You know what they say: "It takes a village."

There's so much potential for friendship and connection outside the four walls of our homes. Our community gives us a sense of belonging. It helps to shape our identity and support our emotional well-being.

It's comforting to know that someone's always there—a neighbor, your barber, the barista who knows your coffee order by heart—and we all play a role in creating and sustaining these important social structures.

The power of community connection

Do we really need community? (Spoiler: Yes). How does where we live impact our sense of connection? How do we build societies that empower us to connect with one another?

In this edition of Fighting Lonely, we try to find out.

Belonging to a community can be life-changing

Communities can be many things: a neighborhood, a club, a friendship group, an extended family. Whatever shape or form it takes, there's no denying the life-changing power of participating in community.

You belong

Being part of a community helps us connect with others and feel part of something larger than ourselves. This sense of belonging is especially important for individuals who have experienced trauma, loss, or feelings of isolation.

You are supported

Communities offer emotional and practical support during difficult times. Having people to turn to can ease feelings of isolation and stress. Plus, engaging in shared experiences within a community sparks positive emotions like a sense of empowerment.

You find identity

Communities help us develop a sense of identity through shared values, beliefs, and culture. Understanding our history within a community gives us a place in the world.

You just feel better

Studies show that people who are part of tight-knit communities tend to have better physical health, including lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Walkable neighborhoods foster stronger communities

What practical steps can we take to inspire those all-important community connections?

One answer might be prioritizing walkability. Why? Because people who live in walkable neighborhoods are more likely to engage with their neighbors. Their sense of community is greater compared to people living in car-dependent areas.

Walkability is about more than extra sidewalks. Initiatives like closing off streets for outdoor dining, creating pedestrian plazas, and connecting downtown areas with walkways all help.

The benefits are far-reaching. Walkable streets promote physical activity, and those who walk around are more likely to support local businesses. Walkable streets also reduce air and noise pollution, making it a win for the environment, too.

Snippets: Helpful Tools & Resources

• Books and community: There's a connective power to reading that helps us find community through books. See: BookTok.

• Better sleep and loneliness: A good night’s sleep can reduce feelings of loneliness, particularly in young adults.

• Economic policies to fight loneliness: Policies addressing economic insecurity and social isolation can combat the root causes of loneliness. One income should be enough to support a family and allow participation in community life.

• We don't hang out anymore: A so-called "social fitness" crisis has emerged. Americans are spending more time alone, and as a result, the art of hanging out could be dying.