Community Bank, N.A.’s Post

My evening walk Most evenings after 5 pm, I find solace in taking a leisure walk - my preferred form of exercise. As someone who cannot run, this gentle activity allows me to unwind after a long day, reflect, and reorganise my thoughts. Evening walks offer a unique opportunity to observe life and make plans, revealing distinct patterns depending on the time of day. On one particular day, my observations prompted contemplation on philanthropy, ubuntu, and the intricate connections within communities. During one of my evening walks, I noticed a fascinating dynamic: people walking or cycling in one direction and those driving cars in the opposite direction, both groups heading home. The walkers and cyclists greeted each other warmly, exchanging pleasantries, whereas I noticed a lack of acknowledgement among those in cars, with no honks or gestures to recognise fellow commuters. This observation led me to ponder the nature of philanthropy and community bonds. Communities, much like the individuals on my walking route, have systems. People in these close-knit communities know each other and are willing to come through for one another. However, the lack of acknowledgement among car commuters raised questions about how we, as Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), approach community development; we do not pay attention to those in close-knit communities. I feel compelled to delve deeper into understanding these intricate community systems in 2024. The central question is: How can CSOs best support communities without disrupting their dynamics but rather complementing them? Having ended the year 2023 with the Shift The Power Global Summit and its emphasis on putting communities at the center of the development agenda, this walk brought these thoughts from the summit. Respect for Intricate Connections: CSOs need to recognise and respect the existing intricate connections within communities, using them as a strength to support their work. Embracing Indigenous Knowledge: Acknowledge and value indigenous knowledge, deliberately building synergies with local wisdom rather than imposing external agendas. Avoiding Transformation into NGOs: Ensure that community movements are not transformed into NGOs solely to fit CSOs' agendas. Preserve the authenticity of grassroots initiatives. Shifting Power and Measuring Impact: As CSOs shift power dynamics, there is a need to understand that change is not a linear process and may take longer than we expect. Let’s celebrate the smallest win. Addressing Genuine Needs: CSOs should prioritise addressing genuine community needs rather than imposing individual priorities. As I embark on my walks in 2024, I look forward to further reflections and interactions, keeping you abreast of my thoughts and experiences. For me, the challenge for CSOs this year lies in embracing community dynamics, respecting existing connections, and fostering sustainable development that genuinely benefits the communities they aim to support.

Will More Volunteers Make Your Association Work? Associations in Calgary, Canada are stressed by big expectations and dependency on volunteers to succeed. This news article reflects how complicated managing associations with people, buildings, and funding has become. They note one need about "volunteer capacity." Are you finding your ability to recruit and manage more volunteers a big challenge? #HOA #communityassociation #volunteer #support #funding

What is community weaving In the practice of Community Weaving, individuals learn from Master Weavers who share their experiences and instruct them in the utilization of tools, techniques, and technology to cultivate their own social support networks within various spheres such as schools, neighborhoods, organizations, and businesses. Like-minded individuals, termed Good Neighbors, collaborate to establish shared resources such as furniture warehouses, childcare cooperatives, clothing exchanges, and community gardens. Additionally, they organize recreational activities like rafting trips, campouts, ropes courses, barbecues, softball games, paintball competitions, and vision quests. Furthermore, Community Weaving facilitates community improvement initiatives through the application of FSN technology, spearheading endeavors such as the closure of problematic venues, disaster response, establishment of neighborhood watch programs, fundraising for beautification projects, revitalization efforts, and the incubation of new businesses. To support these endeavors, local organizations such as the American Red Cross, Public Health Department, schools, faith leaders, businesses, and various civic, social service, and youth organizations are enlisted as FSN Partners. They provide essential resources such as free space for activities, access to speakers and educational materials, and complimentary trainings for FSN volunteers. FSN partners are equipped with the necessary training as Community Weavers, enabling them to effectively leverage the resources of the FSN to better address the needs of their clients. #communitydevelopment #educationalleadership #healthcare

