Community: What's in it for us?

Dennis Berens, Board Member, National Rural Health Resource Center

Community is one of those words in our language that is used so often and in so many ways it may not have meaning for us today. So many definitions, so much myth, so much emotion. What's in it for me and you? With four generations alive and operating in our country today, I think this word and its definition could serve as the missing link in our words and actions.

Think about your present definition of community and how many "communities" you live in. I grew up on a farm that was a community. I had ties to a very small town, and there were a number of communities there for me. In the city where I live today, some of my neighbors help me create community. Where else do we find community? Church? State? School? Work?

Those of you who know me have heard me say that community exists among people who are willing to risk for each other. On a ten point scale, you and I must be willing to risk at least at level one for us to be in community. 

For me this definition hits one of the crucial elements in humankind: TRUST. If we will not risk for someone, can we be in a trust relationship? In today's world of instantaneous communication, whom do you trust? And if you cannot trust, can you do business? Can you create meaningful organizations and policies without trust? Can you have real and meaningful relationships? Can you really have working communities?

Think about this word and your definition of it, and then have a "community" discussion about what it means and how we can use it to create a better world. 

Contact the National Rural Health Resource Center to learn how to effectively engage your community in a meaningful conversation about the value of health.