Building Community Connections Improves Our Wellbeing

In a rapidly changing world, where digital interactions often take precedence, the importance of meaningful connections within our communities cannot be overstated. Even before COVID, people longed to feel part of a community. The pandemic underscored and amplified the importance of our human need to belong. Scientists say that connecting and collaborating with others is the core of being human.

As an extravert who enjoys relationships and community building, I have thoroughly enjoyed organizing events in my neighborhood that have brought members of our community together to share fun experiences. It fills my soul with warmth to see neighbors of all ages and from all walks of life connecting and enjoying our community! My soul is further filled up when neighbors share how much my community building means to them and our neighborhood. It turns out that most people are more satisfied with their lives when they feel connected to their community.

The Power of Face-to-Face Interactions

While the digital age has its merits, there's something inherently powerful about face-to-face interactions. Beyond the confines of screens, people come together in physical spaces to read emotions, share experiences, and create memories that resonate deeply. 

Thinking way back to a year or two ago, I remember how incredibly happy people were to get back together in person again. It felt like we were all little kids who had been cooped up in tiny houses, (with no internet) and were giddy to get to go back outside and play!

While we did a pretty good job of working around that during the pandemic, we realized we need some face-to-face, real-life experiences.

Promoting Cultural Exchange

Modern neighborhoods are often a rich mosaic of cultures and backgrounds. When we embrace this diversity as a strength and as an opportunity, we all benefit. My own neighborhood is very international and I think this is an amazing gift for all of the neighbors. We enjoy celebrating holidays and traditions from our array of cultures, which has the wonderful benefit of creating inclusion.

Seeing neighbors from a variety of backgrounds work together to plan and enjoy activities is one of the most rewarding experiences I have.

Fostering Safety and Unity

Safety and unity go hand in hand. In a closely-knit community, residents are more likely to look out for one another's well-being, creating an environment where safety is not just a shared responsibility but a shared commitment. When neighbors become familiar faces, a sense of security envelops the neighborhood.

When my greyhound escaped the petsitter a couple of miles away, two of my neighbors recognized our dog. Because I’d made a point to get to know them, they had my cell phone number and called me while I was out of town. “Margo, I think I see your dog running down the street towards your house!” The two neighbors were happy to help get our beloved fur baby into our backyard and make sure had water and food. Knowing our neighbors helps us look out for each other.

Enhancing Mental Well-being

The modern world often grapples with the weight of loneliness and isolation. Planning and hosting book clubs, markets in the park, parades, and ice cream socials provide regular opportunities for neighbors to enjoy social interaction. Feeling a part of a community is key to our overall mental health.

I’ll share another quick story with you and as you read it, think about how this little child felt. A mother and her young daughter were attending one of the events I’d organized in the neighborhood and the mother approached me. She said, “Clarissa said something so adorable this morning, that I have to share. She said, ‘Mommy, we should name this park Celebration Park because this is where we have all of our celebrations!’” 

Clarissa was growing up in a neighborhood that regularly had events in the park near her house and she was experiencing these as celebrations. What better gift can we offer than the feeling of belonging to a caring community that enjoys celebrations together?!? Share your comments!