Community Development

 Hi Class,

This week’s focus on community development really got me thinking about what makes a community different from just a network or an online group where things are posted. At first, it might seem confusing but after all, we often meet people through our networks and end up joining communities because of those connections. But the key idea is that a community is more than just a collection of people linked together.

A community involves shared purpose, trust, interaction, and a sense of belonging, even if we don’t personally know everyone in it. It’s different from a network, which is more about individual connections and relationships. Also, an online community isn’t just a space where posts happen, it’s about meaningful engagement and mutual support.

I’m interested to hear your thoughts: What do you think are the most important features that turn a group of people into a real community?

- India Woods

Comments

  1. nickinickelzJune 1, 2025 at 7:24 PM

    I was thinking about this as well and found myself struggling to identify a community I genuinely wanted support from. In the end, I joined an online group dedicated to helping cats with FIP (feline infectious peritonitis), as my own cat was recently diagnosed. What stood out to me was the strong sense of trust within the group. Everyone is united by a shared purpose: ensuring our pets receive the best care possible. That shared goal creates a deeper sense of connection and support than I’ve found in other spaces.

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