Global Citizen | The Power of Community: Why Connecting With Others Is So Important for Civic Engagement

Published by: Global Citizen

Every day, fresh headlines seem to inundate our timelines detailing a new onslaught of overwhelming global challenges. From the climate crisis to political unrest, it’s easy to feel powerless under the weight of so much information.

But if there’s one thing that’s certain, no matter whether you’re a historian, political scientist, or psychologist: Belonging to a community is one of the single greatest catalysts for change, both individually and collectively. Engaging with others who share or light up your passions is not just emotionally uplifting, but also a powerful driver of civic action and societal transformation.

At its core, civic engagement happens when people take the initiative to try and make tangible change within their communities. Whether through local grassroots efforts or national campaigns, individuals who come together can ensure that their voices collectively matter and their actions have the chance to shape collective futures.

Built for Connection

That’s because humans are hardwired for connection. It might sound obvious, but a strong sense of community reduces loneliness. Research shows that individuals who report feeling connected to others experience lower levels of anxiety and depression — and with mental health concerns rising at alarming rates, we could all probably benefit from a little stress alleviation in our lives.

As the well-known (if somewhat ambiguously sourced) proverb says, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” While individual efforts can light a spark, lasting momentum often depends on collaboration. That’s because working within a group expands the repertoire of resources at your disposal — just like in a choir, everyone can sing their individual part and trust the melody will continue building.

In times of crisis, a supportive network can serve as a lifeline and antidote to widely shared fears, such as climate anxiety, which disproportionately affects young people. As many young climate advocates have learned, the best cure for anxiety is action — especially when that action is taken alongside others.

Belonging to a community offers the opportunity to learn from different perspectives, grow, and develop an invaluable sense of purpose, all while building empathy, honing new skills, and growing more resilient.

How to Connect

So how can you get more involved? The very best answers are going to be context-specific and address the needs of wherever you live. You can look up local events, join civic organizations doing work related to topics you care about, volunteer, or even just have meaningful conversation with your neighbors to learn more about issues impacting those you live near.

In an era where an unprecedented number of people report feeling disillusioned from institutions and socially disconnected, building up a sense of community can be a rather radical act. It’s also essential to a thriving democracy. Engaged citizens are more likely to hold leaders accountable, influence policies, and ensure that governments are acting in the best interest of the public they serve.

Taking that first step is the hardest — but we have a few ideas to get you started. The group Climate Awakening offers hour-long virtual spaces for small groups to process climate anxiety together, connecting instead of silently grappling with those fears alone. Cool Block meanwhile offers how-to guides with concrete steps for neighbors to collaborate on climate initiatives. You could volunteer with the Environmental Voter Project, a get-out-the-vote effort that focuses on getting those who support climate legislation out to the polls. Or check out VolunteerMatch to search for local opportunities near you by specific cause or location. Local organizations like Brooklyn Org, Chicago Cares, or LA Works can help connect you with like-minded folks in your area, and no matter where you live, there’s bound to be similar organizations working in your own backyard. The options are nearly endless.

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, one of the best things you can do is to start small. Talk to someone you might not reach out to otherwise. Join a local event. Reach out to a group whose work you admire and find out how you can get involved. Once you connect with others who feel the way you do, you’ll quickly realize that you’re not alone at all — and you’ll be able to go further than you ever thought.

This series is part of Global Citizen’s “Take Action Toolkit” where we share tips and tricks for raising your voice and making it heard on the issues you care about. Check it out!