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If you ask people to define what community means to them, you’ll hear a beautiful variety of responses. For some, it’s their family or friends. For others, it might be a faith group, a football team, a Girl Scout troop, or a book club.
The truth is, community looks different to each of us. It’s shaped by our lived experiences, the cultures we’re part of, and the values we hold dear. No two definitions are the same and that’s exactly what makes the conversation so rich.
In this space, we’re working toward something shared, a collective understanding of community that helps us connect more meaningfully. One definition that continues to resonate with me comes from Simon Sinek, author of Start with Why.
The truth is, community looks different to each of us. It’s shaped by our lived experiences, the cultures we’re part of, and the values we hold dear. No two definitions are the same and that’s exactly what makes the conversation so rich.
In this space, we’re working toward something shared, a collective understanding of community that helps us connect more meaningfully. One definition that continues to resonate with me comes from Simon Sinek, author of Start with Why.
You’ll notice that all of our definitions of community are valid. None are more right or wrong than the other, because they are shaped by how we see the world and where we’ve come from. In the same podcast episode, Simon described three elements that hold a community together: shared interests, shared values, and a common good.
This sparked a curiosity in me about what might this actually look like in practice? And how do these pieces help us build learning environments where everyone feels like they belong?
Let’s explore each one:
You’ll notice that all of our definitions of community are valid. None are more right or wrong than the other, because they are shaped by how we see the world and where we’ve come from. In the same podcast episode, Simon described three elements that hold a community together: shared interests, shared values, and a common good.
This sparked a curiosity in me about what might this actually look like in practice? And how do these pieces help us build learning environments where everyone feels like they belong?
Let’s explore each one:
Shared InterestsThese are the things we enjoy doing together. They give us energy, spark conversation, and create natural points of connection. In a learning environment, shared interests are often where community begins.
Example in practice: A group of learners form a lunchtime sketch club. They might all have different cultural backgrounds or home languages, but they come together because they love to draw. Their shared interest creates a space where friendships form, ideas flow, and belonging begins to grow. Shared Values |
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Values are the truths that shape how we act and what we stand for. They’re the invisible threads that guide our choices and define our learning culture.
Example in practice:
In a classroom that values respect and curiosity, learners listen to one another without judgment. Even when they disagree, they are guided by shared values that say: every voice matters, and learning is better when we’re open to different perspectives.
Example in practice:
In a classroom that values respect and curiosity, learners listen to one another without judgment. Even when they disagree, they are guided by shared values that say: every voice matters, and learning is better when we’re open to different perspectives.
Common Good
he common good is the purpose that brings people together to contribute beyond themselves. It’s the bigger "why" that unites a community, even when the members have different backgrounds, cultures, or roles.
Example:
A school community comes together to create a more inclusive environment. Learners, teachers, parents, and leaders co-design policies that support all learners, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. Their motivation is not just individual benefit, but a shared responsibility to make the space better for everyone.
Example:
A school community comes together to create a more inclusive environment. Learners, teachers, parents, and leaders co-design policies that support all learners, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. Their motivation is not just individual benefit, but a shared responsibility to make the space better for everyone.
Possible Exploration |
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When we find a community that honors our values and culture, we feel safe enough to listen with openness, even to perspectives that differ from our own. This is the power of community.
If you’re anything like me, you might be wondering how to explore community through different lenses. Here are a few ways to begin.
No matter what you choose to explore, let it be something that speaks to you and supports the unique needs of your local community. |