Columbus Metropolitan Club’s Post

This simple graphic from Ted Shelton shows the moving parts that make up community development 🫂🏘️👩🏼🎤 Inform: Community centres like ours excel when they become repositories of knowledge and expertise that's shared with people. Collaborate: Something we're serious about here at Centre4. It's challenging with current funding models, as often similar organisations with shared values are forced to compete for the same pot of money. While we and our partners across North East Lincs can often see beyond this, it remains a barrier to collab in it's purest form. Connect: Central to a community centre is its ability to connect people, organisations and services. We're trying to do so with our new transformed physical space, holding events and activities, social prescribing and our Connect NEL platform. It goes deeper too: connecting to the needs and values of the communities we serve. Entertain: Spaces like ours should be vibrant and energising, so we think activities such as a community pool contest and perhaps a future 'Grimsby's Got Talent' style event have real value. We need to be a place where people play and enjoy life, not just work and hold meetings. Support: The value that underpins all the others. Our offer comes alive when we are actively empowering local people to greater wellbeing, improved connections and practical support through services such as our advice team and Thrive social prescribing programme.

Does a community built on support save money? Supportive Community: A Key Asset In today's fast-paced world, communities are more than just social networks—they're hubs of support and collaboration. Whether in business or personal life, building community can lead to significant savings and improved efficiency. Creating a supportive community can save money by tapping into collective expertise and fostering collaboration. Communities thrive on mutual support and camaraderie. When individuals unite around common goals, they form a network where guidance and assistance flow freely. In business, this means companies can rely on internal expertise rather than outsourcing tasks, leading to substantial cost savings. Collaboration Trumps Competition Unlike traditional structures where knowledge is kept secret, communities encourage collaboration. Members freely share insights and help each other succeed. This collaborative spirit reduces the need for costly external hires, as community wisdom often provides more efficient solutions. Harnessing Technology for Community Building In today's digital era, technology enables seamless community building. Online platforms allow like-minded individuals to connect and collaborate regardless of location. Businesses can leverage these tools to create dedicated spaces where employees, customers, and partners can exchange ideas and support each other, driving innovation and loyalty. Conclusion: Investing in Community Pays Off Creating a supportive community isn't just about fostering goodwill—it's a smart financial move. By tapping into internal expertise and promoting collaboration, businesses can save on hiring costs and achieve better results. Investing in community building is an investment in growth, innovation, and success.

The majority of your community-building success depends on: the specific approach you use that suits you best. You can learn hundreds of strategies available, but it's obvious you can't use them all at once. So here's a plan: 1. Understand the core principles: ↳ Be a great facilitator, not the center of attention. ↳ Avoid offering lifetime memberships. ↳ Ensure members help each other, not just relying on you. 2. Focus on providing value immediately: ↳ Solve a problem for new members within their first day. ↳ Send a warm personal message to welcome them. ↳ Provide a resource tailored to their needs right away. 3. Create a healthy environment: ↳ Plan engaging events like AMAs, workshops, and socials. ↳ Encourage member-led content to keep things fresh. ↳ Use private to public prompts to stimulate discussions. 4. Validate and grow strategically: ↳ Build a waitlist before launching to ensure demand. ↳ Use scarcity over discounts to create urgency. ↳ Continuously market through various channels. 5. Maintain a strong culture: ↳ Lead by example and uphold your community values. ↳ Encourage positive behaviors and recognize them. ↳ Keep the community experience consistent and enjoyable. PS. Rate your community on a scale of 1 to 5.

Connections are the heartbeat of your community. Don't let distance weaken you’re the bonds. As you build… - Trust - Engagement - Support systems Your community will grow stronger and more resilient. How to keep your community engaged? ↳ Regularly engage with members. Are they feeling heard, supported, and valued? If not, find out what needs to change. ↳ Building a community is ongoing work. It means constantly learning, adapting, and responding to the needs of your members. ↳ Don't let complacency set in. Always look for ways to innovate and improve the community experience. ↳ Trust your instincts. If something feels off within the community, address it promptly and thoughtfully. ↳ Create a positive environment. Encourage respectful dialogue, recognize contributions, and handle conflicts with care. Remember: A strong community thrives on active management and genuine connection. ✍ How do you encourage connections in your community?

