Building a community takes work from everyone.
They say it takes a village to raise a family, and we agree community and connection matter. But Kelsey Pomeroy believes you can’t expect a village to show up for you if you are an unwilling villager.
In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of community and connection cannot be overstated. Kelsey, a passionate advocate for intentional community building, shared how to become better villagers and play our part in the team effort.
Intentional Community Building
“Building community… it’s not passive. It has to be intentional.”
Kelsey emphasized that villages don’t happen to us; they happen because of us. As adults, we need to be intentional about building our village brick by brick. This can be challenging, especially for introverts or those who feel overwhelmed by the idea of reaching out. However, Kelsey assured us that making friends and building friendships is a skill that can be learned and practiced.
Strategies for Building Your Village
- Villages Don’t Spontaneously Appear: As children, villages seem to magically appear through school and neighborhood friends. As adults, we need to actively seek out and engage with our community. This means stepping out of our comfort zones and participating in activities that bring us together.
- Show Up and Be Present: Kelsey believes in the importance of showing up and being present. When someone invites you, it’s your responsibility to take the initiative and attend. Even if you don’t know anyone, showing up can lead to meaningful connections.
- Commerce and Trade in Villages: “Friendship is not a vending machine. It’s reciprocal, not transactional,” Kelsey said. Good villages thrive on reciprocal relationships. Helping others and accepting help in return builds trust and strengthens bonds. It’s about growing a garden together, where both parties tend to it and benefit from its fruits.
Effort and Consistency
Building a village requires continuous effort and consistency. Every time you show up for someone or ask for help, you’re adding a brick to your village. It’s okay to be the first person to reach out and take the initiative. You’re building your village, so make it the way you want it.
Find more from Kelsey @kelsewhatelse.
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