Community is defined as a group of two or more people who, regardless of the diversity of their backgrounds, have been able to accept and transcend their differences. They are able to communicate openly and effectively; and to work together toward common goals, while having a sense of unusual safety with one another.
Community Building (CB) is a group process that can lead to deeper, more authentic communication. It is based on the principles identified by Dr. M. Scott Peck in his books, The Road Less Traveled and The Different Drum. Dr. Peck and a group of eleven colleagues further developed this process through the work of the Foundation for Community Encouragement (FCE). Its principles were expanded on in his book, A World Waiting to be Born.
Experiential in nature, Community Building is an adventure in human interaction based on a set of guidelines and principles rather than an agenda or particular procedure. Participants are gently guided by specially trained facilitators who take the group through a process that shows how to look beyond the cultural, political and religious differences that prevent us from embracing our common humanity.
Read an Excerpt from The Different Drum: Community Making and Peace by M. Scott Peck, M.D.