Many Light Letter readers are already community leaders in some big way. For that I thank you.

I’ve always liked Kurt Vonnegut’s advice to the youth, “What should young people do with their lives today? Many things, obviously. But the most daring thing is to create stable communities in which the terrible disease of loneliness can be cured.”

The podcast we highlighted last week mentioned that the mental health crises among young people is deeply tied to feelings of disconnection. “People don’t get depressed when they face threats collectively; they get depressed when they feel isolated, lonely, or useless.”

Simply said, “It feels good to be in a community.” - Tony Blackshaw

It’s dawned on me recently that community doesn’t happen if people don’t lead it. Without a leader it never materializes or it fails to hold shape.

So thank you to all the teachers, gym owners, bartenders, friends who host game nights, brave ones that start a book club, run club, knitting club, or even a people-watching club¹. Yeah it’s a real thing, the mantra is ”we’re not creepy, we’re just interested," which, and no offense to the club, sounds like something a creep would say.

Joining a community is scary and leading one is even more daunting. It means manifesting your idea. Asking people to join you.

But I learned something fascinating when I moved to a new city. Everyone is craving community. They want someone to invite them in.

So I asked a few community leaders to share why it is so important, and some tips on building it. Between them, they’ve owned studios, led retreats, taught for over a combined 90 years, and hosted countless parties and dinner gatherings.

Here are some of my favorite things they said.

Until next time,

Live your light.