7 Key Strategies for Genuine Community Building and Organizing

Authors: Dr. Chanel Beebe

Building and organizing genuine community efforts is essential yet nuanced work that requires dedication, adaptability, and an open mind. While it’s easy to echo calls to “find your community and organize,” embodying these words is a different journey entirely—one that asks us to confront discomfort, invest deeply in our surroundings, and learn continuously. Below, I share seven key strategies for authentic community building and organizing, hoping to illuminate pathways that strengthen connections and support collective action.

1. Show Up with Consistency and Care Real community organizing begins with showing up, not just when it’s easy, but when it’s necessary. The true test of commitment lies in those moments when you’re exhausted from work or tempted by more enticing plans. Yet, by showing up, you build trust and affirm the community’s importance in your life. Consistency signals care—not just for the work but for the people you share it with.

Example: Mutual aid networks, like those organized by Cooperation Jackson in Mississippi, are excellent at showing up consistently for their communities, providing resources and support even during times of crisis. 

Resource: Check out the book "Emergent Strategy" by Adrienne Maree Brown for guidance on staying present and committed in community work.

2. Balance Personal Responsibilities with Collective Needs Balancing the demands of personal, family, and work obligations with the needs of community activities is an ongoing practice. Plan intentionally and recognize that this balance looks different for everyone. The practice of holding space for both compassion and accountability—for yourself and others—can nurture a supportive environment where the collective thrives without compromising individual well-being.

Example: Moms United Against Violence and Incarceration (MUAVI) is a community organization that effectively balances personal and collective needs, supporting parents and caregivers while advocating for systemic change. 

Resource: Visit "The Nap Ministry" for insights on balancing rest and activism.

3. Embody Healing and Somatic Liberation Community work often involves confronting trauma and deep-seated systemic issues that can weigh heavily on individuals. To sustain engagement, it is crucial to embody practices of healing and somatic liberation that restore the mind and body. This means nurturing an awareness of how trauma and stress manifest in the body and learning to release these tensions through intentional practices. Centering healing within community organizing not only fosters resilience but also supports long-term, holistic well-being.

Example: Resmaa Menakem’s Black Octopus Society exemplify how somatic practices can be integrated into community work to promote collective healing and resilience. These initiatives encourage participants to reconnect with their bodies, process racial trauma, and cultivate spaces where healing is prioritized. 

Resource: Explore Resmaa Menakem’s "My Grandmother's Hands" or his online community for transformative practices on racialized trauma and healing.

4. Plan with Purpose and Prioritize Goals Community organizing requires more than passive participation; it demands intentional action. This means thoughtful planning, moving priorities around, and constantly reassessing your focus to stay aligned with your goals. Treat each decision with the care and intention that meaningful engagement deserves, remembering that impactful organizing is as much about small, deliberate actions as it is about major initiatives.

Example: The Highlander Research and Education Center is known for strategic planning that empowers grassroots movements and supports transformative change. 

Resource: Explore "The Art of Gathering" by Priya Parker for practical advice on creating intentional and effective community plans.

5. Cultivate Compassion and Conflict Resolution Conflict is inevitable in any group setting, but the way it’s approached can either fracture or fortify. Bring empathy and a willingness to engage in tough conversations. Be open to apologizing and acknowledging when you could have done better. Practicing humility in conflict doesn’t diminish your voice—it strengthens trust and signals that relationships matter more than ego.

Example: Restorative justice practices in schools, like those used by Oakland Unified School District, show how compassion and structured conflict resolution can lead to stronger communities. 

Resource: Check out "The Little Book of Restorative Justice" by Howard Zehr to learn about conflict resolution rooted in empathy.

6. Welcome Diverse Perspectives Communities are enriched by the diversity of voices and experiences within them. Embrace perspectives that challenge your own, even when they stretch your comfort zone. The most meaningful growth often comes from wrestling with differing ideas and finding common ground. By listening with curiosity rather than defensiveness, communities can co-create solutions that reflect the complexity of their members’ needs.

Example: The People's Assembly model, used by organizations like Detroit Action, brings together community members with diverse backgrounds to discuss and decide on collective actions. 

Resource: Read "Decolonizing Wealth" by Edgar Villanueva to understand how to embrace different perspectives and create inclusive communities.

7. Respect Varied Life Experiences and Realities Understand that no two people come to community work with the same background, privilege, or set of resources. Recognize these differences and adjust expectations to create a culture of inclusivity. Valuing each member’s unique reality helps create a space where all can contribute meaningfully without fear of judgment.

Example: The National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) respects and uplifts the varied experiences of domestic workers while fighting for their rights and protections. 

Implications Applying these strategies is not just about doing the work—it’s about embodying it. Community building calls for a commitment to growth, an embrace of the uncomfortable, and an understanding that the journey is as vital as the destination. By showing up, balancing responsibilities, remaining open, and practicing compassion, communities can weave stronger connections that sustain them through challenges and triumphs alike.

Affirmations for Staying Present with the Causes and Issues That Matter to You

• I am present, even when it’s difficult, because my community deserves my best.

• I trust that every effort I make, no matter how small, contributes to collective change.

• I seek and appreciate perspectives different from my own as part of my growth.

• I choose to approach conflict with empathy and a willingness to listen.

• I honor my community work with intention and prioritize it in my life.

• I remain flexible, adapting to the needs of my community while staying true to my values.

• I hold space for different realities and experiences, fostering an environment where all can belong.

Ready to put these strategies into practice? Connect with Beebe Arts Consulting today to discuss how we can support your community-building initiatives and help you develop intentional, impactful organizing strategies.