What exactly is the magic that makes this community work?

[eliza]

I’d like to toss a few thoughts and observations on the subject of community in general. When I taught a group of 12 kids I found it much harder than teaching a group of 40. Certain and oft times negative or dominate personalities had more of an impact on the group which seemed to stifle the creativity of the majority, leaving many uncomfortable with feelings of isolation. I also observed that a sense of elitism and entitlement followed the smaller group. Of course the larger group was more chaotic, but in many cases the little things that plagued the smaller group seemed to take care of themselves in the larger group. Both had their positive and negative elements. However, regardless of the size, both groups needed clear directions and stated goals.

Another subject is community vs. the individual. I suppose the communal idea can fly in the face of individual freedoms, but I’m not entirely certain people want freedom, least not all that much. Freedom is invariably coupled with responsibility and commitment while community implies consensus. What seems to complicate matters is that in our society we laud the individual’s accomplishments and unless participating in the communal effort are seldom impressed with the results. Though one of the best examples of a community project I have seen here is the one line at a time Haiku. There’s an activity with direction that is limited and has a stated goal. Most people can manage that with usually pretty good and some times surprising results. How that translates to other projects seems to vary.

Pealing another layer. How do you make it all work while keeping current people interested, inviting new people of various levels of skills and still generate grant money?

Here’s a conundrum. I keep hearing community this community that while at the same time gobs of money monies money is being thrown at people who have a single minded idea. How can both approaches be accomplished at the same time?

Finally, one last thought. There are people who will find and write just about any grant for 10% of the booty and that method is generally accepted by the grant giving community. So if you are applying for a $200k grant there are people willing to meet with you for a few hours and put it all together for $20k. Not only that, they will also find other grant goodies that are available. Tossing that possibility out on the table let me approach this question in an algebraic manner. You have the place and the money now what are you going to do with it?