DID you know that most community development work is not highlighted in media broadcasts or given recognition? This is not necessarily a consequence of poor marketing or a lack of awareness.
This is simply because most community-level projects and work are done by “the ordinary man or group.” Most of the time, established, large groups or even governmental entities showcase their community development initiatives, but it’s important to note that these large groups are not the only ones engaged in this type of work. In my experience with community development over the years, it is often the small groups that are driving local transformation, breaking cultural barriers, and even inspiring social movements. This is the power of collective action.
Take, for example, the small Hindu Dharmic group of 12 youths who choose to clean up their community beach. With limited resources and support, their efforts will create a clean and safe beach for all members to enjoy. It may sound simple, but it tackles the deep-rooted issue of environmental degradation due to littering and pollution. This can ultimately raise awareness of climate change and even promote tourism in their small community. I originally began my community-level work in small social groups such as this one. I once believed that I needed a large, organised community group to reflect “real” change. I was terribly mistaken.
Usually, small local groups have a deep passion for the cause in question. Their actions are often very personal, and that drives their motivation even more. I also love the “freedom” that often comes with smaller groups. Sometimes, certain structures that exist in large groups can also pose as red tape against action. I remember in my church’s youth group how purposeful it felt to be a part of it. Every member had a say in decision-making, and the group was small enough for us all to understand how impactful our individual roles and responsibilities were. That fostered intimacy and trust like no other, and we thrived on it.
I often compare the importance of smaller groups to how teachers use “breakout rooms” or smaller groups to discuss and tackle different aspects of a topic. It gives everyone an opportunity to discuss and learn. The topic remains the same, but each group focuses on a particular aspect of the issue. As my teachers would say, “it makes the work lighter.” Similarly, in community work, we may all have the same overall goal of improving our community. However, we simply have different ways of achieving it, and that’s okay. The social issues we currently face in Guyana need all hands on deck. As such, I don’t believe in “monopolising” the relief efforts for these issues. Sometimes, certain solutions or actions have “cracks,” and some people who are in need of help may fall through those cracks. This is why smaller groups are essential: they can pinpoint such gaps in communities due to their proximity to the issues and the target audience, and they can help instead.
Sometimes, community action can easily become “textbook”-based. Larger groups might not always have the drive and passion that smaller groups do. Like every group that exists, smaller groups will have their own set of challenges. Limited funding or additional responsibilities can sometimes be frustrating. However, the overall collective action for community change most often triumphs over these challenges. This grassroots-level work is also vital because, oftentimes, smaller groups live in the community, interact with affected populations, and are knowledgeable about what the actual solutions to social issues can be. They don’t just quote the numbers of the statistics; they know the faces behind the numbers.
Whether you’re cleaning up the beaches, serving food at a local shelter or orphanage, or distributing hampers to the destitute, we should all understand that our actions have an impact. I hope you understand that you do not have to be part of a large movement or even a famous NGO or entity to create the impact you believe is necessary in your community. Sometimes, all it takes is a small group of people with passion and commitment to what they believe in. Your impact should not be measured by its reach. Your impact should be measured by how meaningful, effective, and relevant your action was.