Introduction

“Community” may be something we feel part of, automatically, by our membership in a particular group – neighbors on a street, an ethnic group, co-workers, etc. But as our worlds become more diverse and our lives more mobile, we are more likely to enter and exit many communities where we need to consciously build new bonds and shared experiences.

One basic aspect of building community is showing those around us that we consider them – that they are not invisible to us. The two accounts in this section are about this acknowledgement. They are about people who notice what is happening to their neighbors and act to support them.

Here are some other questions to keep in mind as you review this section:

1. What does helping people mean to you?
2. In what ways is our own well-being linked to the well-being of others?
3. What about conflicting needs or interests?
4. What are some strengths and limitations of helping others as a way to improve community?

EFF Common Activities

_X_ Gather, Analyze, and Use Information
_X_ Manage Resources
___ Work Within the Big Picture
___ Work Together
___ Provide Leadership
_X_ Guide and Support Others
___ Seek Guidance and Support from Others
___ Develop and Express Sense of Self
_X_ Respect Others and Value Diversity
___ Exercise Rights and Responsibilities
___ Create and Pursue Vision and Goals
___ Keep Pace with Change
___ Use Technology & Other Tools to Accomplish Goals

EFF Skills

Communication Skills
___ Read with Understanding
___ Convey Ideas in Writing
___ Speak So Others Can Understand
_X_ Listen Actively
_X_ Observe Critically

Decision Making Skills
___ Use Math to Solve Problems & Communicate
_X_ Solve Problems and Make Decisions
_X__ Plan

Interpersonal Skills
____ Cooperate with Others
_X_ Advocate and Influence
_X_ Resolve Conflict and Negotiate
___ Guide Others

Lifelong Learning Skills
___ Take Responsibility for Learning
_X_ Reflect and Evaluate
_X_ Learn through Research
___ Use Information & Communication Technology