Intentionally Creating Community

Don’t just say this. DO this.

What do you think of when you learn about an effort to “create community?”

Based on experience, to me it means being engaged and having a pathway to do that.

When in person and you don’t know or care to know the name of the person next to you, that does NOT grow a community.

Virtually, it can mean using an application to have conversations in groups or privately.

One of my favorite examples is when I belonged to Startup Grind. I started as a local chapter attendee and eventually became a chapter director. Startup Grind is a GLOBAL organization and therefore they are connecting entrepreneurs around the world through the chapters and chapter directors.

Through emails and then Slack, I met many involved, including the CEO, before I ever saw them in person. By the time we did meet in person, it was like we were old friends who hadn’t seen each other in a while. Hugging seemed natural upon the first meeting.

I met some of my favorite people in that group, and we are still connected and friends today.

In the case of Illumination, it also means reading and acknowledging other writers based on what you read.

Reading what other Illumination writers are publishing is something I have wanted to do since joining, and I am going to start today with at least a monthly effort.

First, I want to acknowledge a couple of Medium writers who I met before Illumination. Brian Kurian and Daniel Lawson.

Brian Kurian is a writer, an editor of several publications, and a writing coach. I have worked with Brian on several pieces. Brian does a GREAT job of asking questions and getting me to dig deeper. Since Brian is the one who encouraged me to look at new publications to submit to, I may not have found Illumination when I did.

Daniel Lawson is someone who I met through a group supporting Medium writers. Daniel messaged me, and we started a conversation. (I do NOT randomly request or accept friends on social media. There HAS to be a conversation or some sort of reason to connect.) While we haven’t known each other long, Daniel is great at storytelling. I have learned quite a bit about Daniel from the few posts I have read. I appreciate that Daniel reached out and started that conversation.

P.G. Barnett wrote the first story I read today titled “Giving Up Can Be Virtually Imperceptible” Hats off to you, Paul! I do not like to quit, although I am willing to take breaks. I find it hard to let something go and give it up. Maybe because I feel like a quitter? I especially enjoyed the examples in your piece. Thank you for sharing!

As a follow-up, I read “What 100,000 Pets Taught Me” by Dr. Jackie Greenwood. All I have to say is “Awwww….” Anyone with a heart, especially with a heart towards animals, will probably enjoy the stories shared here. The ONE cat I ever had was my “little buddy.” I think we rescued each other. As Dr. Jackie stated, “And as simple as that,” the kitty was saved.

If I could, I would do this ALL day.

Until next time… Cheers!

Thanks for taking the time to read this!