Designing Your Community for Member Contribution
What if community building is not just about creating networks but about embarking on a spiritual journey? This intriguing proposition forms the basis of my conversation with Laís de Oliveira, author of "Hacking Communities." In a landscape where technology continues to redefine social interactions, de Oliveira offers a fresh perspective that challenges conventional wisdom.
The Origin Story
In 2014, while organizing startup meetups in Malaysia, Laís de Oliveira received formal recognition as a "community builder" by the Malaysian government.
This wasn't merely a professional accolade; it represented a significant personal realization. "Community building is a transformative journey, a space where people can be authentic and contribute to collective well-being," de Oliveira explained.
This spiritual dimension sets her approach apart, as it shifts the focus from merely connecting people to fostering deeper, more meaningful relationships.
The Complexity of Authenticity in a Digital World
As digital platforms proliferate, the dynamics of community building become increasingly complex. Platforms like Tumblr, for instance, have democratized the exploration of new identities. But the open nature of the internet also brings challenges like cancel culture and extremist ideologies.
According to de Oliveira, this makes it even more crucial to maintain the core principle of authenticity in community building. She advocates for a proactive approach to create inclusive environments where members can freely express their individuality while respecting others.
An Evolving Perspective: Updated Edition of "Hacking Communities"
Laís de Oliveira is currently revising her book Hacking Communities for an updated Portuguese edition titled Reinventing Communities. This isn't merely a translation; it's a significant update that reflects her evolving experiences and the changing nuances of community building.
The book aims to provoke readers into rethinking what "belonging" means in contemporary settings, especially when traditional definitions seem increasingly inadequate.
The Importance of Navigating Change
One of the recurring themes in our discussion was the importance of navigating change effectively, both as individuals and as communities.
De Oliveira highlighted that communities aren't static; they evolve. Whether it's adapting to technological innovations or shifts in social norms, the ability to navigate change is vital.
It's about maintaining the essence of the community while allowing room for growth and transformation, which is where the spiritual aspect comes into play.
Conclusion
The conversation with Laís de Oliveira offered much-needed insights into an often-overlooked aspect of community building: its spiritual dimension.
As technology continues to redefine how we interact and form communities, her perspectives remind us to preserve the human elements that should be at the core of any community—authenticity and diversity.
By doing so, we can hope to build communities that are not just networks, but spaces for genuine human connection and growth.
Show Notes
Becoming a Community Builder and Transitions (4:17): Lais begins with her history of managing a nonprofit and hosting activities to connect people in Malaysia, realizing she was already involved in community building. She mentions community being about transition when Todd asks about the spirituality in community.
Reinventing the Idea of Building Community (17:51): Todd and Lais look deeper into superhero archetypes and shared symbology. The discussion turns to the practical side of community building, such as finding your why and advocacy.
Creating a Safe Space (34:24): Todd pauses to check on the audience chat, including looking at B2B communities and safety as a measurement of success. Lais explains an example of scaling intimacy.
Final Thoughts and Where to Find Lais (54:01): Lais closes with what she’s currently working on, translating her book “Hacking Building Communities” and building a community for parents who work fractionally.
