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COMMUNITY BUILDING
COMMUNITY BUILDING
Inhoud
This learning activity is designed to help youth workers and educators guide young people in exploring the power of community—what it means, why it matters, and how they can actively contribute to making their communities stronger and more connected.
Over the course of two hour, you will build your capacity to support young people to:
- Learn how to communicate and collaborate with others in positive, respectful ways.
- Explore what helps people feel a true sense of belonging and connection.
- Develop ideas and action plans that bring people together and inspire meaningful change.
When young people feel connected, supported, and heard, everyone benefits. Building a sense of community isn’t just valuable—it’s transformative. This activity equips you to support young people with the mindset and tools to be changemakers in their schools, neighborhoods, and beyond.
To kick things off, check out this short, inspiring video that reminds us: while individual success is important, it’s our relationships and shared experiences that truly enrich our lives.
So let’s get started. As an educator or youth worker, you're not just facilitating a lesson—you’re empowering the community builders.
Take AkiraChix in Nairobi, Kenya—what began as a few young women teaching each other how to code quickly evolved into something extraordinary. From casual meetups to a full-blown movement, this grassroots group transformed into a powerhouse of opportunity. It launched careers, changed lives, and shattered the myth that tech is a boys' club. That’s the magic of community. It starts with a spark, ignites collaboration, and has the power to redefine entire ecosystems.
Even in our hyper-connected digital world, many young people feel profoundly disconnected and a growing challenge today is isolation. That’s why your role is so crucial. Sometimes, all it takes is a safe space- a sports team, a workshop, a simple check-in- to spark something meaningful. By empowering young people to connect and contribute, you’re not just shaping communities - you’re shaping futures.
The question isn’t whether you can make a difference. The question is are you ready to empower the next generation of changemakers?
Questions for reflection:
- Is community building an important goal for you and for your organisation?
- What activities and practices reflect this goal?
Write your answers below to complete task 1 to earn badge for this activity
Why Community Matters
Community is key to personal growth, support, and a sense of belonging. It’s where people learn together, build confidence, and feel connected. In a world facing mental health issues, distrust, and division, community brings people together. It helps us understand each other, rebuild trust, and find common ground. Communities don’t just offer emotional support—they also build skills like leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. They help people grow and create space for new ideas.
How has being part of a community—big or small—impacted your personal growth or sense of belonging?
Share with us your thought below to complete the task 2.
Challenges due to lack of community
Many young people are feeling disconnected or isolated. In this powerful video, "Loneliness and Our Craving for Community," discover why we, as humans, have such an intense need to connect with others—and how loneliness can impact both our mental and physical health.
What Makes a Community?
A community is a group of people with something in common. Strong communities provide:
Social connection – A sense of belonging and friendship.
Social connection is one of the most profound benefits of a community. It creates a sense of belonging, friendship, and mutual care that can uplift individuals and strengthen their emotional well-being. Feeling connected to others not only enhances happiness but also helps build trust and resilience.
Purpose – Shared goals and values that bring people together.
Purpose is another key aspect of a thriving community. Shared goals and values serve as the glue that binds people together, creating a collective identity and a sense of direction. Purpose fuels collaboration and gives individuals the motivation to work toward a brighter future together.
Learning & Sharing – Exchanging knowledge, ideas, and skills.
Communities also act as centers for learning and sharing. By exchanging knowledge, ideas, and skills, members contribute to each other's growth and adaptability. Whether formal or informal, this dynamic of mutual learning inspires creativity and equips individuals with tools to tackle challenges more effectively.
Action & Change – Working together to make a difference.
Action and change often define the power of a strong community. When people unite around a cause or initiative, they can accomplish remarkable feats. Working together amplifies individual efforts, turning shared concerns into tangible solutions and fostering progress.
Communities come in diverse forms, shaped by their structure, purpose, and level of involvement. They may be formal or informal, built to last or temporary, tightly knit or loosely connected. Some are open and inclusive, while others may serve specific groups with shared characteristics. Each type of community serves unique needs and purposes, offering support and opportunities in its own way.
Questions for reflection:
- Are you a part of similar activities?
- Does your organisation collaborate and cooperate in a way to reflect the value of community?
Share your answers below to complete the task 3 to earn the badge of this learning activity.
Shared Vision and Values
Shared vision unites a community. Watch this video to discover why it's important:
How Do You Develop a Shared Vision? Watch to learn:
Shared Vision Example are presented in this video:
How to Build a Strong Community
1. Start with Purpose
What brings you all together?
A strong community begins with a clear mission. When everyone knows the "why," it’s easier to stay focused and motivated.
