The word community means different things to different people. To some it’s a geographic location. To others it’s a group that they feel they belong to or a belief that they identify with. Hometowns. Fraternities. Places of worship. Civic organizations. Ethnic groups. All can be communities. However, what we mean by the word community is a particular type of human encounter and the quality of communication that arises as a result — one that is characterized by an unusual depth of authenticity, heartfelt human dignity, extraordinary respect, and wide-open space for individual differences to both co-exist and to co-act.
There are very few opportunities in our day-to-day lives for such an experience of self with others — where we can set aside our pretenses, settle into our human condition, and just be who we are in the moment. True community is one of those opportunities.
This experience may qualify for two academic credits for any UW-Milwaukee student and 18.5 hours toward field placement requirements for Social Work students only.
This site is for participants of UW-Milwaukee College of Community Engagement & Professions Community Building Workshop and Mutual Aid initiative. Please feel free to save what you want from it for your personal records (e.g., post workshop booklet, roster, and your certificate). If you are not part of that initiative and would like information about hosting a Community Building Workshop or learning how to facilitate, please contact Tim Dempsey at [email protected]
We are grateful for the generous support of the College of Community Engagement & Professions which has made this Community Building Workshop possible.