Steps to Stronger Communities
Highpoint Neighborhood Family Center
Clearwater, Florida
December 4, 2001
Community (definition): A group of people who interact regularly and repeatedly in the course of daily life and who share some social institutions.
Community building (definition): Acting to strengthen the social organization of a natural community.
Social organization is strengthened when:
Individual residents, local groups, associations and institutions are linked by stronger reciprocal bonds.
- People know each other better
- People trust each other more
- People form multiple, overlapping relationships with each other
- People use these relationships in the course of daily life
Social participation increases.
- People joint informal and formal groups and associations
- People vote, advocate or otherwise attempt to exert control over their environment through collective action
- People compete for local public office
- People join in community rituals
Residents debate and discuss values, and move toward consensus.
- Critical incidents and elections draw attention and involvement
- People write letters and express opinions in various forums
- Values are clarified
Residents involve themselves in local public order and security.
- People attempt to use the police as a resource for order
- People respond to disorder individually and together
- People treat their neighborhood as their turf
Residents have a sense of common identity.
- People know their community’s history
- People celebrate their community’s identity
- People develop unique customs or institutions
Residents share information with each other.
- People contribute information to local newsletters, listservs or other organs of communication