Community Connection

Involved, belonging, valuable community resource, partnership, experiential place to be, community needs (whole life-every stage), Connected, Cohesive

Community Connection involves coming together on shared work, activities, passions, desires and interests.  It is how we interact and connect on a social level and can be defined as feelings of togetherness, unity and warmth.  When a community is connected, positive dialogue is promoted, trust is created, and resilience among members increases.  Members can help each other navigate challenges and difficult times.  We can also come together to celebrate who we are, what we have been able to accomplish and to just have fun enjoying the unique and rich quality of life that is available in Columbia.  Community connection can help people develop a sense of belonging and can improve mental and physical health.

Other Benefits of Community Connection:

• Equips organization and members with resources
• Increases learning experiences
• Empowers professionals and others with unique expertise to contribute their insights and experiences to decision-making processes
• Provides people with needed information and support
• Shares the burden of expenditures (helping us to use resources more efficiently)

CA strives to be better connected to its stakeholders and members of the community both professionally and personally for mutually beneficial and meaningful long-term partnerships, social wellness, inclusion and belonging.

Constantly evaluate community partnerships – including but not limited to relationships with our Villages, government entities, for-profit businesses and non-profit organizations – and adjust CA’s approach to optimize the organization’s effectiveness and reach in the greater community.  Also, consider new relationships that may be beneficial to the community and efforts of the organization, take stock of missing or weaker relationships that need to be strengthened, and make efforts to establish or stabilize those that align with CA’s mission and vision to develop opportunities for intentional collaboration.

Communicate with stakeholders and community partners regularly to strengthen relationships, build trust, share ideas, provide feedback and work together more effectively, gain understanding, reduce confusion, keep up to date to allow for timely identification and resolution of issues before small problems escalate, Inform and be Informed to stay agile and adapt to changes quickly.

Host events in Downtown Columbia and throughout the Columbia Villages that emphasize CA’s commitment to serving and representing our diverse community, foster a sense of belonging, encourage both interpersonal connection and individual empowerment.

Encourage participation throughout CA at all levels and in various areas, including environmental stewardship, wellness and wellbeing, arts and culture, governance, volunteering, etc., and seek out feedback on not just customer satisfaction but community wants and needs.