In the first quarter of 2025, the NationSwell Council set out on a cross-country journey for a Salon series dedicated to unlocking The Power of Community.

Designed to explore the ways that a strong sense of community can serve as the foundation for shared purpose, empathy, and mutual support — particularly in times of division — the series convened a number of incredible and diverse cross-sector leaders concerned with the creation and maintenance of robust communities. From incentivizing collective action to the bridging of generational divides to empowering youth to facilitating leadership development, our members shared a number of heartfelt, resonant insights on the ways they’re helping to make their communities stronger.

We’re proud to present a selection of those insights — along with some of the most powerful resources that were shared during the course of the series — below:

Key Insights:

  1. Urgency shouldn’t only arrive with disaster: In moments of crisis, we say yes quickly, clearly, and without hesitation. What would it look like to show up with that same energy and commitment for our communities absent a crisis?
  2. Empathy is a muscle, not a trait: It needs consistent practice. We can build it into our daily habits, our systems, and our institutions. The question is not if we have empathy, but how often we choose to use it.
  3. Be more human, more of the time: In a world that often prioritizes efficiency over connection, how can we slow down and really see the people around us, in our neighborhoods, our workplaces, and our communities?
  4. Community involvement and collective action: Effective community development relies on the active participation of individuals who are invested in their local area. These community members play a crucial role in identifying and addressing issues that affect their neighborhoods. The collective effort of residents is essential for creating sustainable solutions, as their proximity to the problems allows for a nuanced understanding of local challenges.
  5. Bridging generational gaps: Even in relatively homogeneous communities, a diversity of generations exists, each with its own perspectives and experiences. This generational diversity can lead to conflicts, particularly when young people with innovative ideas clash with older generations who may be more resistant to change.
  6. Youth engagement and empowerment: Engaging and empowering youth is crucial for the long-term sustainability of community development efforts. Key issues that concern young people include: physical safety and mental health; equity and justice; economic mobility; and sustainability
  7. Digital landscape and education: Today’s youth are digital natives, primarily using mobile devices for online activities. However, this familiarity with mobile technology does not necessarily translate to proficiency in computer skills required for higher education and professional environments. Additionally, young people may be more susceptible to online fraud compared to older generations.
  8. Leadership development and empowerment: Creating strong leadership pipelines is essential for the long-term success of community development initiatives. This process should begin early, ideally in junior high school, to build people capital and prepare the next generation for leadership roles.
  9. Cross-sector collaboration and engagement:
    • Cross-sector partnerships are indispensable for community building, as they bring together diverse expertise and perspectives. This collaboration enables communities to leverage a wide range of skills and resources, ultimately leading to more effective solutions.
    • Authentic Engagement: Genuine engagement with communities is crucial. This involves active listening and observation, ensuring that the needs and voices of community members are heard and respected.

Resources:

Books:

Music:

  • “All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles
  • “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers
  • “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King
  • “If You’re Ready (Come Go with Me)” by The Staple Singers
  • “Good Vibes” by Rebelution
  • “Rise Up” by Andra Day
  • “Beautiful People” by Ed Sheeran featuring Khalid
  • “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman
  • “With My Own Two Hands” by Ben Harper
  • “All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles
  • “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers
  • “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King
  • “If You’re Ready (Come Go with Me)” by The Staple Singers
  • “Good Vibes” by Rebelution
  • “Rise Up” by Andra Day
  • “Beautiful People” by Ed Sheeran featuring Khalid
  • “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman
  • “With My Own Two Hands” by Ben Harper

Podcasts:

  • The Power of Community
  • Masters of Community
  • The Community Development Institute
  • Mosaic’s Community Life Podcast

Other resources: