The idea of building a community is often overwhelming and stressful, but why? In its most simple form, a community is a group of people who live in the same place or have something in common. In this post, we will be diving into ways to build a great community and focus on strategies to care better for our community.

Be intentional

Have you ever met someone who asks you questions about how you are doing? I’m not referring to the general “how are you?” I’m referring to the REALLY… How are you? This person stops what they are doing to listen. These people are interested in you and make sure to engage with you by connecting on a deeper level. Start by asking a question that requires more than a simple answer. Something like, “what was something you learned this week?” or "how did you spend your free time this weekend?".

Spend time together

Whether introverted or extroverted, time is important in relationship building. If you want to build a community of people who know and care for one another, it will require sacrificing time and comfort. Bring people along with you as you do things around campus or in the city. It doesn’t mean you're always in conversation. You can be in the same room studying, be doing a task together, or even falling asleep as you’re watching a movie. There is always space in your day to include others!

Practice honesty

In this life, we experience moments of joy and times of deep sadness or tragedy. A community that cares will celebrate with you when times are good and offer a shoulder to cry on when days are hard. Building this trust requires honesty and vulnerability. Oftentimes, it only takes one person to be honest about how they are feeling and others will do the same.

A good community isn’t something that is built overnight. It will take time and patience to build your ideal community. Keep in mind that everyone is different and people value different things than you might value. Don’t set your expectations so high that they are impossible to achieve. Be patient with people, lead by example, and forgive others when they make mistakes. Now get out there and build a strong community wherever you are!