The Art of Community Seven Principles for Belonging

Create a Culture of Belonging!

Strong cultures help people support one another, share their passions, and achieve big goals. And such cultures of belonging aren’t just happy accidents - they can be purposefully cultivated, whether they’re in a company, a faith institution or among friends and enthusiasts. Drawing on 3,000 years of history and his personal experience, Charles Vogl lays out seven time-tested principles for growing enduring, effective and connected communities. He provides hands-on tools for creatively adapting these principles to any group—formal or informal, mission driven or social, physical or virtual. This book is a guide for leaders seeking to build a vibrant, living culture that will enrich lives.

Winner of the Nautilus Silver Book Award in the Business and Leadership Category.

Charles H. Vogl has been working to build communities since his days as a Peace Corps volunteer. He now works with leaders in technology, finance, media, government, and social change organizations to help them create a meaningful difference. He is also a founding producer at Broken English Productions, creating works that have won several international awards.

Preface
Introduction: The Inspiration for This Book
Part One: Recognizing Community
1. Understanding Community
Part Two: Seven Principles for Belonging
2. The Boundary Principle
3. The Initiation Principle
4. The Rituals Principle
5. The Temple Principle
6. The Stories Principle
7. The Symbols Principle
8. The Inner Rings Principle
Part Three: Advanced Ideas
9. Distinguishing Religion and Avoiding Cult
10. Managing Community Face-to-Face and Online
Epilogue: Endings and Beginnings
Beginning with Acknowledgment
Last Thought
Appendix A: Leader Worksheets
Appendix B: Dinner Community Case Study
Notes
Acknowledgments
Index
About the Author