Community Building & Resilience
In Focus
"See more clearly when you are informed"
Community Building is fostering a group of any size who share related interests, resources, needs, concerns, space, culture, history, government, etc. Social interaction can noticeably improve your health so it is recommended to engage with community. Below you will find key terms, statistics, and other useful tools to understand and talk about Community Building. If you would like to know more, consider coming to an IYC event. Our next one can be found below in the section labeled Our Events. We host them virtually, on a wide range of topics, discussing policy, civics, and current events.
Key Terms You Should Know
Community:
A group of any size who share related interests, resources, needs, concerns, space, culture, history, government, etc.
Mutual Aid:
Voluntary and reciprocal sharing of resources and services often based on concern for others..
Co-op:
A shop, farm, other business, or organization managed by the people who are members of it.
Intentional Community:
people voluntarily & cooperatively living together with shared lifestyles, values, and goals.
Community Engagement:
Active involvement of members in activities, initiatives, and decision making that affects their community.
Moments In History
6th Century BCE - Pythagoras founds Homakoeion, an early intentional commune.
1800s - Ethnic enclaves emerge in the United States.
2020 - The Covid-19 Pandemic prompts the creation of thousands of mutual aid networks; also, Inform Your Community was founded :-)
1752 - Benjamin Franklin creates a business co-op, the 1st in the U.S.
Late 1900's - Eco-villages emerge in places like Tennessee & North Carolina as well as far away in Russia.
Statistics
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 25-30%
of the Adult U.S. Population volunteers.
A study by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) found that, 1 in 3 U.S. adults over age 45 are lonely.
According to a survey done by Hubspot, 20% of social media users participated in an online community in the prior 3 months..
The Small Business Administration reports that, 2/3rds of new jobs are created by small businesses.
90+ life expectancy of those living in Blue Zones: Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria Greece; Sardinia Italy; Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; Loma Linda, California - attributed to various social factors.
Values
Sense of Belonging
Resilience
Interdependence
Unity
Civic Participation
Notable Names
Dorothy Mae Richardson
Ralph Nader
Barack Obama
Saul Alinsky
Sesame Street
Symbols
Our Events
Past
Future
Further Resources
Community Building Infographic
Share what you have learned about Community Building. Our Infographic has been designed to be shared easily by printing, emailing, or posting on social media. Click on the image to view or download the PDF File. (Not for commercial use.)
Take Action
Be part of a welcoming committee when someone new moves to your neighborhood.
Host or help plan potlucks, bake sales, book clubs, block parties, festivals, or other local events.
Commit to one action each week to help build community in your neighborhood or beyond.
Volunteer in your local community.
Share our Community Building Infographic with friends, family, and anyone and everyone you think would appreciate becoming more informed!