WHAT IS COMMUNITY WELL-BEING?

 

Community wellbeing is the combination of social, economic, environmental, cultural, and political conditions identified by individuals and their communities as essential for them to flourish and fulfill their potential. When we look at community as a whole, we find three attributes that play a large role in wellbeing:  connectedness, livability, and equity. We can explore each of these attributes for factors that contribute to community wellbeing.

Connectedness - Connection is fostered by a community’s social networks that:

  • Offer social support

  • Enhance social trust

  • Support members living harmoniously together

  • Foster civic engagement

  • Empower all members to participate in community and democracy

Livability – A livable community is supported by the infrastructure, including:

  • Housing

  • Transportation

  • Education

  • Parks and recreation

  • Human services

  • Public safety

  • Access to culture and the arts

Equity - An equitable community is supported by values of diversity, social justice, and individual empowerment, where:

  • All members are treated with fairness and justice

  • Basic needs of all are met (adequate access to health services, decent housing, food, personal security)

  • There is equal opportunity for education, employment, and meeting individual potential

Community is much more than belonging to something; it’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter but community well-being will mean different things in different communities. The primary purpose is to stimulate greater attention to what we are calling as ‘being well together’.  When we discuss community wellbeing, we are referring to liking where you live, feeling safe, and having pride in your community. It is about engaging and getting involved in the area where you live and work.

 
Grassroot OrganizationsVisuable Team