Date Aril 8 & 9, 1999 Last Updated

Key Community Topic Community Types

Synopsis Various Types of Community exist. Community is a label that explains the bonding that occurs between members of a group. The commonality shared between members of a group serve as the catalyst to provide support and loyalty to each other. There is however, the truism that one may be a member of a group or community and not partake of the essence of that community.

Executive Summary Community exists where there is a common element tying people to a place, belief, interest, or need for recovery. The types of community that exist are relative to human needs and interests. Most individuals belong to many different communities; those including religious affiliations that hold shared values and beliefs, activist groups, friendships, country clubs, and work environments. Belonging to a Parent Teacher Organization is participating in a community of interest; there are shared goals.

Friendship and Family are other types of community. The size of a community is not relevant to the effectiveness of all communities, and not all communities hold an action as their main objective. Some communities serve strictly to provide the "human element" such as friendship. Each community, however, does have a specific goal; it may not always be explicit as to what it is. Take Family for example, there are definite goals and objectives, but those goals and objectives are seldom voiced.

It can also be noted that an individual may belong to a community and not chose to participate in the feeling of community. As an example, you may recall the youth at church that would have rather been anywhere then at church. Although that youth is a member of the church community, their actions dictate that they are not partaking of the essence of that particular community. However, later in life they may choose to become an active vital member of the community.

At A Glance Community Types:

7.5 Other information "If you take apart a car -- you have car parts"

Book: Syncronicity, Joseph Jaworsky

Book: Serveant Leadership, Robert Greenleaf

Book: The Art of Jamming

H/Intelligence Resource Group/Tara/KM/first mtg notes.doc