Curious what was the catalyst behind TogetherCrew? Experiencing the mess and wonders of collaborating and working with internet strangers, creating something marvelous together and knowing: We can do even better! To do even better, we needed to know more about what's happening inside our communities. That's when TogetherCrew began In the decentralized world of Web3, DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) are transforming how we think about the Future of Work, governance and collaboration. At the heart of these innovative structures is a crucial aspect: community health. But what does a "healthy" DAO, or for that matter any community, look like? A healthy DAO isn’t just about active membership—it's about building resilient and adaptable systems. Drawing inspiration from ecologist C.S. Holling's Nested Systems Model, we understand that communities operate within layers of interconnected systems. This means that nurturing relationships and subgroups is key to maintaining a dynamic and thriving organization. Successful DAOs are those that can bounce back from challenges and adapt to changes. This idea of resilience and adaptability is also discussed by experts like Walker and colleagues, who highlight the importance of being able to innovate and transform in response to shifts inside and outside of the community. Echoing insights from Baumeister and Leary, a community’s longevity depends on members finding real value in their participation. For those in the Web3 sphere, focusing on community health means fostering environments where members feel connected and valued. As noted by Blanchard, a strong sense of belonging is what ties people together, aligning personal goals with the community’s mission. By applying these academic insights, we can ensure our digital communities are not only stable but also open to innovation and resilience. We build our metrics on community health on top of these research insights, making sure what we measure is backed by science, but also actionable and intuitive for community managers. If you are keen to know more, our white paper that kick-started TogetherCrew is linked in the comments. Or reach out to me.

What is Actual Community Building? And Why is It Important?🌱🌿 In today’s hyper-connected world, the term "community" is often thrown around loosely. But what does actual community building really mean, and why is it so vital?Community building isn’t just about gathering people in the same space - whether physical or digital. It's about fostering authentic connections, shared values, and mutual support among individuals. It's creating an environment where people feel a genuine sense of belonging and empowerment to contribute to something larger than themselves. This is crucial because real communities: Drive Engagement: People are more likely to engage, share ideas, and collaborate when they feel they’re part of a supportive network. Encourage Growth: Both personal and professional growth are amplified when individuals are part of a community that challenges and nurtures them. Foster Innovation: Communities are incubators for fresh ideas. Diverse perspectives coming together often spark innovation and new approaches to old problems. Build Resilience: In times of crisis, communities provide the support systems that help individuals and organisations weather storms and bounce back stronger. Whether you're leading a team, growing a brand, or simply looking to make a positive impact, prioritising community building isn't just beneficial - it's essential. Let’s commit to building spaces where every voice is heard, every member is valued, and the collective potential is limitless. 🌍 Check out R/HOOD they are doing this quite welll !

The Benefits of Community Involvement: A Path to Well-Being Engaging in community activities extends far beyond social interaction; it’s a vital component of mental and emotional well-being. Research shows that community involvement not only strengthens social ties but also enhances individual health and happiness. Here’s why participating in community activities is so impactful: 1. Enhanced Well-Being: A study published in JAMA Network Open found that individuals who actively engage in their communities report higher levels of life satisfaction and lower levels of depression (Helliwell & Putnam, 2004). The sense of belonging and purpose derived from community involvement can be profoundly uplifting. 2. Increased Resilience: According to research from the University of Michigan, people with strong community connections exhibit greater resilience in the face of stress and adversity. This connection provides a support network that helps individuals bounce back from challenges (Seeman, 1996). 3. Fostering Purpose: Engaging in community work often helps individuals discover and cultivate a sense of purpose. This aligns with findings from the American Journal of Public Health, which indicate that having a clear sense of purpose is linked to improved mental health and longevity (Hill & Turiano, 2014). Reflect on these questions today: - How does your current level of community involvement contribute to your overall well-being? - What are some ways you could deepen your connection to your community? - How can fostering community involvement enhance the support systems within your personal and professional networks? By embracing community involvement, we create a ripple effect of positive change, strengthening our collective resilience and sense of purpose. Share your thoughts and experiences below on how community involvement has enriched your life! Sources: - Helliwell, J. F., & Putnam, R. D. (2004). The Social Context of Well-Being. JAMA Network Open. - Seeman, T. E. (1996). Social Ties and Health: The Benefits of Social Integration. University of Michigan. - Hill, P. L., & Turiano, N. A. (2014). Purpose in Life as a Predictor of Mortality Across Adulthood. American Journal of Public Health. Let’s harness the power of community to uplift ourselves and others!

The question "What are the main challenges for Enterprise Community Development?" is a complex one. To answer it, or at least begin searching for answers in the project partners' countries (Spain, Austria, Belgium, Lithuania, and Greece), focus groups with stakeholders were conducted. In Lithuania, among the core challenges, the following were mentioned: 1. Lack of information, especially for the target audience, and low levels of communication. 2. Negative public opinion. There is a prevailing impression, especially in small towns, that starting a company is overly complicated due to numerous formalities. 3. Lack of "outside the box" thinking. There is insufficient information to approach community problems differently and attempt to solve them. 4. Lack of leadership among community members. It is necessary for someone to step up as a leader who can rally the entire community, encourage neighbors to join, and act collectively. 5. Different stakeholders are unwilling to take responsibility for other potential stakeholders. Some companies and individuals avoid additional responsibilities. 6. Lack of financial literacy. 7. Lack of support from other individuals or institutions. 8. Lack of a clear legal or regulatory framework. The project aims to contribute to solving these challenges.

Check out my blog post https://wix.to/xIUK9l4 #newblogpost Communities are the heart and soul of society. They provide a sense of belonging, support, and shared purpose. Building strong communities is essential for creating a thriving and resilient society.  Encourage Community Engagement: Volunteer Opportunities: Provide opportunities for individuals to volunteer their time to causes they care about. This can help build a sense of belonging and connection to the community. Community Events: Organize events that bring people together, such as festivals, fairs, and cultural celebrations. These events can foster a sense of shared identity and community spirit. Community Gardens: Create community gardens where people can come together to grow food and socialize. This can be a great way to build relationships and promote healthy living. Promote Social Cohesion: Diversity and Inclusion: Celebrate diversity and promote inclusion to create a welcoming and inclusive community for all. Intergenerational Programs: Organize programs that bring together people of different ages to foster understanding and respect. Community Centers: Support the development of community centers that offer a variety of programs and services for residents. Strengthen Local Businesses: Shop Local: Encourage residents to shop at local businesses to support the local economy and create jobs. Small Business Support: Provide resources and support for small businesses to help them succeed. Local Markets: Organize local markets where businesses can sell their products and connect with customers. Improve Communication and Collaboration: Community Forums: Create forums where residents can discuss issues and share ideas. Social Media: Use social media to connect with community members and share information. Community Newsletters: Publish community newsletters to keep residents informed about local news and events. Address Community Needs: Needs Assessment: Conduct a needs assessment to identify the specific needs of the community. Community Development Projects: Support community development projects that address these needs, such as affordable housing, education, and healthcare. Partnerships: Collaborate with local organizations and government agencies to address community challenges.

Here are some common misconceptions about community building and networking that I've learned from being part of different communities: 1. Community building is easy: It takes time, effort, and continuous engagement 2. It's all about numbers: Quality and active participation are more important than size 3. All communities are the same: Each community has its own culture and dynamics. What works for one may not work for another 4. Once built, It's self-sustaining: Communities need ongoing nurturing and management to stay active 5. Conflict is always bad: Healthy communities handle conflicts constructively. Avoiding conflict can lead to unresolved issues and resentment The most important lesson I've learned is QUALITY>>>QUANTITY Here are 3 ways joining various communities has personally helped me: 1. Support: Communities have provided me with a strong support network where members help each other across various fields 2. Shared resources and knowledge: Communities have also enabled the sharing of resources and knowledge 3. Social interaction and connection: Communities have offered me with various opportunities for social interaction and building relationships, eventually helping me in creating a strong network base