I launched the webcast #RiseinUnity during the initial outbreak of COVID, a period marked by significant uncertainty and isolation. As the world grappled with physical separation and confinement, the value and necessity of community became strikingly apparent to me. Motivated by this realization, I dedicated my show to exploring the power of community and the collective growth that emerges when we unite.
As time progressed and our understanding of the post-pandemic world evolved, I expanded my network to include not only acquaintances but also community leaders recommended to me. Many of these connections were with individuals I had never met in person, yet these interactions served as a powerful testament to the possibility of building digital trust and harnessing collective wisdom online.
The webcast also provided a platform for me to transition my work online effectively, fostering a mindset open to diversity and inclusivity. This adaptation was not only beneficial for personal growth but also for contributing positively to the Finnish community. The project demonstrated our potential to emerge from the pandemic’s challenges stronger and more unified.
My efforts were recognized, leading to opportunities such as contributing to the UN Volunteers’ event “Reimagining Volunteering for 2030 SDG,” speaking engagements in Georgia, sharing experiences in Uzbekistan, Canada, and at the European Youth Work Convention among a community of policymakers and youth workers.
In this blog post, I aim to share key insights gained from #RiseinUnity about the enduring power of community in our increasingly hybrid world.
Why We Need to Speak About Community in the Nordics (and Invite Other Perspectives)
In the Nordics, fostering community is not just a concept but a lifestyle that is actively promoted. Despite frequent discussions in Finnish media about the importance of community, the reality often falls short, especially for immigrants who struggle to feel a sense of belonging and connect with Finnish communities.
My webcast has highlighted the power of collective action, supported by all the guest speakers. They shared insights demonstrating that resilience cannot be built in isolation—whether as an individual or within a company. Experimentation and openness to trying new approaches are essential to discover what effectively fosters connection and growth.
The majority of guest speakers, hailing from the Nordics, emphasized the importance of self-awareness and identifying one’s interests as foundational for connecting in a community and leveraging it for personal and communal advancement. This collective effort can lead to significant benefits for individuals and society as a whole.
Although most of my speakers were Nordic, some of the most enlightening episodes featured voices from outside the region. For instance, we heard from Kader Kaneye from Niger, Emmy-award nominated filmmaker Tiffany Schlain from the USA, and Dutch community building alchemist, Lana Kristine Jelenjev. These diverse perspectives enrich our understanding and approach to community building, proving invaluable in today’s increasingly hybrid work environments.
Lesson #1: The Power of Diversity and Inclusion
I had the pleasure of engaging with a remarkably diverse group of interviewees. Among my 17 speakers from ten countries are a choreographer, a political activist, a digital marketing expert, and an inclusion consultant. Their varied backgrounds brought rich perspectives to our discussions.
Despite its benefits, diversity and inclusion remain underexplored in Finnish society. There is a pressing need to embrace these principles across various sectors, including business, arts, nonprofits, and politics. Many Nordic companies are missing out on leveraging international talent due to the lack of emphasis on diversity and inclusion within their strategic agendas. Furthermore, adopting a community-based approach can enhance team cohesion, profitability, and societal impact. According to Sitra, between 70-85% of jobs are unadvertised, and volunteering in the civic sector often requires Finnish language skills, highlighting untapped opportunities in what could be a more open and inclusive society.
While many of my speakers were from the Nordics, one of the standout discussions was with Kader Kaneye from Niger. Kader has dedicated over 15 years to combating corruption and fostering ethical education. He founded the first African development university, which started without any initial funding, faculty, or even a functional building. Now, three years later, it is a burgeoning institution where 70% of the 200 students are women.
Kader’s ongoing efforts include transitioning to online learning, which promotes values of ownership and proactive change. He embodies traditional values of responsibility, sharing, and gratitude, viewing challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. His approach serves as an inspirational blueprint for other communities worldwide.
To watch the full episode with Kader and discover more about his work in the Sahel region, click here.
Lesson 2: Importance of Local Community
Communities are often defined by geographical proximity, making it natural to connect with people living in the same town, area, or region. This concept was vividly illustrated in my episode with Sharron L. Todd.
