"People say it takes a village to do difficult things: raise a child, sustain a community, build a barn. But we don't often talk a lot about what it takes to be a villager. What does it mean to not just be in a community, but to help create one? Priya Parker, author of The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters, says the key is to put yourself out there, even if it's scary."
"Host gatherings that you'd like to attend. The idea is to create the community you want to be in, Parker says. If you're not sure which activity to host, notice moments in your life when you have felt the most joy and connection, she says. Was it playing kickball with friends? Start a kickball league. Experimenting with watercolors? Invite your besties over for an art night. Don't be afraid to think outside the box, Parker says. "Honestly, the sillier the better.""
"Find a co-host. If the hullabaloo of hosting feels like too much, find a couple of folks to help take on responsibilities. Guests can share duties as well. Parker suggests assigning people fun roles throughout the event for example, refiller of water glasses or distributor of napkins. Everyone feels involved and you can stress a little less."
Put yourself out there and take responsibility for creating the community you want by hosting gatherings you would attend. Base events on moments of personal joy and connection, and design activities around what genuinely excites participants. Embrace playful, unusual, or themed ideas to foster memorable bonds. Share hosting duties by finding co-hosts and assigning guests enjoyable roles to distribute responsibilities and increase involvement. Simple logistical choices and shared ownership reduce stress for hosts and help form reliable social networks that people can lean on in both good times and bad.
Read at www.npr.org
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