Creating Community & Why it Matters

Liberty
Liberty
Nov 1 · 3 min read

On this bright and brisk morning in Austin, TX, I found myself at the very hip Blackboard office for a Creative Mornings Field Trip — a more intimate gathering format that enriches the lives of creative minds.

The session was led by Noelle Hoffman who has cultivated valuable communities throughout her life. During her time at IBM, she created an impressive initiative called Spare Time where creatives could get together and physically make something with their hands. Noelle expressed the value that community brings to people, especially when sharing a purpose.

What does community mean to you?

This was the question posed to the room as we broke up into small groups. We were handed packs of sticky notes/Sharpies and tasked with filling up a section of the wall with our thoughts. Themes emerged throughout our scribbled writing and conversation throughout the room:

  • Support & Safety — Acceptance, no judgment, helping each other
  • Connections — Friends, someone to call for help, network
  • Emotional Inclusion — Respect, appreciation, caring, comfort, happiness
  • Purpose/Shared Values — Creating change, making a difference, goals/achievements, similar interests
  • Growth — Sharing ideas, dialogue, conversation

What impact has community had on you?

After a really insightful conversation about the meaning of community, we directed our focus to how we’ve been impacted by the communities in our lives. So many great trends emerged yet again:

  • Self-actualization —Confidence, open-mindedness, inspiration, empowerment, personal growth
  • Professional Development — Learn new skills, communication, collaboration, resources
  • Social Connections — Friendships, belonging, travel companions, lifelong cheerleaders
  • Emotional Support — Laughter, love, memories
  • Organizations — Church, school, sports, travel, meetups

What communities do you wish existed?

The final topic was for groups to discuss if there were types of communities that were missing from their lives or ones they hoped to see pop up. In my specific group, we spoke of intimate communities like neighborhood potlucks or artist circles.

Personally, I feel compelled to participate or create a community for an Art Swap.

As a creative person, art acts as an outlet for me to express myself. More than that, it can bring joy and can have an impact on the lives of others. Being able to support other artists, promote new art, and collaborate with new ideas feels like the kind of community I want to be a part of.

Want to start a new community?

Noelle offered a helpful workbook with three steps to create a sustainable community.

1. Find a need

2. Get the word out

3. Empower people

Overall, this session provided a really great way to engage with new people and spend some time thinking about a topic that matters to all of us. I hope that you’ll take a few minutes and think about what communities are important in your life.

Here are some of my favorite communities:

Special thanks to Chameleon Cold-Brew for keeping us caffeinated, Blackboard for the use of their office, and AIGA Austin for partnering to make this event possible!

Liberty

Written by

Liberty

Creative Nerd | Process Enthusiast | Vibrant Artist | Taco Addict

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