What ‘Community’ Really Means—And Why We Need It Now More Than Ever

Maybe it’s the upcoming holiday season—or perhaps it’s growing concern that we don’t have enough of it—but lately I’ve been thinking more than usual about the importance of community.

Community isn’t just a “nice-to-have” in our personal lives; it is increasingly a core condition for healthy teams, resilient organizations, and impactful systems.

For those who’ve been fortunate enough to work within a tightly knit team, volunteer group, club, or association, you already know what true community feels like. For others, it might still be something you’re searching for, even if you don’t realize it.

As a kid, I never quite fit in and often felt lonely. Over time, though, I was lucky to find community in different places: a YWCA Y-Teen group, a provincial track team, and later in several workplaces. These days, I find it through my involvement with Catalyst Now.

Although we often think of community as something tied to geography, for many it’s more about experience—the feeling of being accepted, knowing your contributions are valued, and sensing you’re part of something bigger than yourself. It’s also the quiet confidence that others in your circle “have your back,” even if you don’t know them personally.

Psychologists describe a sense of community as feeling that you belong, that you matter to others, and that you are not alone in addressing challenges and opportunities. It brings emotional safety, a sense of acceptance, and the comforting thought: “These are my people.”

Today, genuine community feels increasingly rare—and many people, including professionals in demanding roles, are longing for it. Too often, we live in isolation, not even knowing our neighbours’ names or our colleagues beyond their job titles. Some worry that the very concept of community is at risk in our society.

For me, community means being able to communicate honestly, work together on complex challenges, push each other to learn and grow, and celebrate when we get it right.

In organizational and systems work, these conditions also support psychological safety, innovation, and long-term commitment. Sometimes, the synergy is downright magical. One expert compared community to electricity—both essential, both mysterious, defying full explanation even by experts.

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR HOW WE WORK

What we do know is this—community matters—and its importance is only growing, especially when it comes to:
• Emotional safety and welcome: People feel safe showing up as they are, asking questions, and making mistakes without fear or shame.
• Belonging and identity: Clear signals of “this is who we are” help people see themselves as part of the group.
• Influence and participation: Members can contribute ideas, make decisions, and see how their input shapes outcomes.
• Shared experiences and success: Doing things together and celebrating small wins builds shared stories and deep connection.

For leaders, practitioners, and community builders, these are not soft extras; they are core drivers of engagement, trust, and collective and systemic impact.

PRACTICAL WAYS TO BUILD COMMUNITY

At the neighbourhood, workplace, or association level, similar principles apply:
• Create welcoming touchpoints: Offer structured welcomes, buddy systems, and clear “how to get involved” pathways.
• Host low-pressure gatherings: Shared meals, casual meetups, volunteer projects, or interest groups—spaces where people can connect naturally.
• Invite and respond: Ask what people their strengths, how solutions and activities can be co-designed, and act on feedback so everyone feels heard.
• Encourage everyday micro-connections: Smile, check in, offer help, and take a genuine interest in others’ lives.

PERSONAL ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE

Even one person can start strengthening the community:
• Show up consistently to a local event, group, or online community you care about.
• Initiate small acts like inviting neighbours for coffee, starting an interest group, or gathering people to tackle a small project—even if you don’t have all the answers.

As you and your friends and family celebrate this holiday season, may you find community—and the deep joy it brings.

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