Building a Community

As we begin this new adventure together, I am reminded of a poster I saw once from Syracuse Cultural Workers. 

How to Build Community

TURN OFF YOUR TV
LEAVE YOUR HOUSE
KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS
GREET PEOPLE
LOOK UP WHEN YOU'RE WALKING
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
HONOR ELDERS
SUPPORT NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOLS
FIX IT EVEN IF YOU DIDN'T BREAK IT
HAVE POT LUCKS
GARDEN TOGETHER
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
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
AND WORK TO CHANGE THIS

I really appreciate how it simply says 'community' (rather than 'a' community). 
Community is after all a noun, and used as it is here, (to me anyway) it's a feeling.
I adore the feeling community brings.  And I am very aware that a community can not be forced.
I was first drawn to this poster because of the bright colors and the rays of sunshine peeking out between the letters at the top of the image.  I think the artist who created it must have lived in or been part of a vibrant community!  

I'm so blessed to be too. 

~Jennifer