Community Cohesion Community Cohesion A cohesive community is one in which the people can work together as equals. Community economic development is the most promising alternative to domination by global corporate forces. When people work together to meet local needs, they take control of their lives. From growing and distributing food to producing energy, from community banking to building co-ops, community based activities require that people get along. When any group takes unfair advantage of another, the effectiveness of working together diminishes.
Large inequities can lead to destructive conflict.
This is a very real part of the human character. People need ways to contribute to others so they can feel good about receiving. For want of enough 'money economy' type jobs to go around, volunteer work in the community should provide this feeling of self-worth. Unfortunately, with the present fixation on measuring everything by the money that changes hands, voluntary work is made to seem insufficient. It seems particularly so when people who may be eager to help have to constantly worry about food and shelter.