Tri-City Voice is proud to serve our community but what does the term “community” mean?
Use of the word implies a cohesive group that shares a common purpose and goals. In a multifaceted society, it is often difficult to penetrate surface differences to uncover these basic principles. No matter what background, ethnicity, religion, or culture, people want a comfortable life, free from fear, hate and threat to themselves and family.
In order to achieve these basic goals, we often rely on others to help maintain order and civility for a safe environment. A sense of community offers this respite from a tumultuous and uncertain external political and environmental landscape.
Just as family can offer understanding and protection for its members, so can a community spread an umbrella of
concern and response to local issues. Without a sense of community, we become isolate and subject to irrational fears, fueled by ignorance, misunderstandings, in some cases, willful misdirection and distortion of facts.
Agrarian and rural communities are aware of their dependence on their own hard work to achieve success but know that external factors, outside their control, can defeat even the most efficient and rational use of resources. Weather, physical disability, accidents or crop infestation can ruin promising outcomes. Even if separated by distance with few interactions, Neighbors are aware of this precarious position and typically pitch in to help others in need. We often see such efforts following natural disasters.
In suburban and urban settings, community gatherings, clubs and organizations have served a similar purpose. Concentrated housing has not necessarily translated into close or even casual interactions with neighbors. Holiday celebrations and events have helped to bridge that gap. Workplace relationships have also created a sense of belonging and aspiration.
Unfortunately, many factors have combined to unravel the fabric of our communities. With the technological advancement of social media and remote education and workplaces, physical isolation has become more prevalent. Concurrently, many local gatherings and events suffered during the enforce isolation of the Covid pandemic. Many of these have not resurfaced.
In order to retain and regain the sense of community, it is essential for our local organizations and governments to promote a unified and cohesive atmosphere through activities and events that engage as many residents as possible. Through such interactions, we will all share an awareness and pride in our communities.