Communities involve more than the physical neighborhood where you live in, but let’s begin there. When I think of my community, I think of my church, my pharmacy, my grocery store, my bank, amd, and my hair stylist. I forgot my Starbucks. It isn’t just the buildings, but the people in those buildings.
Likewise, community can refer to people of like beliefs, interests, or dreams. For example I am a member of San Diego People First and the State-wide Self-Advocate Network. Both are self-advocate organizations consisting of people with developmental disabilities, run by individuals with developmental disabilities. We advance the causes of people with developmental disabilities and educate the public on issues that matter to us.
People can belong to multiple communities reflecting the richness of our life experience. Being part of communities is central to the human experience, and defines are humanity.