Community as the structure of Belonging

Building a sense of community is crucial for organizations to thrive. A vibrant community nurtures individual well-being, and promotes inclusion and belonging in a workplace. By understanding the core elements of community building, organizations can establish an environment where everyone feels welcomed, valued, seen, and embraced. 

A community is not merely a group of individuals, but rather a collective entity that shares a sense of identity, purpose, and connection. It is a space where people feel a sense of belonging, engage in meaningful relationships, and work collaboratively towards common goals. Below are the principles of community building that can serve as the foundation for meaningful and sustainable DEI practices at your organization:

 

1. Aligning Efforts for Shared Goals
   

   Community building thrives on collective impact, where individual efforts and strengths align to achieve larger shared goals. By encouraging collaboration among team members, organizations and teams can harness the power of collective action. When individuals work together towards a common purpose, their combined efforts create a more significant and lasting impact. This shared sense of purpose strengthens the bonds within the community and reinforces a culture of inclusion and belonging. When taking on a new DEI task or initiative, start with understanding the landscape of work that’s already been done or is underway, and work to outline mutually reinforcing activities that build upon that work, as opposed to duplicating it.

    

2. Acknowledging Complexity in Relationships
   

   Power dynamics play a significant role in shaping a community. Understanding the nuance and complexity of relationships and power dynamics is crucial to understand the reality of the current landscape. Leadership plays a major role in breaking down barriers to allow for a space where all voices are heard and respected, and everyone feels valued and safe to contribute their unique perspectives. If you’re working to accomplish a specific DEI goal, ensure tasks and responsibilities are clearly delineated, and create pathways for approvals and escalations that support the work being done, instead of creating bottlenecks.

    

3. Relationship Building
   

   At the core of community building are strong relationships. By fostering intentional relationships within the organization, individuals can cultivate a sense of trust, compassion, and mutual support. Creating spaces for open dialogue, conflict resolution, and engagement among team members strengthens these relationships and contributes to a broader culture of inclusion and belonging. Set time aside at the start of meetings and planning sessions to connect and do a wellness check with your team members. The simple act of inviting folks to share one word that describes how they’re entering the space can make a huge difference in level setting and connecting with your team.

    

4. Embracing Shared Values and Accountability
   

   By clearly defining and communicating core values, organizations set the groundwork for a collective identity and purpose. These values serve as a true north for your DEI work, guiding interactions and shaping the culture of the organization.

    

5. Collaboration and Productive Conflict
   

   Collaboration is a key ingredient in community building. By encouraging cross-functional collaboration, organizations can break down silos and foster a culture of cooperation and shared learning. It is important to recognize that conflict can be productive and valuable for community growth. When approached constructively, conflict can lead to innovation, creativity, and deeper understanding. Get comfortable with the discomfort of naming when there’s tension, addressing it directly, and moving forward once it’s resolved.

Building a thriving community within an organization is a transformative journey that requires intentional effort and commitment. By understanding the key elements of community building and embracing these principles, organizations and DEI teams can foster an environment where everyone feels welcomed, accepted, and a true sense of belonging.