What Is a Community?
The idea of a community is often thrown around, but it’s rarely understood in its true essence. In today’s world, we often confuse the mere gathering of people with the concept of a community. But putting people together—whether on a WhatsApp group, in an apartment building, or in a social setting—does not automatically create a community.
Think about it. What happens when you put a bunch of people together on an apartment WhatsApp group, a school group, or even a family chat? It often devolves into a series of transactional exchanges, reminders about meetings, birthday wishes, or forwarded memes. Does that feel like a community? Most likely, no.
So what makes a community, then?
A Community Is More Than Just a Group of People
Community isn’t just about numbers. It’s not a place or a collection of people in a specific space or group chat. A community is a collective space where individuals feel connected, supported, and empowered. It’s a place where people share common values, have a sense of belonging, and come together with a purpose greater than themselves.
In a true community, the relationships are deep and meaningful. People don’t just exist alongside each other; they support each other’s growth, well-being, and journey. It’s where everyone’s success is tied to everyone else’s success. This is what fosters a true sense of unity—mutual contribution and mutual benefit.
Examples of "Community" vs. "Group"
Let’s take a closer look at a few examples:
Apartment WhatsApp Groups:
Sure, these groups keep everyone informed about maintenance schedules, the occasional lost-and-found item, or urgent announcements. But do they create a sense of belonging? Do they inspire collaboration or a shared vision? Typically, no. In fact, such groups often highlight the lack of connection—someone posts an announcement, and the response is often a few quick, transactional comments. No real engagement, no true relationship-building.School WhatsApp Groups:
In school WhatsApp groups, parents may discuss homework, exams, or activities for their kids, but do they create a community of engaged, purpose-driven individuals? Usually, no. It’s functional, but superficial. Everyone is just moving through the motions, ticking off items on a checklist. There’s no underlying shared purpose to create a deeper sense of connection.Family WhatsApp Groups:
While families are supposed to be the closest example of community, even family WhatsApp groups often miss the mark. The typical interactions—birthday wishes, photos, casual updates—don’t always nurture a sense of community. Families may not always dive deeper into discussions about individual growth, challenges, or collective aspirations. Without intentional effort to engage, these groups can feel more like collection hubs for updates rather than spaces for support and growth.
The True Essence of Community
So, what does a true community look like?
In a true community, relationships are authentic. People show up for each other, not just when it's convenient, but when it counts. There’s empathy, care, and shared commitment. True communities are not transactional—they are transformational. They elevate individuals by making them feel like they matter, that their contributions count, and that they are seen.
Take our wellness community, for example. We don’t just bring people together to talk about health. We create a space where everyone contributes, shares, and lifts each other up. Each person is both a teacher and a learner, and every action taken has a ripple effect. It’s not about just showing up and exchanging information—it’s about growing together. This is the true definition of community.
In our wellness community, we emphasize shared principles, values, and goals. People are encouraged to look beyond themselves and recognize their role in something larger than individual success. Whether it’s in their health journey or in supporting others, community members are tied together by a purpose, not just proximity.
What It Takes to Build a True Community
To build a true community, it’s important to establish a common purpose. People need a reason to come together beyond just being in the same space. They need shared values, clear communication, and authentic interactions. It’s not just about getting people to gather; it’s about creating environments where meaningful connection happens.
A true community is one where people feel seen, heard, and valued. It’s where their growth and well-being are as important as everyone else’s. It’s where people contribute to the greater good, and everyone’s success is celebrated.
Conclusion:
So, the next time you hear someone say, “We’ve built a community,” ask yourself—what makes it a community? Is it simply a group of people thrown together, or is it a space where there’s real connection, shared values, and mutual support?
Building a community requires more than just bringing people together—it requires purpose, intention, and a commitment to growth. And only when these elements are present can you create something truly meaningful.