This post was originally published in February, 2010.
I live in an amazing community.
Just a little more than a year ago we learned about a little girl who was battling a rare form of cancer. My community came together at a benefit concert to raise money for her family. My community was also there a few months later when this little girl lost that battle, and her family mourned. For many of us it was the first time we met face to face.
I’ve also seen my community come around one another in celebration at the announcement of an engagement, a wedding, the announcement of a pregnancy, and the birth of a baby.
My community was also there to offer support to a young woman as she went through the loss of her unborn child, and to stand along side a young widow as she grieved on the one-year anniversary of her husband’s passing.
The members of my community have been there to offer parenting advice…when asked. They’ve laughed at stories of discipline gone awry and potty training. And shared the joy of what often comes out of the mouths of babes.
My community also helps its members find jobs, cars, and in fact one member of our community furnished her entire apartment with hand me downs from other members.
They give each other rides, help each other move, and offer a helping hand without even being asked.
They are quick to tell one another about a great new restaurant or business in town. They welcome new members quickly and make them feel at home.
Is your computer broken? Ask the community…they’ll help.
Got website trouble? Did your calculator die right before an exam? Lose your pet?
Yep, my community shows concern and offers to help.
If I need help with my lawn, or just want to know where I should take my family out to eat, I know I can turn to my community for advice and recommendations.
We support one another’s endeavors, whether they be artistic, athletic, or business related.
They’ll even find you a babysitter in a pinch.
And if there’s a good cause, they’ll pitch in…both with time and money.
We share, we talk, we get together for coffee, or meals, or just to go sledding. We talk about music and go to concerts together. We discuss…and argue…about sports, and attend ballgames together. We create culture and visit galleries together.
We even share a lot of jokes…
Oh, we don’t always agree. Particularly on religion or politics, but we ARE a community after all. What binds us together is stronger than what can tear us apart.
I LOVE my community. Wouldn’t trade it for the world. And I’d trust my life to any number of its members.
Where is this community, you ask?
Well, my community has a name: Twitter.
And THIS is why I love Social Media; why I love what I do.
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