This blog series is made possible by a grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc.
“You will discover that you have two hands. One is for helping yourself and the other is for helping others.”
– Audrey Hepburn
Our world is made up of many people, with many similarities and differences. These shared similarities and differences can help us both connect with and learn from one another.
For children, the world can feel especially big. As they grow, they begin to meet new people, form relationships, and discover a sense of community. Sometimes in today’s world, it can be hard to know where to find community.
Strong communities are built through respect, communication, shared goals, and consistency. Families are more likely to engage when they feel welcomed and valued when taking part in the community. Accessibility is necessary for consistently engaging with community, whether it be the distance to attend events or usefulness for your family’s needs.
Community can be found in many places such as parks, libraries, youth sport events, neighborhood events, and restaurants. Go anywhere you feel is safe and friendly for your family. Exploring helps families discover shared interests while naturally creating opportunities to meet new people. Start small by introducing yourself and your family to friendly new faces. By doing this, you are sparking a small connection and modeling social skills for your little ones. Encourage children to introduce themselves to neighbors, bus drivers, librarians, mail carriers, and as many trusted members of your community.
Once families begin forming connections, community involvement can grow in meaningful ways. Consider volunteering as a family. Volunteering is a compassionate way to give back to communities and a fantastic way to meet new families. For metro-Atlanta natives, websites like Hands On Atlanta and Pebble Tossers have a useful tool that can recommend volunteering opportunities based on age range. You can even volunteer time to clean up your own neighborhood. Check in with your HOA or lookup your local county laws and create a family neighborhood cleanup. When families practice empathy, respect, and compassion with others, we show children what it means to be in community with others. No matter how little a child is, they can make a difference. Community begins with small moments of connection, and children are never too young to take part.
