Note from Gillian: Why Community

Every life form has a community whether it’s the beehive, the rain forest or the bowling league. We see community in sports, schools, and religions. We see community in business, politics and lifestyles. There are communities that are exclusive. There are communities that are inclusive. Communities come in all shapes and sizes.

What is it that holds a community together- Common goals? An Activity? An interdependence? A fashion? A crisis? Trust? Faith? Hope?

And why is community so ubiquitous? Why is it so apparently vital for survival at all levels?

Community by definition means: 1)A group of people living together or sharing common interests;  2)Any group of mutually related organisms. The derivation, which is the same for the word communication, comes from Latin: communis- common, public <com –together + munia– duties.

Community is the choice each life form makes upon the decision to survive for (and with) more than just self. Community is the decision to consider and support the wellbeing of other lifeforms whether with 2 legs, multiple legs, fins, roots or wings. Community is strengthened by equal exchange amongst its members. Community is built on the respect of the individual to have free will and participate based on a self-determined choice.

But why are communities needed? Isn’t every life form capable of independent existence? Entertainment, philosophers, and motorcycle companies have shown the strong individual, the James Dean personality, the Easy Rider as a preferred lifestyle.

Community, clan, tribe, gang, team, club, herd, flock, grove, pod and village all exist for the exchange of communication and care, and truly are co-created by each member. Community is the acceptance, understanding and hopefully respect of the individual members views and goals. It takes community to build a successful business, It takes a community to turn an idea into reality. It takes a community to protect from predators- in the wild as well as in suits. Every participant in each community- from the worker bees to the corporate leaders are valuable.

At Christie & Co, we build and support the growth of communities…authentic and motivated communities that support the growth of ethical brands and initiatives. All strategic branding, marketing, PR and outreach must build viable communities who enthusiastically exchange products for purchases and stay loyal at each end of the transaction. We believe ethical and vibrant communities will intertwine to build a better world.