Sharron, a Black-Korean American, co-owns the Brooklyn Bakery in Helsinki with her sister. This café, a beloved fixture in the community, is known for its cozy atmosphere and affordable treats. Since moving to Finland eight years ago, the sisters have sold two million cupcakes and 250,000 bagels.
However, the onset of COVID-19 pushed their business to the brink of closure. In response, Sharron and her sister reached out to their local community for help. Astoundingly, they raised €50,450 in just three days. The overwhelming support they received underscores the profound impact a local community can have. Their experience highlights the transformative power of building trust within your community.
What inspires me most about Sharron’s story is her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. She and her sister have continually fought for their dream in a foreign land, demonstrating remarkable courage. Sharron’s journey teaches us that trust knows no borders and can break down barriers. Her ability to “jimmy the lock until it breaks open,” as she puts it, exemplifies how immigrants can carve out their rightful place in society. Through her café, Sharron facilitates meaningful interactions that help integrate and empower community members.
To explore more about Sharron’s story and the role of community support, watch the full episode here.
Lesson 3: Online Communities and How to Create Them
Online communities have been gaining momentum, a trend that has accelerated since the outbreak of coronavirus. These digital spaces enable connections with like-minded individuals worldwide, all from the comfort of one’s home.
In a revealing episode with Trine Ravnkilde, a community strategist and expert networker, we delved into the art of building online communities and crafting intentional online spaces. For Trine, the transition imposed by the coronavirus was minimal as her operations were already fully online—a model from which many can learn about remote work.
Our discussion underscored that online community leaders are more than just moderators or hosts; they are catalysts for transformation within their groups. Viewing oneself as more than the host can ignite significant change, whether the goal is to encourage sustainable living, language learning, online course development, or boosting girls’ confidence. Success in community building is measured by keeping the desired outcome in focus and striving towards it.
When creating a community for your business, it’s crucial not to center it merely around your product. Instead, consider what inspires your clients and what draws them to your brand. You cannot build a community around a glass, but you can cultivate a community of decoration enthusiasts. Remember, people connect with people, not products.
For more insights into creating effective online communities, watch the full episode with Trine here.
Lesson 4: Resilience and COVID
The arrival of COVID-19 underscored the critical importance of resilience and the ability to recover from setbacks. During the pandemic, we witnessed a surge in racism and xenophobia worldwide. In Finland, the crisis exacerbated challenges for immigrants, complicating their efforts to integrate and build positive ethnic relations with Finns.
The pandemic also highlighted vulnerabilities across all sectors, revealing a universal yearning for connection and community during times of isolation. Despite the hardships, it was heartening to see communities come together to support each other—whether it was families, relatives, or neighbors assisting the elderly with groceries.
Volunteering emerged as a vital component of societal strength, both in developed and developing countries, and it continues to play a significant role. Engaging in community service allows individuals to make a tangible impact, support vulnerable groups, and foster a sense of belonging. Indeed, kindness became the new cool during these trying times.
I discussed these themes with Johanna-Mai Riismaa, CEO of Zelos App, a task management platform tailored for coordinating volunteer activities. Her technology enabled the Estonian community to connect volunteers with those in need during the pandemic. Zelos was also used in Estonian hackathons aimed at tackling COVID-19 challenges and the GlobalHack event. Johanna-Mai’s work illustrates how technology and the startup ecosystem can amplify the impact and visibility of volunteering efforts both locally and globally.
Her app facilitated unique interactions, such as exchange students delivering food to the elderly. One particularly poignant encounter involved an elderly woman meeting a black student for the first time. This experience offers a powerful example of how simple acts of service can bridge cultural divides and forge deep connections.
To hear more about how these interactions can transform perspectives and strengthen community bonds, watch my full episode with Johanna-Mai.
Lesson 5: Beyond Volunteering and Crowdfunding
Communities serve as vital spaces for human connection. As inherently social beings, we thrive on interaction and collective creativity. In a compelling discussion with Jukka-Pekka Heikillä, an academic who studies communities, we explored the critical importance of finding one’s context and relevance—something that is increasingly pertinent in our interconnected world.
