Being happily nerdy, I immediately went for the etymology of the word community.
I got comuner, “to make common, share”; comun, “to talk intimately”; and commun, “free city, group of citizens”
Also, “shared by all”, “held in common.” (co = together, mun-i = change, exchange)
And the second element is also at the root of Latin munia, which means “duties, public duties, functions”.
I think this pretty much sums it up:
Community is a place that we hold in common (this can include physical place, geographic location, as well as principles, history, resources), a place where we take initiative to make changes and share with each other. Community as a free city (highlighting importance of autonomy) where each citizen has duties and functions. And finally, a community must be a place where people are comfortable to talk intimately, to befriend, to support, to grieve and to celebrate together.
And to add a little absurdity, here’s an accompanying video:
I would really love to commune with the writer/sustainer of this online article. May I send you a paper copy of what I am referencing this webpage…on? Maybe it is enough to TELL YOU. I am sharing your URL and I find this page to be sweet honey manna gold.
I thank you deeply for the etymology and intimate talk of the word ‘community.’ Blessings and all perfect poems, Neighbor!
Love from Maine, Unitied States