What comes to mind when you hear the word “community?” Is it neighbours coming together to transform an empty lot into a garden? Volunteers uniting to clean up a beach? Or perhaps it’s an online group where strangers become friends, bonded by shared goals and passions. At its core, community is about connection. It’s about working together, supporting one another, and building something bigger than ourselves.
The devastating California wildfires in January, 2025 have underscored the urgent need for community. In times of crisis, it’s the power of togetherness that carries us through—neighbors helping neighbors, communities rallying to rebuild, and strangers becoming allies in the face of overwhelming challenges. Now more than ever, we need to foster connection, collaboration, and resilience to confront the uncertainties of a changing world. Building community isn’t just an ideal; it’s a necessity for healing and hope.
Community is also the foundation of everything we do at New Society Publishers. For over 40 years, we’ve been curating resources that empower people to take meaningful action, fostering collaboration and belonging along the way. But what does it truly take to build and sustain a thriving community?
Let’s explore why community matters, how it transforms lives, and how New Society Publishers can help you turn your vision into reality.
Why Community Matters More Than Ever
In a world grappling with challenges like climate change, inequality, and social division, the power of community has never been more vital. These issues are too vast for any one person to tackle alone. But when people come together, the impossible starts to feel achievable.
Building community creates resilience. It provides a foundation of mutual support, shared purpose, and collaboration that enables individuals and groups to confront even the most daunting problems.
But community isn’t just about solving global issues. It’s about enhancing everyday life—creating a shared garden that feeds families, forming a book club that sparks inspiration, or joining forces with neighbors to advocate for change. These connections enrich us, giving us a sense of purpose and belonging that helps us thrive.
The Role of Belonging in Building Strong Communities
At the heart of every successful community is a sense of belonging. Belonging transforms a group of individuals into a cohesive group where each person feels valued and supported. It makes people feel seen, heard, and empowered to contribute.
When people rally around a shared purpose—whether it’s fighting for environmental justice, reducing food insecurity, or fostering better communication—the bonds they form become deeper and more enduring. Studies show that a sense of belonging is linked to improved mental health, increased happiness, and even physical well-being.
This is why fostering belonging is a central tenet of New Society Publishers’ mission. Our books aren’t just about ideas—they’re about creating pathways to connection and collaboration. They help people bridge divides, strengthen relationships, and work together effectively to create the change they want to see in the world.
The Tools That Make Change Possible
Building community takes more than good intentions. It requires the right tools to turn dreams into action and challenges into opportunities. That’s where New Society Publishers comes in.
Our books are more than just collections of ideas—they’re practical, actionable resources for creating positive change. Whether you’re growing food, fostering dialogue, or tackling a pressing issue in your community, we’ve got you covered:
- Looking to grow sustainably? Check out Peter Bane’s The Permaculture Handbook or Darrell Frey and Michelle Czolba’s The Food Forest Handbook. These resources provide practical strategies for developing resilient, sustainable food systems that benefit both people and the planet.
- Do you need collaboration tools? Titles like The Power Manual by Cyndi Suarez and The Art of Focused Conversation by R. Brian Stanfield and Jo Nelson provide proven techniques for building bridges, resolving conflicts, and working together effectively—even in tough situations.
- Interested in deepening relationships? Delve into Transformative Learning by Satish Kumar and Pavel Cenki or Think Like a Commoner by David Bollier. These books foster meaningful connections through shared values and a sense of purpose.
Our titles are curated to inspire action and provide the skills needed to strengthen your community, no matter how big or small your goals.
How New Society Publishers Builds Community
At New Society Publishers, community-building isn’t just what we support—it’s who we are. Everything we do is guided by our mission to foster a more just, sustainable, and resilient world. Here’s how we make it happen:
1. A Mission Rooted in Empowerment
From day one, our focus has been on creating resources that empower individuals and communities to take meaningful action. We aim to amplify voices and ideas that inspire collaboration, learning, and change.
2. Walking the Talk
As a certified B Corporation, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility. From collaborating closely with authors to engaging with readers and like-minded organizations, we prioritize partnerships that reflect our values.
3. Sustainability at Our Core
Building a sustainable future requires leading by example. That’s why we print on 100% post-consumer recycled paper, operate with a carbon-neutral process, and focus on topics like permaculture, regenerative agriculture, and low-carbon living.
4. Creating a Network of Changemakers
We don’t just publish books; we foster a movement. Through our work, we connect readers, authors, and organizations who share a vision for a brighter future, creating a ripple effect of collaboration and impact.
Practical Ways to Build Community
Building community doesn’t have to mean starting a massive movement (though that’s always welcome!). Often, the most impactful actions start small:
- Host a potluck. Bring people together over shared meals and conversation.
- Organize a cleanup. Rally neighbors to make your local area cleaner and greener.
- Start a book club. Use books to inspire discussion and action around important issues.
- Volunteer your time. Help a local shelter, food bank, or advocacy group.
Every small step strengthens the connections that make communities thrive. And with the right resources, these small steps can spark big change.
If you remember only one thing from this blog, remember this: Community is about connection. It’s about finding common ground, working toward shared goals, and building a better world—one that’s more just, sustainable, and filled with belonging.
At New Society Publishers, we’re proud to be your partner in this journey. Our books are more than resources—they’re tools for empowerment, collaboration, and change. Together, we can create communities that don’t just survive but thrive, grounded in purpose, resilience, and hope. So, grab a book, gather your people, and start building the future we all deserve.
Our community-themed titles are on sale until the end of February. Use discount code Community35 at checkout to save. For more information and resources on building community, visit our Building Community page.
