Some of us have been around even longer in our timeline and due to moving, been part of many more communities with wide variance of community environments and neighborhood cultures. The most significant observation I can offer is this learning: that no matter the structure of a person's neighborhood, you CAN be involved with community improvement. Is the church your neighborhood? Is volunteering for litter cleanup your involvement? Is joining a protest your commitment to community? Do you alert members of your community to things affecting or potentially impacting your community? Even if your desire is to be left alone in your space and NOT be actively involved, do you treat those who invite you to involvement with respect that demonstrates your understanding of their need for more active involvement in community development? In every case, understanding first and then seeking to be understood is the proper order in living where you live. And surprise, surprise...in your work community as well.
Don't put off being involved in your community it is a living thing and your involvement helps direct what is important , and if you want to hermit yourself, seek first to understand. By belonging, you'll live better in either case. Don't put off being involved in your work community, either. Understanding the collective informs your part in continuous improvement in the life of your work. You will belong, and not just be a part of....
Some of us have been around even longer in our timeline and due to moving, been part of many more communities with wide variance of community environments and neighborhood cultures. The most significant observation I can offer is this learning: that no matter the structure of a person's neighborhood, you CAN be involved with community improvement. Is the church your neighborhood? Is volunteering for litter cleanup your involvement? Is joining a protest your commitment to community? Do you alert members of your community to things affecting or potentially impacting your community? Even if your desire is to be left alone in your space and NOT be actively involved, do you treat those who invite you to involvement with respect that demonstrates your understanding of their need for more active involvement in community development? In every case, understanding first and then seeking to be understood is the proper order in living where you live. And surprise, surprise...in your work community as well.
Don't put off being involved in your community it is a living thing and your involvement helps direct what is important , and if you want to hermit yourself, seek first to understand. By belonging, you'll live better in either case. Don't put off being involved in your work community, either. Understanding the collective informs your part in continuous improvement in the life of your work. You will belong, and not just be a part of....
Beautifully said Jim - sounds like a post you might write yourself! ;)