5 Ways for Reconnecting to Community

Laqwanda Roberts-Buckley, MSSW

Executive Director

​When violence is viewed as a part of a community, it is essential to remember that meaningful progressive action is a part of that community as well. There are people who have spent their lives fighting for gun control, youth programs, mental health, and funding for community-based programs (which are proven to reduce violence).

You can find them hosting ongoing community activities and fundraising events, as well as at council meetings and the legislature. Here are 5 ways to reconnect and provide a mighty helping hand to your community.

STEP 1 - Find the folks who are doing the work right now. Discover what they do & how you can actively assist. Make sure your "help" is not harmful to you. This means do what you have the energy to do. Your commitment to help will last longer.

STEP 2 - If you run a small organization. PARTNER, PARTNER, PARTNER!! Choose another organization to take action with. A shared cause becomes a powerful cause. It lightens the load, strengthens the message, and can help establish longevity. You don't have to do everything because someone else is doing it too.

STEP 3 - If your organization is more established & larger, do not forget about smaller organizations. This is a time for you to offer training, information, and encouragement. You've been in the game longer. You have valuable knowledge to pass on. However, please remember that this is also a place for you to learn from smaller organizations about messaging and practical community-based interventions they implement every day.

STEP 4 - Politics matter. It's understandable that some might not be interested in political matters. However, this is where the money decisions are made and laws are passed. This is where they determine which city, county, or state gets the money. Money in a community matters. Please pay attention to the money and ask WHY it's going there and not over there. There are organizations that are active in this area.
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STEP 5 - Community work is lifelong. You don't have to have the highest role to be valuable to your community. You are a part of the community. Nurturing, protecting, supporting, and educating your community means you are giving the same to yourself as well. YOUR COMMUNITY NEEDS YOU.

About Laqwanda

With over 19 years of mental health experience, Laqwanda Roberts-Buckley is a lifelong change agent and mental health advocate. She is the Executive Director of Healing Black Women which serves as a safe space designed to encourage and promote all forms of wellness/healing for black women. In this space, she leads community engagement alongside subject matter experts through free monthly groups, panel discussions, articles, social media campaigns, podcast, and community awards.