How could cultivating a stronger sense of community impact and inspire us? Let’s explore the influence of connection and its all-important link to self-empowerment
What does empowerment truly feel like? The answer will differ from person to person, but, for me, the answer is capable, strong, and unafraid.
The avenues we travel down to attain this feeling are sprawling. As an example, I empowered myself today by getting a train to London, finding a cafe with wifi, and working on this article before heading to an author event alone. A trivial act for many, but this morning my anxiety level was sky-high at the thought of leaving my flat. Yet, I persisted through the discomfort, gently pushed myself, and now I’m here.
It wasn’t just self-talk that helped, though. It was my colleagues’ words of encouragement after I opened up about feeling anxious, my partner giving my shoulder a loving rub before leaving, and the awareness that I’d be spending an evening with fellow fans of the author. This is a small example of the power of community.
Connecting with others helps us feel part of something larger. It can provide us with support, yes, but when we contribute to our community we recognise our own power, too. This is where the empowerment piece comes in. So, how can we tap into this ability to empower ourselves and those around us through community?
1. Build connections
A crucial first step. Look around to see what communities already exist in your world. These may be location-based communities, interest-based communities, or identity-based ones. Consider what speaks to you and dip your toe with a simple: “Hi, I’d like to ask you more about X” and see where you end up.
If you’re not seeing a community that speaks to you, consider starting your own, perhaps through starting a Facebook Group, or social media page. The simple act of building connections can open your eyes to different experiences, empowering you with every conversation.
2. Speak to different generations
There’s a lot to learn from other generations when we take the time to listen. You may want to connect with the younger generation to share your learnings and listen to theirs. Speaking to the older generation can also offer new perspectives. You might notice your assumptions become challenged and feel encouraged by what you hear.
3. Volunteer
Volunteering can be an easy and fulfilling way to find community. Immediately, you and fellow volunteers will have a shared interest, offering a plethora of opportunities to connect.
If you want to speak to different generations, you may want to work with young people by supporting those in need, or sharing your skills to teach them something new. If you want to connect with older people, supporting causes that work with this demographic is a great step, such as becoming a befriender, ‘adopting a grandparent’, or helping out at a nursing home.
Find an area you’re passionate about, and explore the volunteering opportunities. Remember, a growing number of online/remote volunteering roles are becoming available.
4. Participate in shared projects
Working with others to achieve a shared goal can help you feel inspired and empowered. The shared project might be a community garden, an art project, or an activism rally.
Speak to people in your community to learn more about upcoming projects. And don’t be afraid to propose your own if you have an idea – you never know where collaboration might lead.
5. Get involved in any cause that’s close to your heart
Is there a cause you find yourself thinking about often? Do you wish you could do more, but are unsure where to start? Engage with your community to find like-minded people and explore ways you could get involved. This might look like political campaigning, advocating for oppressed groups, raising money for charity, or increasing awareness of a particular issue.
Getting involved in causes like this can help you find a community of others who feel the same, and inspire a sense of ‘taking action’. In this way, you’re not only empowering yourself, but those around you, too.
6. Support local businesses
Passionate about your local area? A great way to support it is by utilising local businesses. Even better, start connecting with the owners – chat with the friendly barista who knows your coffee order, strike up a conversation with the owner of the plant shop you love, attend events they run and share them with your community.
These are all small ways of connecting yourself to the place you call home. Whether it’s a friendly nod as you enter their shop or kind words shared after purchasing, there’s something special about knowing people in your area have your back.
There are a lot of things in life we can’t control, but having the support of our community can help us feel stronger, together.
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