The concept of community is thrown around so often, that in some respects it has lost its true meaning. Beyond the buzzword, communities play a vital role in shaping societies, organizations and individuals in many ways. Community also adds purpose and joy.
At its core, a community is simply a group of people who share something in common. It could be a common genealogy or ancestry, faith or belief system, geographical proximity, hobby or interest, stage in life, educational experiences or career/profession. Typically, there is a commonality that is at the core and for communities to thrive, it is important that there is a shared sense of trust, connection and caring.
The link between a sense of community and mental health/well-being is emerging in the research. A 2023 study in Wisconsin found that people with a negative sense of community were much more likely than those with a positive sense of community to report experiencing depression, anxiety or stress.
In the compliance space, we have many options to provide a sense of community between professional organizations, informal/grassroots networks, podcast groups and many other options, but how do these communities benefit us?
A social support network
As a member of a community, you have access to people who may have similar or helpful experiences. Often, we refer to this as the opportunity to acquire wisdom as cheaply as possible, learning from the experiences of others. Whether you need a connection, to commiserate, seek advice, gain experience or share a story, having a supportive group in your life can have a powerful effect on your overall well-being.
A sense of purpose and belonging
Belonging within a community can fill a person with purpose. These feelings foster solidarity and fulfillment- especially in cases where you are all facing similar challenges such as when a new regulation is promulgated and there is significant uncertainty. A strong sense of purpose and belonging can help you live a longer and more fulfilling life.
Alleviating stress
Communities encourage collaboration and cooperation among members. This can be a source of joy and alleviate isolation that can often be experienced as a department of one or as the “adult in the room” within your organization. The camaraderie can leave us feeling engaged and supported which reduces stress and anxiety.
Personal growth and development
Within communities, there are often opportunities for learning, personal growth and skill development. Whether it occurs through a formal process, experiential learning, mentorship or some other mechanism, individuals can expand personal and professional skills.
We all need some form of community — for health, for life, for purpose, for our careers.
Lisa Beth Lentini Walker, who began contributing to CCI in 2022 as Well-Being Editor, is the CEO of Lumen Worldwide Endeavors, a firm specializing in compliance, governance and ethics consulting. She is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) and a certified meditation and mindfulness specialist. Lisa Beth has led award-winning legal and compliance departments within large public corporations (including a Fortune 50), privately held enterprises. She does this by strategically aligning resources to create efficiencies and advising the board of directors to further strategic initiatives while mitigating risks in all aspects of the domestic and global operations. Lisa Beth co-authored the book, 