Jukka-Pekka is a passionate proponent of inclusion, diversity, and empowerment. During our conversation, he shared personal experiences about the necessity of moving abroad to achieve professional success. This included securing funding for his research and gaining broader recognition, illustrating that sometimes stepping outside one’s comfort zone is necessary to “make it.”
The overarching message from our talk was clear: Engaging with both foreign and local communities can significantly enhance your skills and capabilities, bolstering your CV, references, and professional aspirations. The takeaway is simple yet profound: stay humble—it will carry you far, whether you are a CEO or a student.
Remember to ‘act local and think global,’ embracing opportunities for growth and impact wherever they may arise.
How to Benefit, Learn, and Grow from Community
For Immigrants, International Talents, and Spouses:
As members of various communities, you hold intrinsic value and have much to contribute. It’s important to engage reciprocally within these communities—give as much as you receive. Initially, you may find yourself consuming more than creating, but true fulfillment begins when you transition into a creator, whether in your professional role or by being active in your local environment.
For Teachers, Team Leaders, and CEOs:
Foster, maintain, and engage in online conversations to enhance the employee experience and interactions. This is crucial for well-being and acts as a safeguard against isolation, fatigue, and exclusion. Building a community within your organization bolsters the overall culture. Acknowledge the community champions in your team and institute community appreciation days that transcend traditional company KPIs.
Diversity fuels creativity within communities, whereas limiting community interaction can lead to silos and reduced collective creativity. Both in and outside of business, our collective lives thrive on sustainability, which is bolstered by our creativity and mutual support.
For Policymakers:
Engage with community leaders and integrate a technological perspective in all your initiatives. Your efforts to connect and highlight community synergies are more crucial now than ever. Allocate funds from your budgets to enhance policy communication, empowering community leaders to gain visibility and shape their communities effectively.
Some Overall Tips on How to Create & Foster Community:
1. Recognize and Shape Your Community:
Be aware of the community around you. Reflect on what activities energize you and which ones drain you. Your actions—and inactions—play a crucial role in shaping your community. Set clear intentions for your involvement and align them with the community’s expectations. This engagement provides a fertile ground for growth, development, learning, and giving back.
2. Create Safe Spaces for Growth:
Identify spaces that are conducive to learning and personal development, and invite others to join. Engage with like-minded individuals as well as those from different backgrounds to maintain a broad perspective. Embrace cooperation despite differences, as this diversity enhances the community’s vibrancy and your own personal growth.
3. Encourage Open Dialogue:
Open and ongoing dialogue is essential for growth. The more we communicate with one another, the more effectively we can confront and overcome both conscious and unconscious biases. Remember, fostering diversity and inclusion is a collective responsibility, and communities are the perfect setting for these important conversations.
4. Collaborate for the Common Good:
Community building should focus on collaborations that promote the common good. In this shared purpose, I see a universal need for belonging, distinction, and unity through collective action. This approach not only strengthens the community but also amplifies the impact of our united efforts.
Want to Learn More? Here Are Some Further Resources for Reading:
Exploring Mindsets and Innovation:
- Serendipity Mindset by Dr. Christian Busch: Dive into how you can harness the power of unexpected encounters for creativity and innovation.
Digital Well-being and Unplugging:
- 24/6 – The Power of Unplugging One Day a Week by Tiffany Shlain: Learn about the benefits of disconnecting from digital devices one day each week to improve focus and overall well-being.
Human Behavior and Society:
- Humankind by Rutger Bregman: Explore a hopeful perspective on human nature that challenges current cynicism about societal behavior.
- Identity: The Demand for Dignity and the Politics of Resentment by Francis Fukuyama: Delve into the complexities of identity politics and its impact on global affairs.
Personal Growth and Inclusion:
- Self-worth Safari by John Nyland: Embark on a journey to explore and enhance your self-esteem through guided reflections.
- The Art of Active Allyship by Dr. Poornima Luthra: Gain insights on how to be an effective ally and support inclusivity in every environment.
Community Engagement:
- Community Builder – The Book by Ghost Company: Discover strategies for building and nurturing strong, supportive communities in any setting.
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