The TLT Group

Nurturing Communities

Community & Connectedness Home Page

Definition
Nurturing Communities are those in which we:

• Have a stake in each others’ lives.

• Expect and enable everyone to contribute – to be useful.

• Learn by leading and teaching;  Grow by serving and giving.

• Help each other; Appreciate each other;  and Thank each other.

• Address conflicts openly.

• Balance structure and stability with variety and change.

• Balance individuals' different needs (including their needs for solitude and their needs for connectedness) with the needs of the community

• Take the time we need (minutes to reflect, years to master).

• Have fun, love.

Introduction & Related Resources
Among the most effective antidotes (and preventatives) for terrorism and grief are laughter, love, and connections. Each of us needs them and each of us can provide them -- for and with others.  We need to build more "nurturing communities" in which everyone can feel connected, supported, and encouraged to learn, teach, and grow.

• Guidelines and Thoughtful Questions for “Nurturing Communities” Rev. (6-22-2002)

• "You Are Not Alone!"

• [e.g., Quaker Camping Program of Baltimore Yearly Meeting.  See:  “Fire Circles, Compassionate Pioneers, and Nurturing Communities” ]

• Another kind of example: 
  Windsock Children's Theatre Camp