I vividly remember my first networking event in Lisbon. Surrounded by passionate entrepreneurs, I felt like a fish out of water. My Portuguese was limited, and the business culture in Portugal was very different from what I was used to. However, thanks to my experience in Colombia, I felt more confident and prepared to face this new challenge. This experience showed me the transformative power of human connections, even in an increasingly digital world.
In this article, we will explore how technology, when used consciously and humanely, can act as a catalyst for building strong and meaningful communities. Through my own journey as a community builder and my experience with tools like LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Facebook, Meetup, Telegram, Eventbrite, and Slack, I will share with you the strategies and lessons I have learned to humanise technology and create spaces where people connect, learn, and grow together.
From ancient villages to modern cities, communities have been fundamental to human development. They provide us with a sense of belonging, support, and purpose. With the advent of the internet, communities have evolved, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries. Platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Meetup have facilitated the connection of people with common interests, creating a new kind of global community.
However, this digital transformation has also brought about new challenges. While virtual interaction is convenient, it can lack the depth and warmth of face-to-face relationships. Information overload and a lack of privacy are other issues that can affect the quality of our online connections.
Despite these challenges, technology can be a powerful tool for building more human and meaningful communities. Each platform offers a unique set of features that can be used to foster interaction and engagement.
LinkedIn: More than just a professional network, LinkedIn can be a space to build authentic relationships and share knowledge. LinkedIn groups provide a forum for discussing topics of common interest and establishing meaningful connections.
WhatsApp: The intimacy of WhatsApp groups allows for a closer and more personal sense of community. By sharing experiences and knowledge informally, members can build stronger relationships.
Facebook: The versatility of Facebook makes it an ideal platform for creating communities of all sizes and types. From closed groups for more intimate discussions to public pages for reaching a wider audience, Facebook offers a wide range of tools to build community.
Meetup, Eventbrite, and Luma: These platforms facilitate the organisation of in-person and virtual events, allowing community members to connect in person and strengthen their bonds.
Social networks: Each social network has its own characteristics and audiences. By using a combination of platforms, you can reach a wider and more diverse audience.
Courses and workshops: Shared learning is an excellent way to foster personal and professional growth within a community. By organising courses and workshops, you can create opportunities for members to collaborate and learn from each other.
My Personal Experience: Building Communities that Inspire
My journey as a community builder began with the desire to connect with other professionals and share my knowledge. At first, I focused on building online communities using platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn. However, I soon realised the importance of in-person events in strengthening bonds and creating a more tangible sense of community.
Organising events such as meetups and workshops allowed me to meet my community members in person and establish deeper relationships. It also enabled me to learn from their experiences and adapt my strategies to better meet their needs.
Over the years, I have learned that building a strong and lasting community requires time, dedication, and a human-centred approach. By creating a safe and welcoming space where people feel valued and respected, we can foster collaboration, growth, and personal development.
To build communities that inspire and empower, it is essential to:
Create a clear vision: Define the purpose of your community and communicate this vision clearly and concisely to your members.
Encourage participation: Create an environment where everyone feels welcome to participate and share their ideas.
Build trust-based relationships: Establish relationships based on trust, honesty, and mutual respect.
Celebrate achievements: Recognise and celebrate the achievements of your community members to increase motivation and engagement.
Adapt to change: Be flexible and willing to adapt to the changing needs of your community.
Technology has transformed the way we connect, but it should not replace human connection. By using digital tools consciously and strategically, we can build strong and meaningful communities where people are inspired, learn, and grow together.
My experience as a community builder has shown me that by humanising technology, we can create spaces where people feel valued and connected, regardless of their geographical location or background.
Thanks for reading me,
Jhamile Abuabara
https://jhamileabuabara.com/humanising-technology-building-communities-that-inspire-and-empower/
