The Importance of Community
By Kaelee Shrewsberry
Communities can be found everywhere in everyday life, without even realizing it, most people belong to more than one community. Communities are divided into 4 ecological levels defined by the sense of belonging they provide: macrosystems, organizations, localities, and microsystems. These groups issue individuals with the sense of membership, influence, safety, and integration needed to fulfill emotional needs. Bonding with a population through a shared interest or quality provides the social capital necessary to human beings. A person’s communities usually require a level of concessions and compromises in order to reach the communities full potential. This could mean attending meetings, volunteering, or just simply residing in a certain area. In history, communities have played an important role in providing counterspace for oppressed groups. Having an association of people who share common struggles has a positive effect on mental health and successful change efforts. It is important to establish community in your life, absolute independence is not the answer. Having people to rely on with the same level of reciprocity makes life easier and more enjoyable to live.
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