🌿 A Deep Dive into Community, Challenges, and Change at the Shropshire Inclusion Network Gathering 🌿 Last Tuesday was no ordinary Tuesday - we were in the heart of North Shropshire, at the historic Oswestry Memorial Hall, surrounded by some of the most passionate and driven individuals I’ve ever met. All thanks to the #ShropshireInclusionNetwork. The gathering was personally impactful. It wasn’t just about the struggles of starting a rural business—though we talked plenty about that. It was about understanding the extra hurdles faced by those dealing with trauma, mental health issues, and simply trying to find support in places where it seems scarce. Oswestry Memorial Hall itself played a big role in our discussions. Donated by Mrs. Parry Jones in 1906, this place isn’t just a building; it’s a living legacy of community support. It was fascinating to hear from Paul Newman, our host, about its history and how it continues to be a hub for making, selling, and connecting. But it was the people, not just the place, that made the day. Paul shared how he works to knit different organisations and individuals into a community tapestry that’s stronger and more vibrant for its diversity. Jo Hazell - Watkins from #TheSomaSpace and Ben Wilson from Osnosh CIC were standouts, sharing their journeys and how they use physical movement and food to bring people together and support those facing tough times. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and it feels like we’re onto something big here. Our aim is to keep this momentum going as we visit more rural spots across Shropshire, focusing on: 👍 Giving community supporters and business owners a space to recharge and learn. 👍 Driving home the importance of inclusion through real stories and practices. 👍 Boosting rural venues to bring benefits to the whole area. This wasn’t just another networking event. It was a reminder of the resilience and potential within our communities, and the power of coming together to face challenges head-on. Let’s keep the conversation going and make every space one where everyone feels they belong. Follow our page BizEd Projects CIC #CommunityBuilding #Resilience #InclusionMatters #MentalHealthSupport #RuralInnovation

Blessed to be in the movement of solidarity economy in Boston, East Cleveland, and NYC. This article is specific to our work in Boston but higlights how collective work and responsibility as well as community wealth building efforts are a cause and not a brand. Leaning into our collective experiences and competencies has birthed something special that honors legacy residents, our leaders past and present while thoughtfully engaging in system change work that aims to build more aligned institutions that are for us by us. "Black Bostonian communities citywide have more than just something to say for themselves: their economies are building institutions that prioritize asset-based community development and are creating the foundations for a local solidarity economy. In so doing, they draw on histories and energies that have grown and percolated from past and present efforts toward sustainable, people-based planning." thanks Nia K. Evans of Boston Ujima Project for your support and leadership and @NPQ for your much needed platform to share transformative efforts. #Boston #systemchange #narrativechange #grassroots #solidarity #transformative https://lnkd.in/gYeaK8yP

The Prosserman JCC engages over 1,000 people each day (in some cases, that number could be double!). Let that sink in for a moment.... This could be someone going for a swim, playing pickleball, doing a group class, attending a program for their child or just meeting up with a friend to do a workout together. The list of examples is endless and outside of a concert, or live sporting event, I can't think of another business that's doing the same kind of high-level volume, while also fostering community at the same time. Am I missing any other obvious examples?! #communityimpact #engagement #community #culture

#YouMove continues to empower Families in Oxfordshire! 🎉 We’re always so thrilled to share the incredible achievements of #YouMove If you haven't read the most recent report summarising the impact of the programme, here's a little snapshot: Growth and Engagement 🤝 : 🆕 4,000+ new participants, totaling over 10,000 individuals from more than 2,700 families. 📈 24% of children on free school meals in Oxfordshire are now part of YouMove. 📊 Families from 112 of 115 wards in Oxfordshire are engaged, with 22% in priority neighborhoods. 💳 53% of families use their #YouMove cards monthly, boosting their activity levels. Positive Outcomes ➕ : 🏥 96% of participants see a health and wellbeing improvement. 😁 50% of adults report life satisfaction gains; 42% of children feel happier. 🗣 86% of families would recommend #YouMove to others. Inclusive Actions ❤️ : 📍 Engaged refugee communities with events in Didcot, Banbury, and Abingdon. 👩🏫 Trained 50+ individuals from 20+ organisations on inclusivity, safeguarding and welfare. 🔎 Focus on swimming and diverse activities to keep families active year-round Thank you to our funders, partners, and incredible families for making this year a success. Together, we’re creating a healthier, more active Oxfordshire! 🌍💪 Read the full report here 👉 https://lnkd.in/ewPWSeTu Oxfordshire County Council South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils Oxford City Council Cherwell District Council West Oxfordshire District Council NHS Buckinghamshire Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board Healthy Oxon

This article articulates why generating social capital with physical infrastructure and places is important, and the positive flow on effects for community and individual resilience. It also reminds us to engage with and protect those places, so that they’re there when we need them.

