7 minute read
The Power of Community
M A N I F E S T I N G
T O G E T H E R
Manifesting goals may feel like an individual pursuit, but your goals are actually more achievable when you are supported within a community Surrounding yourself with like-minded people can augment your efforts, making it easier to take risks, try new things, and grow through shared experiences and support
Elisa Camahort Page, co-founder of BlogHer and more recently of a new community for professionals who want to improve the “ now of work” called Optionality, is an expert on building thriving communities and explained it to us perfectly: "Building your own squad provides you with both the scaffolding to climb as you reach for what you want, and a soft landing if you occasionally fall. It’s amazing how much further we’ll push ourselves when we know someone will stick by us, pick us up if we fall, and encourage us to try all that good stuff.
In the Optionality community we’re supporting people who want to build a different kind of working life that supports professional goals and personal purpose. That takes some experimentation!" After hearing that we had two thoughts:
Everyone wants that, right?
How do I sign up and make that happen?
Settle in as we explore how being part of a community can help you manifest your goals and realize your dreams. Whether you’re looking to join a community or start one of your own, we think the insights Elisa shared with us will inspire you to connect with others in more meaningful ways.
CONSIDER COLLECTIVE CARE VS. SELF-CARE
Self-care has become a watchword of well-being But as we connect and convene with others, consider the power of collective care the idea that we don’t have to carry life’s weight alone In fact, we’re often stronger together. Collective care allows us to share both progress and rest, ensuring that when one person needs support, another can step in to help It’s reciprocity that sustains everyone involved.
Elisa shared a powerful metaphor to illustrate this idea: “In a thriving community, no one person bears the full weight of the load I interviewed Patrisse Khan-Cullors, one of the founders of Black Lives Matter, and she explained that no singer can hold a note forever, but if everyone in the choir breathes at different times, they can sustain the sound much longer than any one person could ”
This is the essence of collective care: supporting one another, stepping in when someone needs a break, and allowing yourself to be supported in turn. As Elisa puts it, “It’s vital for us to continue to grow collective care and community care, so that we all get the chance to rest, without slowing our progress toward a more just society ”
LEAD ON YOUR CORE PASSIONS AND SUPPORT OTHERS ON THEIRS
Communities are relational, not transactional. The motivations that drive support are based on the idea of a virtuous circle, not just equal exchange of value” Elisa reminds us. That doesn’t mean that you put your goals aside in service of the community Instead, consider the community a safe place in which to figure out what matters most to you. Focus on one or two of your goals that will also make a real impact on the community you join. As Elisa wisely put it: "Assign yourself the one or two topics you care about most to really be a leader on "
For example, if you ’ re a strong writer and you join a knitting group, you might volunteer to write the monthly newsletter or take notes during meetings. Alternatively, if you join a writing community and also love to bake, you might offer to bring treats for gatherings or lead a discussion on writing about food Focusing on your strengths allows you to
pour your energy into areas where you can truly grow, while also recognizing that you don’t need to do it all
And not all communities are linked to hobbies or passions There are other communities all around you. There are politically active communities at local levels, volunteering in local government or your HOA thrusts you immediately into your local community! There are work-related communities inside many large corporations, there are networking communities around careers (including the career of motherhood)
Communities offer emotional and practical support, allowing you to thrive and allowing you opportunities to develop your own skills in supporting others. "Just as you work to develop your leadership in some areas, " Elisa reminds us, “collective care means knowing when to give other community members the space to shine in their own areas of focus and expertise.”
MOVING FORWARD: MANIFESTING THROUGH COLLECTIVE CARE
So as you move forward on your path to self-discovery, think about how collective care can enrich your life Whether it’s finding a community that resonates with your passions or creating a space for others to thrive, collective care ensures that we don’t just survive but truly thrive together
The beauty of a community is in the balance it brings: giving and receiving, leading and following. By manifesting your dreams alongside others, you create a support system where each person contributes to the success of the whole.
LET’S GET REAL: FINDING THE RIGHT COMMUNITY FOR YOU
Now that we’ve explored the importance of community, how do you go about finding the right one for you? Whether you’re rediscovering a passion or starting something new— like pottery—here’s how to find a community that fits and how to become an active member:
DEFINE YOUR INTERESTS AND GOALS
Get clear on what you’re looking for—whether it's developing skills, finding feedback, or connecting with people who share your passion. Having trouble thinking of something you want to connect around? Ask a friend to brainstorm with you.
START LOCAL AND DIGITAL
Check out local studios or community centers and explore online platforms like Facebook or Meetup for groups that match your interests.
UNDERSTAND WHAT COMMUNITIES VALUE
Show up with respect, curiosity, and a willingness to engage. Authenticity and contribution are what communities appreciate the most.
PARTICIPATE AND BE CONSISTENT
Consistency builds trust. Share your progress, ask questions, and engage regularly with others in the group. Don’t just show up when you need something, remember the community ethos of reciprocity!
PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD
Pay attention to the community’s culture, listen before diving in, and show gratitude for the learning process.
CONSIDER THE LONG-TERM FIT
Not every community will be the perfect fit or be a fit forever, and that’s okay. Keep exploring until you find one that feels like home.
When I first met Elisa Camahort Page, it was when I was on a panel at a BlogHer conference a platform she co-founded that changed the game for women creators and entrepreneurs Elisa is one of those rare people whose purpose radiates clearly: she’s here to make the world a better place by creating environments where we can gather, share, and achieve aligned goals.
Her talents are boundless. Not only did she help build BlogHer into a juggernaut that transformed women’s media and entrepreneurship, but she also co-authored the impactful book “Road Map for Revolutionaries: Resistance, Activism, and Advocacy for All.”
And she hasn’t stopped! Elisa’s latest endeavor, Optionality, is a thriving community of practice for seasoned professionals redefining the rules for meaningful careers. Optionality is an exceptional example of the power of community done right Elisa and its members champion each other, drawing on a wealth of shared resources
