How to Build Community.

During my Mission Year, I read a postcard I bought titled how to build community for a fundraiser. Afterwards, a friend of mine asked me if I would make him a collage based on this reading. I finished it earlier this week, and officially have my art hanging up in another person's home! Selling an art piece has been on my bucket list, and it felt great to cross it off! Below is a photo:

Along the edge of the canvas I wrote the different ways we can build community where we are at. They are: *Turn off your T.V. *Leave your house * Know your neighbors * Look up when you are walking *Greet people *Sit on your stoop *Plant flowers *Use your library *Play together *Buy from local merchants *Share what you have *Help a lost dog *Take children to the park *Garden together *Support neighborhood schools *Fix it, even if you didn't break it *Have Potlucks *Honor elders *Pick up litter *Read stories aloud *Dance in the Street *Talk to the Mail Carrier *Listen to the birds *Put up a swing *Help carry something heavy *Barter for your goods *Start a tradition *Ask a question *Hire young people for odd jobs *Organize a block party *Bake extra and share it *Ask for help when you need it *Open your shades *Sing together *Share your skills *Take back the night *Turn up the music *Turn down the music *Listen before you react to anger *Mediate a conflict *Seek to understand *Learn from new and uncomfortable angles *Know that no one is silent, though many are not heard. Work to change this.

I believe these ideas speak a lot of truth to the ways we can build community around us. While living in Atlanta, I have baked extra and shared it, danced in the street, learned from new and uncomfortable angles, and gardened with neighbors to name a few. Join with me, and find a way to build community with those who surround you. Living in community is a beautiful way to experience life.