"Elevate impact, ignite change! Join forces with us for the Street Health Campaign. Explore exclusive partnership and sponsorship opportunities – because together, we can create a healthier, empowered community. THEME: Steps to Wellness: Revitalize your street, transform your health Overview Street Fund Global Foundation is excited to present the "Street Health Campaign," a one-day program aimed at promoting community health and well-being. This initiative encompasses a Street Health Walk, Street Clean-Up Blitz, and Streetwise Health Tips, designed to redefine health and well-being in the heart of our urban landscape. Street Fund Global Foundation is a registered (Reg No. CG005690123) non-profit/non-governmental body dedicated to establishing a nurturing living environment for street children, offering assistance to parents living on the streets, and providing mobility support to individuals with disabilities. Our mission extends to delivering mental health care services for mentally deranged individuals, addressing the pervasive issue of illiteracy in Africa, combating famine within communities, and fostering job opportunities while extending aid to youth and those in need. In addition, the Street Fund Global Foundation aspires to unite all Africans and the African diaspora to combat racism and for comprehensive development through philanthropy, healthcare, education, business, leadership, and arts. The core values of this organization are Resilience, Courage, Unity, Restoration, and Integrity with our slogan being “Working to Save the Street”. Our programs touch the lives of various beneficiaries, including street children, street parents, persons with disabilities, needy children and youth in communities, schools, Africans, and mentally challenged individuals. Objectives 1. Raise awareness about the importance of physical activity and a healthy lifestyle. 2. Promote cleanliness and environmental sustainability through a community clean-up exercise. 3. Provide valuable health tips to persons on the street for improved well-being. Date March, 2024 Organization Contact Information Street Fund Global Foundation Email: streetfundglobalfoundation15@gmail.com Tel: +233 (0) 53 574 4081

Imagine if a young adult was suddenly sent back in time to live in a typical American city in the 1970s. There'd be many things to get used to, but they might be surprised by how many of their neighbors were part of some fraternal associations and civic organizations, such as Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis, IOOF, Altrusa, Shriners, etc. I was just a kid then, but my father was in the Kiwanis and our next-door neighbor in the Shriners. They took their oath to these organizations seriously and their work in the community as vital. Did they also use these clubs to socialize, drink green beer, wear funny outfits, and dance in goofy ways no child should ever have to see? Yes! However, these social rituals got people involved in improving their community and helped citizens make a public commitment to support local causes and volunteer work as part of their civic duty. Social clubs were once the primary connectors and facilitators of American communities, but they've been in decline for decades, and their absence has made many of us estranged from our neighbors. In his groundbreaking 2000 book, Robert Putnam, the author of “Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community,” documented that attending social club meetings, such as those held by Rotary and Kiwanis groups, declined by 58 percent between 1975-2000, and that was over 23 years ago. Putnam also observed that the family dinner ritual decreased by 43%, and the number of friends dropping by the house to hang out decreased by 35% during that same period. I've spent the last three decades studying where and how people live, work, play, eat, and shop in places. And what I've observed in that time is that the quality people seek most in their lives is not money, fame, or six-pack abs; it's the desire to connect with one another and to be part of a community where they feel like they belong and are making a difference. We're social animals at our core, and our human nature is to gather, connect, and bond with others, including people we don't know. Our cell phones and digitally dominated life have separated us from making eye contact, much less conversation with those in our community. But I have faith that the next generation will course-correct our era of "digital fixation" and find more socially facilitative ways to come together in person as friends, neighbors, and strangers to bond and make our world a better place. #societyandculture #culture #community #society #business #families #neighborhoods #strangers #friends #neighbors #civicengagement #communityengagement