Community

A term derived from the Latin communitas, meaning the same. Communitas stems from communis, which means “shared by many.” A community comprises individuals in a social group, within the larger society, who share the same regional area and possess mutual concerns. Individuals identify with their community; it enables them to achieve a sense of belonging. Defining communities only in terms of geographical location is limited; they are also based on mutually shared beliefs, culture, norms, values, history, experiences, language, class, or interests. A community can involve interconnectedness among members, who share strong bonds or ties. It is a network of relationships that can be supportive and exist at places of employment; houses of worship; professional, political, or leisure organizations; educational institutions; and so forth.