‘It Takes a Village’ as They Say
Sunset in Porto, time for reflection - photo by Jess Ormston
As the world becomes larger and we are increasingly connected through technology, it is easy for us to lose the feeling of connectedness. Through the use of virtual and hybrid spaces, it is easier than ever for us to stay in contact, for us to work collaboratively – but it can be difficult for us to feel a part of something, to find a place of belonging, in a fast paced, constantly evolving world.
Reflecting on this reality brings forth the idea of communal living, or as my friend Karin introduced to me - the concept of The Village. She first started living by the concept to protect her children - for them to grow up in a supportive environment. Thinking about the community as a circle, the adults were placed on the outside and the children on the inside, so that if they strayed from the centre, they would always be bounced back in the right direction. Over time, Karin’s concept of living with The Village in mind has expanded into a place for children and adults alike, to form strong, supportive connections, where everyone can be their true selves.
The basis of the village is simple. The foundation values guide those who are in it; it requires showing up, celebrating individuals while holding unity at the core, and leaning on each other in order to collectively learn, grow and challenge. The “borders” of the community are porous, growing and shrinking with the changing dynamics of life. What is created is a web of people who can always call on each other and are connected by these strings of understanding and acceptance.
Throughout my life I have been creating my village unknowingly, but only recently has it explicitly and consciously brought me great comfort. The people in my life who bring me true joy and wholeheartedly support me are scattered in various places. Although separated by land and sea, the distance is made smaller with The Village. We are never truly alone, because we are all part of the same community and are connected by these threads that join us together with the same values. I know that these people will challenge and support me and most importantly, they will always show up, in the same way that I would for them, due to the mutual understanding of the community foundations. As a place of celebration and acceptance, I feel immense gratitude for those in my circle and immense privilege to have curated this space. For me, the idea of The Village has transcended into a feeling that acts as a central tenant to connect me to those that make me feel most at home. Knowing that I am constantly held by a web of wonderful people, no matter where I am or what I’m doing, energises me to live organically.
Convene deliberate dialoguers are brought together under this same notion of village. Through coming together, dialoguers are uniting as members of a community, whose purpose is to support and challenge each other. In opening a space for deliberate dialogue our dialoguers realise the importance of leaning on each other, of drawing on individuals’ expertise, but also uniting to realise the power they have in enacting collective change. Through establishing and living their collective foundational values, and knowing they will always have this network of people to draw on, they can unknot complex issues to and address social injustice. Their village will continue to grow as they join the red threads that run through the wicked problems that we all face - and that they have a mandate to address. In a time of increasing urgency, it has never been more important to lean on our community, to discover and unlock people’s strengths and know that together, we can provide a place of acceptance and change.
— Jess Ormston
