The Foundation of Freedom: Building a Culture of Community

by Susan Finn and Shelley Quintin Originally posted on the Indivisible MA Coalition Blog

In a world that feels increasingly fragmented and hostile, it’s easy to feel like we’re on our own. The headlines scream about division, and the systems we rely on often seem to be failing. This sense of isolation is a fertile ground for ideologies that promise simple answers and strong leaders but that ultimately seek to dismantle our freedoms and pit us against one another. We can, and must, do better. The most effective antidote to this rising tide of division isn’t a fiery political slogan but a simple, profound truth: We are stronger together.

The path forward lies not just in protest, but in the painstaking, joyful work of building a resilient and self-sustaining community culture. This isn’t about creating another organization with a narrow focus. Instead, it’s about weaving a deep, interconnected web of support that provides for our fundamental needs and affirms our shared humanity. 

More Than Just Marches: A New Kind of Resistance

We’ve learned that rallies, while important, are only one part of the fight. Real strength comes from a network of people who know, trust and actively support each other. Imagine a community where we share our skills and resources and where we teach and learn from one another. Envision workshops on knowing our rights, financial strategies for the working class, cooking, cybersecurity or creating trade partnerships, or a support group that reminds us we’re not alone. Picture community gardens and co-ops where we grow our own food — gaining a small but significant form of independence.This is the essence of community culture. When we can breathe a little easier because we have access to a food pantry, fuel assistance, or a child care network, we have the energy to do more than just survive. We have the energy to fight for a better future. 

From Isolation to Affirmation: A Bridge to Connection

The feeling of being an island is a powerful tool of oppression. When we feel alone in our struggles, it’s easy to doubt our own sanity and the validity of our experiences. But when we connect with others and find that they share our challenges, a moment of profound clarity emerges. “It’s not just me,” we realize. “I’m not crazy.” This shared sense of reality — validated by the experiences of others — becomes the bedrock of our collective strength. It affirms that our struggles are real and that we have the power to face them together.

This community-first approach is an antidote to the divisive forces that seek to compete and divide us. It’s a commitment to removing internal competition and instead fostering a spirit of collaboration. By supporting other groups, by sharing our successes and struggles, and by honoring the work of others, we build bridges instead of walls. We must prioritize our community over personal accolades and remember that our collective well-being is the ultimate measure of our success. 

Trust and Joy as Pillars of the Movement

Building this culture requires trusting each community member to contribute unique expertise and skills. It demands a future-oriented mindset, imagining a world beyond the constant fight, and keeps that vision in focus. Most importantly, it requires us to infuse our work with care, support and joy. Our gatherings shouldn’t just be about meetings and organizing; they should be about sharing meals, making art, dancing and simply enjoying each other’s company.

This isn’t just about politics. It’s about creating a society where people feel safe, seen and supported. Faith organizations, community centers, and local groups of all kinds are already critical partners in this work. This vision of a connected, resilient community — where we actively ask, listen and honor our commitments — is our greatest defense. It’s the foundation upon which true freedom and lasting change can be built.

Ultimately, the most powerful resistance isn’t just against something; it’s for something. It’s for a community where everyone can breathe a little easier, knowing they are surrounded by people who will stand with them, not just in times of crisis, but in the everyday work of building a world where we can all be good.

Getting Started

Creating a community culture starts with a few key steps:

• Start with a foundation of trust. Focus on relationships, not just tasks. Organize informal gatherings like coffee meetups, potlucks or hiking trips.These social events build the personal connections that are the bedrock of any strong community.

• Identify existing strengths. Take stock of the skills, resources and passions that already exist within your group. Who loves to cook? Who is an expert in cybersecurity? Who is a great listener? Trust each person to contribute some unique expertise.

• Ask and listen. Before launching any initiative, talk to the people you want to serve. What are their needs? What are their greatest challenges? By listening, you ensure that your efforts are genuinely helpful and not just what you think they need.

• Start small and build momentum. Launch a single, manageable project based on a community need, like a clothing or book swap, a small community garden, or a series of “know your rights” workshops. Success in a small project builds confidence and attracts more people.

• Create a circuit of support. Actively participate in the events of other community groups and organizations. This shows solidarity, builds relationships, and prevents your group from becoming an island. It also provides opportunities to learn about and promote the meaningful work of others.

Potential Partners

A vibrant community culture is built on a network of diverse partnerships.

• Faith-based organizations. Many churches, synagogues and mosques are already active in social justice and community service. They often have meeting spaces and a network of volunteers, and some even offer sanctuary or protection for vulnerable populations.

• Local businesses and co-ops. Creating trade partnerships with local businesses can strengthen the local economy and provide resources. Cooperatives, in particular, are structured to benefit the community and can be valuable allies.

• Nonprofits and grassroots organizations. Partnering with other groups focused on issues such as housing, food security, environmentalism, or social justice allows you to share resources, avoid duplication, and present a united front on shared goals.

• Educational institutions. Local schools, libraries and community colleges can be partners for workshops, tutoring and access to resources.

• Neighborhood associations. These groups have a direct line to community needs and concerns and can help organize local events and initiatives. 

Benefits

The benefits of building a strong community culture are far-reaching and impactful.

• Increased resilience and self-sufficiency. When a community has shared skills in areas such as agriculture, sustainable living, or financial management, it becomes more resilient to external shocks and less reliant on government systems that may be fragile or unreliable.

• Enhanced mental and emotional health. Feeling connected to a group combats loneliness and anxiety. It creates a space where people can validate each other’s experiences, leading to a profound sense of sanity and belonging. It helps people realize, “It’s not just me.”

• Sustainable activism. By offering care, support and joy, community culture helps prevent burnout, a common problem in activism. People are more likely to stay engaged and committed when their efforts are nourished by a supportive and caring environment.

• Expanded reach and influence. A network of interconnected groups is far more powerful than a single organization. By building bridges, you create a stronger, more unified voice that is better equipped to advocate for change and protect vulnerable people. 

• A positive vision of the future. Focusing on building something new and positive — a culture of mutual support and care — provides a powerful and hopeful alternative to simply fighting against what we oppose. It offers a tangible vision of a better future, which motivates and inspires long-term commitment.

Susan Finn is co-leader of Indivisible: “Do Something” SouthCoast New England, with members from Southeastern Mass and Rhode Island.

Shelley Quintin, a member of SCNE, is a volunteer organizer and coalition builder who is passionate about protecting everyone’s human and constitutional rights. She’s an artist and works with people with disabilities.