How to build Social Fabric: The key foundation to transformative societies

“The social fabric of a community is formed from an expanding shared sense of belonging. It is shaped by the idea that only when we are connected, and care for the well-being of the whole that a civil and democratic society is created.” – Peter Block

Social fabric, by definition, refers to the relationships and connections that we form with one another, which make us all a part of the common thread on which the society rests. Social fabric is akin to a keystone habit, which enables all other good habits to fall into place.

It is a virtue that purports unity and interconnectedness even during times of despair and misery. The first step therefore, in building social fabric, is to change the status quo; our common mind-set of focusing on the problems of our society, into possibilities.

In our dysfunctional communities, the greatest challenge we all face is fragmentation. We live in a space where key parts of society operate in isolation, as though they are not part of a community. From churches to businesses, schools to social service organization like support groups, community libraries to entertainment centres and everything in between, all operate in different directions, and often, even in opposite direction to that of the government.

The culture that has been cultivated and cemented in most of our communities is that of individuality and independence, instead of connectedness and interdependence. “Every man for himself” seems to be the weak currency we continue to trade in.

Consequently, there is no genuine sense of belonging even for one to their place of birth and upbringing as there is no sense of camaraderie among citizens. Now, how can we build the social fabric that will unite our communities into those that are transformative, sustainable and self-reliant?

Any kind of a lasting and unshakeable building requires a concrete and strong foundation. Social fabric, and subsequently a strong community, is built by strong individuals of great character and resolve. These are virtuous women and men of substantial integrity. Integrity means whole and undivided.

In Maths, the word integer refers to a whole number, a number which is not a fraction and divided. These two words - integrity and integer, do not only rhyme but are synonymous. They mean whole, or you could say, Unity or United! Where am I going with this? You may ask. 

It is now an acceptable truth that, for any change to be sustainable and transformative, it must begin from within. As Mahatma Gandhi has famously said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

It is therefore evident that it’s impossible for one to bring about the desired social fabric (unity) in a fragmented and divided community if their integrity is questionable. The words, beliefs, and actions of those with integrity show no disparity, they are aligned and consistent. They practice what they preach.

It is common course that before you can create lasting relationships and connections with others, you must first be at peace and in love with yourself. Before you can lead others, you first must be able to lead yourself.  Before you can unite people for a common goal, you first need to be clear and honest, about your own principles, values, and ambitions.

Nowadays, our communities are not only divided but broken. Consequently, the citizens themselves are broken, hence we are plagued with many social ills such as gender-based violence, rape, murder, robbery, corruption and all other atrocious criminal activities you can think of. As the African proverbs says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” This means that it’s not only the responsibility of a parent to raise a child, but teachers, preachers and other citizens which are part of the community.

Imagine if these citizens focused most of their attention, energy, and time in nurturing the gits, talents and all positive possibilities that a child can bring into their communities instead of focusing on their problems?  How much beneficial for our societies if all community leaders such as parents, preachers, teachers, etc, all focused on nurturing the gifts and talents of the citizens they work with, and view them as assets for the society, instead of complaining, criticizing and condemning them (directly or indirectly) for their misbehavior?

In the words of Peter Block, “[Sustainable and transformational] communities are built from the assets and gifts of their citizens, not from citizens’ needs or deficiencies.” In his book, Community, the structure of belonging, he talks about Asset-Based Community Development. Simply put, he says, “This movement declares that if we want to make communities stronger, we should study their assets, resources, and talents. It is in the attention of those things that something new can occur”

Social fabric is about cultivating a strong and healthy culture among citizens where not only integrity but the art of compliments and collaboration must be preached to every citizen like the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The ideas, customs, policies, values and beliefs of a society must be re-established, refined and clearly communicated in all different parts of the community (churches, schools, clinics/hospitals, etc,) such that the citizens can adjust their lifestyles accordingly.

Henceforth, cultivating a strong and expanding sense of connection and belonging among citizens to the community, whom will not feel confused but caring for the well-being of the entire society because one language is preached in all different corners and spheres of the community. And that language can be summarized as UNITY.

Now, what can each of us, as members of our communities do to accomplish social fabric? The idea of focusing on the positive possibilities that each member of the community can bring into the society can never be over emphasized. Fertile land in the community as well as other resources and assets should be utilized at maximum advantage for the benefits of all citizens.

Collaboration in all various acts of growing assets and utilizing community resources at maximum effects is one way. On the other hand, nurturing talents and gifts in our people, through compliments and giving them all forms of support will cultivate a healthy and conducive environment where their full potential can be tapped for the benefit of the entire society. 

In summary, Asset-Based Community Development is the key to building social fabric.