2. Know Your People
Who’s part of it, and what do they care about?
Identify values, roles, and ways to connect. Shared goals, activities, and even small traditions create belonging and energy.
3. Lift Up Leaders
Who’s helping things run smoothly?
Support youth workers, teachers, and team leads. Empowering them builds trust and helps the whole community thrive.
4. Work Together
How do you show up for each other?
Inspired by the Cherokee idea of Gadugi—helping for the good of all. Strong communities succeed when people cooperate, not compete.
Watch this video for inspiration:
Reflection:
- What’s one small action you can take to strengthen your community this week?
Share your answer below to complete task 4.
The Power of Rituals
The video below is an inspiring example of the power of rituals within a community. One such ritual, keeping Shabbat, is one of the most important aspects of what it means to be Jewish. It serves as a weekly moment of rest, reflection, and connection with both family and faith. Rituals like Shabbat foster a sense of belonging, continuity, and identity, helping to strengthen communal bonds and pass down traditions to future generations. Through shared rituals, communities create a collective memory, reinforcing their values and cultural heritage, which are essential for the survival and thriving of the community:
Rituals of Connection
Now, think about one community you are a part of. What is one ritual you could propose to that community to help create a collective memory, reinforcing their values and cultural heritage? Consider how this ritual could strengthen the bonds within the community and contribute to its growth and resilience.
Hulpmiddelen
- A short presentation about community building by mentor, trainer and coach Uršula Butkovič
- Community Shapers Playbook is for those who care about our shared future—how we leave this planet for future generations and how people can (or cannot) access the value we create together. It invites you on a journey of self-activation and community building, helping you empower young people, organizations, and project partners to become better “community shapers.” For more information about the book, contact info@bbconsulting.si
- The Shapers is a card game that blends action and reflection, helping you move forward and make meaningful changes. It offers challenges, thought-provoking questions, and inspiring quotes to help you break free from stagnation and find new momentum. Learn more about the cards here.
Ontvang een activiteitenbadge
COMMUNITY BUILDING Behaal deze badge
This badge is for youth workers and educators who are committed to helping young people explore the power of community. It’s all about learning what makes a community strong, why it’s important, and how to actively contribute to making your community a place where everyone feels connected and supported.
Communities don’t just provide a place to belong—they inspire growth, creativity, and change. This badge shows that you’ve equipped yourself with the mindset and tools to empower the next generation of changemakers.
What you did to earn this badge:
- Explored the meaning of community through activities like reflection and discussion
- Learned how to communicate and collaborate in positive, respectful ways Identified ways to help others feel a sense of belonging and connection
- Developed action plans to bring people together and spark meaningful change
- Watched inspiring examples of communities transforming lives and inspiring growth
- Reflected on the role you play in building and strengthening communities
Your tasks were reviewed by an organiser of this playlist. Once you finished all the activities and reflected on your journey, you earned this badge!
This badge shows that you’re not just learning about community—you’re actively building it. You’re ready to empower others and help create spaces where everyone can thrive.
Om deze badge te behalen dien je alle taken te voltooien
Taken
Taak nr.1
Bewijs bevestigd door: één activiteitenorganisator
Task 1: Are you ready?
Questions for reflection:
- Is community building an important goal for you and for your organisation?
- What activities and practices reflect this goal?
Write your answers below.
Taak nr.2
Bewijs bevestigd door: één activiteitenorganisator
Task 2: Impact of community
How has being part of a community—big or small—impacted your personal growth or sense of belonging?
Share with us your thought below.
Taak nr.3
Bewijs bevestigd door: één activiteitenorganisator
Task 3: What Makes a Community?
- Are you a part of similar activities?
- Does your organisation collaborate and cooperate in a way to reflect the value of community?
Share your answers below.
Taak nr.4
Bewijs bevestigd door: één activiteitenorganisator
Task 4: Building a Community
What’s one small action you can take to strengthen your community this week?
Share your answer below.
Taak nr.5
Bewijs bevestigd door: één activiteitenorganisator
Task 5: Rituals of Connection
Now, think about one community you are a part of. What is one ritual you could propose to that community to help create a collective memory, reinforcing their values and cultural heritage? Consider how this ritual could strengthen the bonds within the community and contribute to its growth and resilience.
Share with us which community you’ve chosen, the ritual you’d like to introduce, and how you believe this ritual could impact the community.
Organisatoren
TiPovej!
Badgecraft host dit platform en ontwikkelt het samen met toonaangevende educatieve organisaties. Het programma Erasmus+ van de Europese Unie heeft cofinanciering verleend voor de bouw van de eerste versie van dit platform. Neem contact op met support@badgecraft.eu.
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