A true sense of community is talked about a lot and is going to become more important as time progresses. As costs rise, we will become more reliant on our local community to provide our fundamental human needs (Max-Neef):
- Affection
- Creation
- Freedom
- Identity
- Idleness
- Participation
- Protection
- Subsistence
- Understanding
So if we take a suburban community - its about knowing your neighbours, interacting with your neighbours and sharing. Its about getting involved in community initiatives in stead of waiting for local or national government to pass directives to fix a problem. Wanaka Wastebusters is an example of this - the community saw a problem, and as a community set about a way to alleviate the problem and a platform to raise other issues. There are similar community waste initiatives in places like Xtremewaste in Raglan.
Imagine if you knew all your neigbours and you all shared your garden produce? Or childcare? Or dog walking duties or dog babysitting? Or maybe they have a skill that you don't and you could do something for them in exchange? So many possibilities. Think back to the community you grew up in - it was sure to be more friendly and you knew more people that now. Use that for inspiration, or maybe the next generation before that.
Community gardens and other community social events help build communities and they are more effective when supported. Make becoming part of your local community a goal for this year. This local community will become more important as time progresses. If you are in an urban areas, look to smaller rural communities for inspiration. Many communities are struggling with this at present. Our local school struggles to even get a Parent Teacher Association to run. People have forgotten that community support and involvement builds communities and capability. It improves the environment we live in and makes it a better place to live. It is part of a fundamental human need of participation. Community projects often allow you to use your creativity and develop your identity among others.
How does this apply to the veterinary profession?
We are in a unique position to be a community hub, this is already obvious in rural towns, and I think this can be improved on in rural towns and used as a model in urban areas. Why not a community focused veterinary clinic that has all the services a pet owner needs - vet services, groomer, doggy daycare, pet supplies and a cafe - a future focused sustainable design and mantra. Imagine this community hub and the benefits it could have for bringing a local community together.
What about our current students?
If I switch this slightly to a focus of our current students, some of whom are struggling, or struggle to find work placement in animal related facilities or veterinary clinics. By building relationships within the local community and becoming involved, you will automatically find it easier to secure work placements because someone will know someone, who can help. Doors will open to more opportunity. If we switch from work placement to the classroom community, most of our students are studying by distance. This is not the easiest way to study as it is harder to create the classroom community - so it is up to you all to create it - via block courses, Moodle, study groups and so forth. I see examples of a community building with students already - make sure you are all part of it. The more involved you are the more engaged you will be and the easier the road will be.
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Take a look at your local, work and /or student community - see where you can be more involved and go for it! The benefits for you and the community/communities you are part of are there!
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