More than I’ve ever seen before in my life, there are people--young and old--talking about the importance of community-building and the concrete steps into takes to bring people together in reciprocity and solidarity
In this article, I explore how my understanding of community is evolving in 2026, and how that’s shaping the work I do as a Community Mentor.
Whether we realize it or not, each community has a web of stories that set the stage for deeper connections. Maybe the stories center around the place they live, the identities they hold, or the values they champion. But stories aren't always as empowering or as connective as we would like to think. In this short article, together we explore how some stories have a way of breaking down community connection, even as they claim to strengthen it.
Uncertainty is a feature - not a bug - of real life. But, unaddressed, it creates a breeding ground for division in communities. Read more about how Vibrant Systems views uncertainty.