Examples below will clarify many of the characteristics of successful communities in a way that will help individuals assist each other in forming true community for themselves. It is extremely easy to do, and it is simple to understand. We will also examine those situations in which reliance on leadership and structure has led to frustration and eventual failure. I will offer ideas and theory, as well as practical information which will help people achieve community easily. I will also outline the pitfalls that block community, and specify the procedures that some community convenors use which perpetuate problems or make matters worse.
Some methods perpetuate an insidious condition.
I will clarify the things people do which seem helpful on the surface, but lead only to shallow results which are short- lived and superficial, almost always ineffective and sometimes damaging relying on other people, for example. Many of us have seen TV commercials advertising motivational programs, seminars and speakers. They attempt to convince us of their worth using persuasive personalities who say that the methods work. Rhetoric is used with much repetition to convince us that we should spend our money. Although repetition has some value, I would suggest caution when advertised products use persuasion, especially if packaged in a slick manner with videos or audio tapes which you are urged to purchase.