What to Read to Better Understand the Value of Community
In our social media driven society, it’s easy to feel isolated and lonely now more than ever. A person can have thousands of followers online but still not feel truly seen and known by anyone. Community is pivotal for individual well-being and mental and emotional health. It is also a core value here at the Copper HQ.
Today, we are highlighting a few great books about the value of community. We hope they inspire you to invest the time and energy it takes to cultivate a place of belonging for yourself and others.
1. “The Art of Gathering” by Priya Parker
Mundane or lackluster should not be words we use to describe gatherings. In her book “The Art of Gathering,” Author Priya Parker offers a transformative guide to revamp how we gather in our homes, at work, and in our communities. Her people-centered approach will change the way you gather and the value placed on community forever.
2. “The Art of Community: Seven Principles for Belonging” by Charles H. Vogl
Communities of people don’t just happen. They require intention and effort. Based on years of research and his own personal experience, author Charles H. Vogl offers readers seven key tenets for building a vibrant and enriching culture. His practical advice provides readers with hands-on tools for bonding a group that is large or small, formal or informal, and mission-driven or social.
3. “How We Show Up: Reclaiming Family, Friendship, and Community” by Mia Songbird
Author Mia Songbird defines “showing up” in community as vulnerability, asking for help, and accountability. In a world that is seemingly more disconnected than ever due to the aftereffects of a pandemic and an increasingly digital society, Mia offers up a solution to our isolation and disconnection: interdependence; moreover, she postulates that interconnectedness leads to the collective vitality of all.
In her book “Belong,” author and CEO of the popular global morning dance community Daybreaker, Radha Agrawal proposes that the key to living a happy and fulfilling life is simply belonging. She offers readers a guide on how to find their tribe and build a nurturing community. She takes the work of cultivating community very seriously, and readers will too as they engage with the books’ prompts, charts, quizzes, and full-color illustrations.
5. “Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community” by Robert D. Putnam
There was a time in American history when people bowled in leagues. There were also regular PTA meetings, church gatherings with large attendance, and booming community centers. In “Bowling Alone,” Robert D. Putnam exposes the crisis of today’s culture of isolation and the disintegration of social structures. He offers insight on how to restore the bonds that are so pivotal to the health and happiness of society.
What is one book (fiction or nonfiction) that depicted the value of community? Share your tricks with us @meetcopper so we can share them with our Copper Community.
Photo by Jessica Ruscello on Unsplash
