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What is the best way to create connections within a community?

When working with community outreach, how do you determine where it would be best to look to find connections to a common ground within community development? #community-management #business-management #networking #communitydevelopment #community #outreach #engagement #career

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Anthony’s Answer

I truly believe that learning what makes the community tick is very beneficial much like learning something about someone during a 1:1 interaction.

Whenever you are with someone and wanting to engage with them, we usually ask what they do for a career, or what hobbies they enjoy, so on and so forth. This will guide our conversation to include what might be mutual enjoyment of things and activities that create bonding subjects.

With that in mind, as you engage with a community it's important to understand a community is made of many different people, walks of life, races, creeds, orientations, birthplaces, experiences.....the list goes on. However, there's always a common thread that can bring that community closer together and each community on their own has that thread woven between them that made them a community in the first place.

So, I would start by finding that common thread and "pulling on it" ever so slightly to see how they engage and then engage them through that while showing them the other threads in the tapestry to learn about!
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Vicki’s Answer

I would start by reaching out to a community center or even local churches. Many of these organizations have a strong footprint within the community and could steer you in the right direction.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for your advice. Gabrielle
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Dr. Ronald’s Answer

Hi Gabrielle,
Simply via word-of-mouth or pinpoint assertive networking, remembering that such is not what you know, but who you know.
Dr. Ronald
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Kana’s Answer

I would start volunteering and/or if applicable, go for a leadership role at your school, church, or other organisation. Leadership roles will allow you to be at the forefront of what is most relevant for your community.
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James’s Answer

I think firstly it would be great to find passions you have in the community then you would find like minded people to achieve your goals. From there you could network and have more a following and gain more of a impact making a difference in the community.
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Erika’s Answer

There are so many ways to volunteer within your community which will connect you to others with the same interests. Look at community boards or local Facebook groups that post about upcoming opportunities. Non-profits such as foodbanks and environmental agencies area always looking for people and I personally have made many connections this way.
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Randee’s Answer

I would suggest finding something you are passionate about and what are things available in your community and whats needed. I was always apart of the Junior league and also worked with the chamber of commerce for business in my area. It helped me make business contacts,networking and also allowed to be a voice back for the community
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Jobin’s Answer

Gabrielle,

Please read some point which I feel best way to create connections within a community.

Courage:-Seeking constructive feedback can be scary. Remember, whoever you’re asking feedback from is already thinking about your performance; you’re just hearing what they already believe.

Be convincing:-Assure your audience, customers, even your employees that you really do want to know what they think. They need to know there won’t be any blowback from you if they honestly tell you how they see it.

Get positive:- Though it might be hard to believe, it’s easier for people to offer positive rather than negative feedback. You have to ask for constructive feedback. Try “What can we do better?” instead of “What are we doing wrong?”

Listen:-After asking for feedback, you need to do the hard part—listen. Listening can be difficult, but it is one of the most meaningful steps of exchanging feedback, and it is important that you listen to everything. Then act on what you hear that makes sense.

Be grateful:- Don’t let constructive feedback, no matter how unpleasant, skew your view of the person who’s giving valuable input as to how you can improve your processes. Remember: their insight could help improve performance or efficiency. Express sincere gratitude for their willingness to share in the first place (see tip #2, courage).


Be nice:-Finally, be nice to yourself and others. You can’t make any important changes overnight.

Thanks ! Be a good social being . All the best.
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Michael’s Answer

Gabrielle,

I prefer to think about the causes that appeal to me most, and then look for community organizations who address those causes. For example, if you are interested in civil rights or the environment, you might look for local or national organizations who work in that space. I like to engage with a local org and a couple national orgs to give me a balance of face-to-face time with my local community and a bit of variety that national orgs might offer.

At their core, people like to form meaningful connections. Whether local or global, you will find people who share your interests and that leads to awesome conversations and friendships.
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