Overview

“Whatever the problem, community is the answer” - Margaret Wheatley

A community is not a hierarchy. It’s not an audience or a network. It’s a group of people who support and trust one another, and who share attitudes, beliefs and interests, in a setting where relationships are more important than goals. It’s all about “us” rather than “me”.

The word “community” itself is overused. It’s a marketing buzzword. And us such it has lost its power. When everything can be called a community, nothing is a community.

Genuine communities transform their members from consumers into creators. Membership itself becomes an important part of their social identity.

Deep down, everyone wants to belong. And belonging is the heart of a community.

The Problem

How do we foster the growth of a robust, healthy community? Is it possible to transform a group of 100 strangers into a tight-knit community? What role can technology play?

Features of a Great Community

Communicate and enforce community values.
Allow members to uniquely express themselves.
Rite of passage for new members.
Shared experiences that occur with a consistent rhythm.
Clear member roles and responsibilities.
Transparent decision making process.
Organic bottom-up organisation.

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