Community building is a field of practices directed toward the creation or enhancement of community among individuals within a regional area (such as a neighborhood) or with a common interest. It is sometimes encompassed under the field of community development.
A wide variety of practices can be utilized for community building, ranging from simple events like potlucks and small book clubs, to larger–scale efforts such as mass festivals and building construction projects that involve local participants rather than outside contractors.
Activists engaged in community building efforts in industrialized nations see the apparent loss of community in these societies as a key cause of social disintegration and the emergence of many harmful behaviors. They may see building community as a means to increase social justice, individual well-being and reduce negative impacts of otherwise disconnected individuals.
Read more about Community Building: Re-Building
Famous quotes containing the words community and/or building:
“There is no finer investment for any community than putting milk into babies.”
—Winston Churchill (1874–1965)
“Little Bill Daggett: I don’t deserve this. To die like this. I was building a house.
Will Munny: Deserve’s got nothing to do with it.”
—David Webb Peoples, screenwriter. Little Bill Daggett (Gene Hackman)