Effort
A year ago I was commuting to Palo Alto daily, seeking to be a part ofa community, yet unsure how to make it happen. Today, I am sitting at
my local coffee shop, where I know every barista's name. The Creamery
is one node in my local community that reminds me that I have managed
to join many communities, but how? We don't become a member of a community by default, by moving or
getting a new job. Being a part of a community requires time,
patience, effort, investment and supporting the community and it's
individuals. Sounds like a lot of work? It is, and maybe it's not for
everyone. For me, every ounce of effort results in compounded returns.
Relationships are no longer linear, but take on new dimensions. I
support others' efforts across multiple communities, and I see others
doing the same. It's not utopia. There are barriers to entry,
disagreements, misunderstandings in any community. There is, however,
one shared goal: to keep the community thriving. It's just not
possible to maintain a thriving community without each member's
effort. You are probably a part of many communities, too. Do you agree? Do
you work to maintain your community and its members? How did you
join/select desired communities? Do your communities overlap? If so,
do you work to create areas of overlap? If not, do you prefer the
separation? I'd love your feedback as I nurse my coffee and ask myself
the same questions.
