Research on ‘social capital’ – the glue that holds communities together - shows that communities have a profound influence on our quality of life. Social capital is usually understood as the reciprocal connections among individuals within social networks. It is built through joining and being regularly involved in organised groups, local clubs and civic organisations, through developing informal social ties, like entertaining friends at home and sharing leisure activities (e.g. playing sports or music).
A common excuse for not engaging in community and voluntary activities is lack of time. Yet, it appears that busier people report higher than average levels of such participation. This seems to justify the saying “if you want something done, give it to a busy person”.
Community engagement has widespread benefits. It improves the wellbeing of others and also of those involved. Research demonstrates that doing something kind for others and giving your time increases the wellbeing of the giver. This, in itself, causes an upward positive spiral as happy people are more likely to be sociable, trust others and contribute to their communities.
The founder of the positive psychology movement, Professor Martin Seligman, identifies three ways to happiness: pleasure, engagement and meaning.
Pleasure comes from experiencing positive emotions; engagement can be obtained through work, learning and other challenging activities. However, in order to live a full life, we also need a sense of meaning.
Meaning is often found in belonging to and contributing to something larger than oneself. It comes when we step out from a natural preoccupation with ourselves and use our strengths and capacities to do something for others. When we do something meaningful, we experience an enhanced sense of wellbeing than when we do something just for personal pleasure.
