How do you define community?

Recently, I was questioned about my definition of community.

I’ve always thought of community as a close-knit group of people bound by their shared affinities and affiliations. E.g., friends or family members who enjoy spending time together, engaging in similar activities, and sharing experiences.

For me, this definition says it all. And by this definition, I’ve never been unsettled about the small circle of individuals who make up my supposed community.

But last week, I was questioned about my definition of community.

And I realized, probably for the first time, that many people genuinely define community by geography and shared identity. E.g., If you’re Brown, you belong to the Brown community; or if you’re a Christian, you’re part of the Christian community; or if you live in Vancouver, Vancouver’s your community.

And people who go by this definition do so wholeheartedly. Their cities, religion, and identities mean a lot to them. Also, to them, this is black or white—you’re either in or out; you’re either a community member or not.

So, when I was questioned about my definition of community, I wondered if I’ve had it wrong all this time.

Do I need to redefine what community means to me? Am I supposed to have a bigger emotional capacity so I can embrace more people as part of my community and attend to their needs adequately? How can I care for a community with members I don’t know or may never meet?

In the Art of Relevance, a book written by Nina Simon, Simon explores how communities can be defined by relevance. She attempts to guide readers through the complexities of personal relationships and interactions; so they can properly engage with the people who matter and communities that are relevant to them.

So, I’m currently working my way through the book—and maybe, who knows, when I’m done, I’ll have a better definition of community. Either way, I’ll tell you.

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