Building Community in Challenging Times
Creating safe, inclusive spaces and making an impact together.
In a world where division and fear seem louder than connection and compassion, finding community is not just important—it’s essential. For many, the current political and social climate around the world has transitioned these last few weeks from feeling heavy to feeling overwhelming and threatening in the face of far-right oppression that seeks to silence voices and limit freedoms and this has left many feeling helpless and not knowing what they can do. But history has shown us that even in the most challenging times, community is a lifeline —a place where we can find strength, safety, and the courage to create change.
This post is a continuation of my exploration of the power of community. (If you missed the first post, you can read it here. In it, I shared how community can transform lives and how starting small can lead to significant change. Today, I’ll expand on those ideas to discuss how community can help us navigate tough times, create grassroots change, and find the belonging we all need and deserve.
Why Community Matters Even More in Oppressive Times
Oppression thrives on isolation. It aims to make individuals feel small and powerless. Community, on the other hand, is about connection, resilience, and empowerment. It’s a reminder that you’re not alone, and together, we can resist forces that seek to divide and diminish us.
In these challenging times, community:
Provides solidarity: Knowing you’re not the only one experiencing fear, anger, or frustration can be a source of comfort and strength.
Amplifies your voice: When individuals unite around a shared cause, their collective power is harder to ignore.
Offers safety: Trusted communities become places to exchange ideas, resources, and protection.
The Impact of Isolation
The last several years have been marked by increasing isolation. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted our routines, fractured social connections, and deepened feelings of loneliness for many. Political polarization and the rise of online echo chambers have further eroded our sense of community. It’s no wonder that rebuilding connection feels harder than ever.
Yet, it’s precisely because of this isolation that community is so critical. We need spaces where we can feel safe, valued, and accepted as we are. The journey to find or build these spaces might feel daunting, but the rewards—belonging, empowerment, and the potential for change—are worth the effort.
Building Grassroots Movements for Change
Grassroots change starts with ordinary people coming together to take action. You don’t need to be a politician, influencer, or wealthy donor to make a difference—you just need to find like-minded individuals and take small, meaningful steps together. A great example of this is happening right now in Canada, where people across the country are uniting—coast to coast to coast—to organically create a national boycott of U.S.-made products and businesses.
Here’s how to start:
Identify your values and passions: What issues matter most to you? Democracy?Climate change? Education? Reproductive rights? Knowing your “why” will guide you to the right community.
Find your people: Look for local groups, online forums, or events where you can connect with others who share your values. Social media, libraries, and community centers are great starting points. You will find a number of great communities right here on Substack.
Start where you are: Small actions add up. Whether it’s hosting a book club to discuss activism or organizing a fundraiser, every effort counts.
Collaborate with existing movements: Research and align with organizations already doing impactful work. Joining forces amplifies everyone’s efforts.
An example of a small, local community group where I live is Climate Justice Durham which is a local group of volunteers advocating for climate-based change locally. This small but mighty group provides education and community awareness, holds events such as community clean-ups, advocates before legislative bodies, holds candidate debates, fundraisers and protests.
Staying Safe in Challenging Times
In politically and socially charged environments, safety is a valid concern. Here are a few tips to stay secure while building community:
Vet your groups carefully: Make sure they align with your values and feel trustworthy.
Use secure communication tools: Apps like Signal or encrypted email services can protect sensitive conversations. Avoid Meta-owned apps such as WhatsApp whenever possible.
Keep boundaries in mind: Be mindful of how much personal information you share, especially online.
Find allies in unexpected places: Not all support comes from large groups. Sometimes, your safest community might be a small circle of trusted friends.
Finding Spaces Where You’re Accepted as You Are
When the world feels hostile, it’s crucial to find places where you can be yourself. Acceptance isn’t just about comfort; it’s about survival. Whether you’re part of a marginalized community or simply feeling alienated by the current political climate, here’s how to find spaces of belonging:
Seek identity-based groups: Whether it’s LGBTQ+ support networks, cultural organizations, or women’s empowerment groups, these spaces can be havens.
Prioritize shared values: Look for communities centered on kindness, inclusivity, and mutual respect.
Create your own space: If you can’t find what you’re looking for, consider starting something new. A book club, support group, or creative workshop can grow into a powerful community.
Stories of Resilience
History reminds us of the power of grassroots movements during times of oppression. Think of the underground networks during the civil rights movement, the suffragettes fighting for women’s rights, or mutual aid groups formed during the pandemic. These examples show us that when we come together, even in the darkest times, we can make the impossible possible.
In my own experience, I’ve seen how a single idea—like building community gardens—can spark widespread change and I’ve written a number of posts on how to create community gardens. The same is true for broader movements. Whether your action is as small as starting a dialogue or as large as leading an initiative, you’re contributing to something bigger.
The Call to Rise Together
Community is not just about belonging; it’s about resilience and hope. It’s about finding people who see you, hear you, and stand beside you. It’s about transforming fear into action and isolation into connection.
So, if you’re feeling disheartened by the state of the world, take a deep breath and look around. Your community is out there, waiting to welcome you. Start small, stay intentional, and remember: even in oppressive times, grassroots power can reshape the future.
What steps are you taking to find or build community in these challenging times? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s keep the conversation going. Together, we’re stronger—and together, we can create the change we need.