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How Community Building Creates Happy Schools, Communities and World

How Community Building Creates Happy Schools, Communities and World

Community building isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a lifeline that connects us, enriches our lives, and molds the futures of the next generation. At the same time, it gives us the opportunity to build happy schools, happy homes, and workplaces. We have simple strategies you can start implementing today. At 365give, we believe in the power of community building starts with our children at home, and in our schools and expands to transform the world.

I was so excited to have an in-depth conversation on our brand-new podcast “The Human Impact Theory.” In this episode, I had the privilege to speak with extraordinary educator, long-time friend, and 365give Board Member Lindsay Storry. We sat down in my home with a cup of tea to talk about the importance of community building in the classrooms. School is getting ready to go back after a summer break and starting the year creating meaningful connections changes everything for students.

It’s the building block for happier, healthier students and happy schools.

We explore what community building means, its pivotal role in the classroom, local neighborhoods all the way to the global stage, and how it’s shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

“School isn’t just about grades. It’s about preparing our children to be active, compassionate members of society.” She stresses the importance of community building in schools as it teaches children empathy, resilience, and cooperation. Skills that are crucial in today’s interconnected world.” Lindsay Storry

What the heck is community building and how does it make happy schools??

Community building is the art of creating supportive, engaging environments that foster relationships, encourage collaboration, and promote mutual understanding and respect. It’s about creating spaces where every individual/ student can thrive. From the playground to the boardroom, the pillars of community building—trust, cooperation, inclusiveness, and empowerment are fundamental.

The Pillars of Community Building

  1. Trust: The foundation of any community, trust is built through consistent, positive interactions that create a safe space for sharing and growth.
  2. Cooperation: Working together towards common goals not only achieves better results but also strengthens the bonds between community members.
  3. Inclusiveness: Embracing diversity ensures that everyone’s voice is heard and valued, enhancing the community’s creativity and problem-solving ability.
  4. Empowerment: Providing individuals with the tools and opportunities to contribute meaningfully boosts their confidence and commitment to the community.

The Benefits of Happy Schools

Community building offers a wide range of benefits across various domains, from enhancing personal well-being to fostering greater societal harmony. Here are some key benefits, supported by research:

  1. Improved Mental Health and Well-being: Strong social networks and community ties consistently improve mental health. Additionally, a sense of belonging can decrease loneliness and alleviate depression symptoms.
  2. Enhanced Learning Environments: Research shows schools with strong community ties have lower dropout rates and higher achievement. Moreover, community building in schools boosts student motivation and engagement.
  3. Increased Workplace Productivity and Satisfaction: Gallup reports that employees with strong workplace connections enjoy higher job satisfaction and productivity. Furthermore, community building in organizations promotes a cooperative work environment, enhancing performance.
  4. Resilience During Times of Crisis: Communities that are closely knit are better able to respond to and recover from crises. These include natural disasters or economic downturns. A 2010 study by Aldrich and Meyer found that social capital and community networks play a crucial role in disaster recovery.
  5. Civic Engagement and Social Cohesion: Community building encourages civic participation. A 2019 study published in the “Journal of Social and Political Psychology” noted that community-driven initiatives benefit society. They can significantly enhance civic engagement and political participation, which are essential for democratic governance.
  6. Sustainable Development: Strong communities are pivotal in sustainable development efforts. The United Nations emphasizes community engagement in achieving its Sustainable Development Goals. They note that local action can drive global change.

Why Community Building Matters in All Areas of our Lives

  • In Schools: By fostering a supportive community, schools become more than just places of academic learning. They transform into nurturing environments where children learn to interact, share, and care for others.
  • At Home: Similarly, strong family communities provide a sense of security and belonging, which are essential for personal development and happiness.
  • In the Workplace: Likewise, a collaborative community at work not only boosts productivity but also sparks innovation and enhances employee satisfaction.
  • Globally: Ultimately, when communities worldwide come together to address global challenges, the impact can be profound. Creating a more peaceful society overall.

