But not always. A sense of community can also come from a collective vision, where community members are asked to participate in creating the vision. It arises from a clear sense of shared purpose that values everyone's ideas and contributions, and involves joining together to work on community issues, celebrate, listen, vision, plan, problem solve, and make decisions. A community is made up of different people with different interests, experiences and backgrounds. A strong community values these different groups and their traditions, but also recognizes their connections.
Strong communities link the different groups to each other and to civic life.
They find ways for people to connect and contribute within the entire scope of community life. Developing a sense of community is challenging long-term work, requiring the assistance of many people. A strong community recognizes this and helps individuals use their capacities. This helps people feel valued, empowered, and connected to the people around them and their community. Encourage and celebrate diversity.