January 19 - Join a Gang (of Learners!)

“You don’t have to move fast or far. You can go just an inch. You can mark your progress breath by breath.” Cheryl Strayed

“Learning something new and challenging, particularly with a group, has proven benefits for the ‘novelty-seeking machine’ that is the brain,” Tom Vanderbilt explains.

Learning in communities is a dynamic process that involves the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and values within a social context. Learning with others, no matter their age, or yours, can change the way you view the world, other people, and yourself.

Following are some examples of learning that take place in communities; many of these options may be available to you.

Schools, colleges, and universities provide structured learning environments where students acquire knowledge and skills in various subjects. My community college offers classes in yoga, gardening, and food preparation, beyond what it offers academically.

Learning doesn't only happen within formal educational settings. Communities provide informal learning opportunities through interactions with family, friends, neighbors, and community members. This can include learning cultural traditions, local customs, storytelling, and practical skills passed down through generations.

Communities often offer vocational training programs or apprenticeships where individuals can learn specific skills relevant to industries or trades. This type of learning is essential for career development and meeting the demands of the local job market.

Communities may organize workshops or classes on a wide range of topics, such as cooking, gardening, arts and crafts, computer skills, or financial literacy. These learning opportunities allow community members to expand their knowledge and develop new skills. My local library has groups that interest every age and many topics. From a crochet and knitting group to a Minecraft group, members of the community can get together to practice, learn from each other, and enjoy their favorite hobbies with others.

Non-profit organizations and community centers often provide educational programs and resources tailored to the needs of the community. This can include tutoring services, adult literacy programs, language classes for immigrants, or parenting workshops. When I first moved to Germany, I spoke no German and felt very isolated. I started taking night classes in the German language. Not only did this improve my conversational German, but it also helped me feel less alone and I got to know others in the same boat. I was able to connect with a fellow American and share things we had discovered about our new community.

Community members with expertise or experience in a particular field can mentor others, sharing their knowledge and guiding them in their learning journey. This informal mentorship can be invaluable for personal and professional development.

Community events, festivals, and artistic performances offer opportunities to learn about different cultures, traditions, and artistic expressions. These events can foster intercultural understanding and appreciation. I have signed up for various newsletters and Facebook groups, so I will always know when these events are happening. I love where I live because there is always something interesting going on!

Engaging in community activities, such as volunteering, community organizing, or participating in local governance, provides opportunities for learning about civic responsibilities, social issues, and the workings of local systems. This is an area where I feel like I need to do more. I am trying to balance my time to find a way that I could be involved in and somehow help in this part of my community.

Community health clinics, fitness centers, and support groups offer educational programs on topics like nutrition, exercise, mental health, and disease prevention. These programs empower individuals to make informed decisions about their well-being. As I have been on the path to bariatric surgery for the last year, I have been in classes, joined groups, visited a dietician, psychologist, and an array of doctors in order to learn about and get approval for surgery. It has been an incredible experience and I feel very supported. I wish that this kind of program existed for other problems, like mental health.

With the advancement of technology, online platforms and forums provide spaces for people to connect, collaborate, and learn together. Online communities centered around specific interests or fields allow individuals to share knowledge, seek advice, and engage in continuous learning.

These examples illustrate the diverse ways in which learning occurs within communities, fostering personal growth, skill development, cultural exchange, and community development.

Activity: Organize a neighborhood scavenger hunt where participants have to discover and learn about local landmarks, historical sites, or hidden gems.