Activities to Get You Started Today

In the Classroom Creating Happy Schools:
  1. Group Projects with a Purpose: Encourage students to work in groups to create something that benefits a local charity, like crafting blankets for homeless shelters or assembling care packages for children in hospitals. The 365give Challenge for schools  or Youth Leadership Groups is a great way to get started.
  2. Peer-to-Peer Teaching: Allow students to teach each other about a personal interest or skill, fostering respect and admiration among peers.
  3. Cultural Celebration Days: Have students prepare presentations about their cultural backgrounds, promoting diversity and inclusion within the classroom.
At Home Creating Happy Families:
  1. Family Volunteer Day: Choose a local community service project and participate as a family. This could be anything from planting trees in a community park to helping at a food bank. The 365give Challenge for  families will get you started today.
  2. Weekly Family Meetings: Hold regular meetings where each family member can share their thoughts and feelings about the week, discuss any issues, and plan family activities.
  3. Cooking Together: Prepare a meal as a family where each member contributes to the process, and occasionally invite neighbors or friends to join, strengthening community ties.
In the Workplace Creating Happy Employees:
  1. Community Service Projects: Organize a team to volunteer at a local non-profit organization. This not only gives back but also builds teamwork and camaraderie.
  2. Lunch and Learn Sessions: Create opportunities for employees to share their expertise on various topics during a communal lunch, enhancing knowledge and bonding.
  3. Recognition Programs: Implement a peer recognition program where employees can nominate each other for awards based on kindness, cooperation, or community involvement, fostering a positive and supportive workplace culture.

These activities are especially designed to strengthen community bonds and encourage giving back, enhancing the sense of community in each environment.

Community building isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a lifeline that connects us, enriches our lives, and molds the futures of the next generation.

Community building is not just about bringing people together; it’s about creating a world where everyone can thrive. At 365give, we’re committed to this vision. Changing the world one person, one classroom and one community at a time.

This is Your Call to Action

Ready to work on building community and bond with other like-minded people? Join us in fostering stronger communities. Whether by participating in local events, volunteering, or simply reaching out to neighbors. Your actions create ripples that extend far beyond your immediate circle.

Finally, if you would like to support our work a simple way subscribe to podcast and give us a like. 👍

For more on happy healthy classrooms for this school year check out these articles.

Adopt these 12 Healthy Habits for a Happy Classroom

9 Strategies to Increase Mental Health in the Classroom

 

 

 

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Jacqueline Way is dedicated to serving humanity with love and compassion every day. She is a committed advocate for global change, dedicating her career to philanthropic projects that create scalable and lasting impact. Most of all, she is a Mom of 3 beautiful boys that teach her about happiness 365 days of the year.

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What people are saying about 365give

“I wanted to express my gratitude for the teaching you provided today. Your message was delivered eloquently, compassionately, and without judgment. The kids were engaged, and now have knowledge with which they can change the world. We all appreciated how you took the time to help us learn to build positive mindsets and practice happiness.”
Shelley Gardner, Grade 6 Ridgeview Elementary (West Vancouver)
“Actions really do speak louder than words, which is why I believe the 365give Challenge has resonated throughout my community. Every give we do is so important to us and leaves us happier and appreciating our lives a little bit more than before.”
Mahina Niyozova (Tajikistan)
“After watching the 365give TEDx Talk, I was inspired to join and begin a daily giving program in India. Today, along with 12 other volunteer women, we provide 100 meals to local underprivileged children in Bangalore for school every day.”
Deepika Ahuja, Mom (Bangalore, India)
“My life has greater meaning now.”
Renate Jorge, @BeKindBrazil and 365give Member, Family Program (Brazil)
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MayLee, 365give Member, Individual Program
“This 365give Challenge has really injected excitement and extra enthusiasm in each work day as I think about what we can do. It has motivated me and the students.”
Cristina Peters, School Counselor (New York City, USA)
“I have seen a huge shift in energy throughout my classroom since doing the 365give Challenge. The Challenge has empowered my students to make a positive difference in the school’s community and beyond.”
Cella Adriana, Special Needs Educator /The Holliswood School (New York City, USA)
“The 365give Challenge helps students understand their impact on others. It opens avenues for introducing and discussing global and local issues in classrooms. It is powerful to watch students of all ages think about how they can make a change in another person’s life with one small act.”
Jessica Hall, Primary Teacher, French Immersion at École Pauline Johnson (West Vancouver, Canada)

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