When I feel lonely, what I want most is to connect with someone I can relate to. Having something in common provides a foundation—a place to begin a conversation. From there, whatever happens, happens. Some people are capable of engaging with almost anyone, while others need to know they already share a specific reason, such as a characteristic or interest, to connect. When those reasons become too narrow, opportunities to “break the ice” can vanish altogether. In extreme cases, this can lead to social isolation.
I suspect—without a shred of evidence—that loneliness motivates many people to become involved in community development (CD). I include myself in that group. People drawn to CD are as vulnerable to the usual barriers to social connection as anyone else, but they are also well aware of how weak social ties can damage a community. Connecting those dots, they are uniquely positioned to apply what they know about community to themselves as well as to others.
Effective community development usually requires bringing people together face-to-face. For staff and volunteers to work well together, CD should also involve social connection on a personal level. Socializing helps cement relationships, offering a natural way to meet others and build trust while contributing to something meaningful. These connections are not just “business-related”—they are about belonging and shared humanity.
The Socializing Crisis
Years ago, when the internet was just becoming widely available, I volunteered with a human rights organization. Early online chat rooms were emerging—primitive but exciting spaces for people to connect. I suggested creating one for our volunteers, not to discuss human rights directly but simply to socialize—to get to know others who shared this passion.
The idea went to the board for approval. After much discussion, it was rejected. The reasoning was that a purely social space wasn’t “appropriate.” Perhaps socializing seemed frivolous compared to human rights work. I thought differently: why couldn’t we have both—advocating for human rights and building personal relationships among those doing the work?
A more recent example: I attended a virtual session hosted by a CD organization. When the host invited questions, no one spoke up. The host finally asked a question themselves. Maybe nobody had one—but it’s also possible that attendees didn’t feel comfortable speaking. It struck me as ironic: here was a group devoted to community development, yet the sense of community in the meeting was minimal.
These moments reflect a larger problem. Socializing—once natural and easy—has become awkward. Both isolation and the increasingly hostile or self-promotional tone of online communication have eroded sincerity in our interactions. Honest, personal, and open expression seems to be fading. I believe we are experiencing a social crisis in the nonprofit and community development world. It goes something like this:
- Social isolation contributes to dysfunction—personally, politically, and within communities.
- CD workers and volunteers are part of those same communities; if the environment is dysfunctional, they are affected.
- Dysfunction within CD organizations inevitably affects the quality of their programs and the impact of their message.
Socializing Revolution
There are good reasons for community development organizations to take the lead in countering this trend and to intentionally promote social connection:
- Socializing helps people get acquainted and strengthens working relationships.
- It keeps groups cohesive and motivated.
- If an organization’s mission involves improving community connections, it should model those connections internally.
- Poor or insufficient social interaction can damage relationships, projects, and communities—so understanding and managing it well is essential.
Socializing improves communication, fosters trust, and makes work more enjoyable. Some CD organizations already recognize this:
- NeighborWorks America hosts an annual Leadership Institute “to strengthen the voices and skills of community, resident, and volunteer leaders.”
- Habitat for Humanity holds events like its Gratitude Awards to celebrate volunteers, where “attendees had a chance to eat, mingle, and hear about teamwork and dedication.”
Other organizations and services also help nonprofits strengthen both management and social wellbeing:
- The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance offers staff training and leadership development.
- Great Place To Work provides tools and recognition programs that promote positive workplace culture.
- The Wellness Alliance offers education and certification programs that promote workplace and community well-being.
Community development, at its heart, is social work. Organizations in this field should create different ways for employees and volunteers to connect informally and meaningfully. Building relationships builds confidence—and when people feel connected, they communicate better, collaborate more effectively, and share their vision more powerfully with the communities they serve.