remarkable individuals you might never have met otherwise. This, in turn, could lead to discovering new careers, interests or adventures outside the daily grind.
Challenge: This week’s challenge for you is to step out of your comfort zone. Sign up for a conversation, webinar or in-person event that you might have hesitated to join otherwise. Explore the diverse array of communities on Meetup and consider how you can positively contribute to those you belong to, or join just to explore and have fun!
Stay tuned for next week’s post as we delve into the third dimension, Explore, where we’ll unravel the wonders of nourishing your curiosity.
Gori Bhullar, Law and Business ’13, is a seasoned Management Consultant with a specialization in understanding Human Behavior in the workplace. She has spearheaded transformative People & Culture initiatives for several organizations. Currently, Gori works in the Financial Services industry in Toronto, Canada, where she leads strategic People & Culture efforts for over 60,000 employees across North America. Her commitment to fostering talent is her hallmark, making her a standout figure in her field. Stay tuned for her insights in this series.
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