“There is no power for change more significant than a community discovering what it cares about. “-Margaret Wheatly
Different communities form from various shared interests among a group of people. It can include shared location, hobbies, backgrounds, or a specific purpose. These communities appear through physical or online methods such as study clubs in school or social media groups online. Community involvement allows the individual to feel aa sense of belongingness and increase social interaction at the same time. It can also add meaning to life.
According to a study, one-third of Australian adults don’t have social or community groups they belong in, which increases the risk for mental illness. Communities allow people to gain social interaction and can decrease the risk of mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.
Another study in 2004 found that students through 5th to 8th grade having a role model, school-belonging, community involvement, and church attendance predicted better psychological outcomes versus those who don’t.
Benefits of community involvement: