There is no universal way to engage a community. Specifically, in America, the idea of “community” has been continuously overshadowed by the idea of individualism that stems from the American Dream. The “I took the risk”,” I worked harder”, “I built this life on my own” mindset has perpetuated a toxic version of individualism that tends to cloud the fact that there are always people who help you reach a place of success. Whether it be that hiring manager who saw potential in your resume or that person who stayed by your side through your toughest moments. People tend to feel like appreciating someone for helping you, discredits your hard work when in reality that is anything but the truth.
So, how can we engage a community of people with such a diverse array of characteristics? And why do we believe that there needs to be a single set of defining traits that tethers us other than our humanity itself? Community engagement comes from the realization that what makes the most powerful, most connected communities is in fact every person’s individuality. What makes you, you; and how can we celebrate that? It’s giving people the space to feel comfortable being themselves. Engaging communities is all about teetering on the fine line between toxic individuality and healthy support of others’ idiosyncracies. There is so much power in the acknowledgment and acceptance of authenticity. It welcomes people to share their stories and connect with others in ways that nothing else can.
But, engaging communities and organizing movements goes so much deeper than just hosting fun events. It's showing up in moments that aren’t so happy and carefree. The moments where someone needs your support and you show up judgment free. I’ll be the first to admit that during the BLM Protest of 2020 I recoiled from a lot of social justice groups because, in the moments where I needed their support the most, in the moments where my heart was on my sleeve, protesting for my basic human rights; those groups turned a blind eye. Conditional, ingenuine support is what makes so many movements successful. Feeling obligated to support in fear of “If I don’t support them, they won't support us” disconnects you from movements. Do your research, ask people to tell their stories, and do what you can to let that group know you care about them. Communities are built on the foundations of trust. You have to prove that you genuinely are there to support and accept people as they are at that moment. That is what makes people feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves.