Community | Far Hills, NJ

A group of Wake Foresters gathered over dinner in Far Hills, NJ on January 28, 2019 to discuss Community.

Overview and highlights of our Call to Conversation:

We heard that one can find and build community in many different ways. It can be found within a close-knit neighborhood, a place where we worship, or as an outcome of various traditions. Despite the form, community members often share common core values and have the best interests – or backs – of everyone within it. Communities reflect a healthy balance of interests and opinions that allow for exchanging ideas that are met with acceptance, respect and compassion. In such communities, ideas are not only shared but are also truly heard. It is believed that we all long for community, or a place in which we feel that we belong, and accepted. It is not only welcoming, but also forgiving. Thus, community symbolizes a safe space where members can take risks and be their authentic selves. Much can be achieved when trust has been established. When there is an absence of trust, authentic ideas, conversations and relationships can be stifled. We must therefore encourage dialogue and interaction within a space that is rooted in values that embrace tolerance, acceptance and inclusion.