icstars2 "For me community involves a sense of belonging. It’s a group or environment where one feels always welcome and accepted. It's that feeling of home among others. Community is extremely important to me, personally, but also I think our world is starved for it. Even though we have so many online communities now, there’s still nothing like the sound of someone's voice or a person's actual presence that can make one feel they can just be themselves, because the community thinks they are just fine they way they are.

I need that sense of “Okayness” and I think it's part of our human nature to long for that. Independence is very important to me, but I think I am freer to express my independence because I know there is always someplace to call "home" for me: that is, the community of my family, my wonderful friends and my church.

oldude1946 "To me, community means sharing common interests. Everyone needs some independence, but having a place to call home is important too.

Fantantrix “Having a strong sense of community is definitely something I value. To feel a part of a vibrant and dynamic social network makes you realize you’re involved in something bigger than yourself, which is healthy. I think acceptance plays a big part in creating a community that understands each other's needs ‒ and that starts with each individual. So if you are more accepting of yourself and others that will make others feel more accepting and so on and so on.

There are always 'shadow' elements to a community whereby people's behavior and actions don't fit with the social norms, but if these are looked upon compassionately then it will create a more 'connected' community.


I guess it's striking a balance between your own individual needs, wants and desires and also stepping back a bit to take in the big picture so as to see how your community is unfolding and what direction it is taking.


Virtual communities, like the internet, have contributed to a global community whereby people from all walks of life are interacting with each other, thereby breaking down geographical barriers and introducing people to new ways of looking at others and therefore themselves. It's pretty amazing stuff!!!"
"

daTypoKing "Community? Hmm . . .I have not thought about the definition of community for a very long time. Growing up, in the Boy Scouts, we had very tight-knit, smaller perception of things, similar to a village or town, even though I have always lived here in Indianapolis. In "my community," I knew everyone and we cared for each other. We would strive to help each other whenever necessary--or possible. As I grew older and went on to high school, community evolved to mainly mean more like my schoolmates. After high school, it was on to the work place and my community was a close group of co-workers. I was aware of the rest of the city, but since I did not interact with them, they were not part of "my" community.

Now, as older, hopefully-wiser, divorced man, community means something more like the city, as we become more aware of politics, crime, taxes, and how the world perceives our city.


Community is also important with respect to how today everything impacts the wallet! However, I am aware that community also includes the less fortunate. I wish I could say that I am more active in charity works, but I cannot honestly say that. I have my "good times" when I do perform deeds that I am proud to know that I have done, but also times when I am not happy with myself for not doing more. I really like my independence, but know that community is important if good things are to happen for all. Individuals cannot make good things happen for all--they usually will have their own benefit as their focal point.

I am sorry for my long-winded response! It was nice to have the chance to think about what community means. I’m curious to see others responses . . ."

Eclectic737 “Community, to me, is a group of people in an area of a state or nation that shares certain social values (even if often only on the surface), responsibilities, activities, common attitudes, life-styles and goals. Its members also rely upon the community for security from crime, catastrophe and health care. It is also a local source of art, music, theatre and other recreations. I personally pick and choose the parts of "community" that I desire (usually the art, music and theatre) social intercourse and the other kind, of course. Laughs I like my organic co-op market too!

I don’t like to have anyone tell me how I should think, pray, what I should say and read, and so on; I do like my independence. I have noticed that many in the community I live in want to transform their opinions and beliefs into controlling other people in the community, and I don’t wish to see those communities with the current attitudes become stronger. I would like to see members of communities become really educated, personally stronger and able to solve many difficuties by themselves without turning to Dr. Phil. Again, I relish my independence very much. If and whenever I cannot take care of myself then I do not deserve a place on this planet. And as one final note, I have read Orwell's 1984. Sometimes I fear we’re already there."