The Art of Community: Seven Principles for Belonging

By: Charles Vogl

Narrated by: Tom Dheere

Length: 3 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

This book is a guide for leaders seeking to build a community, to strengthen the community they already have, or who may not think of themselves as community leaders but who are envisioning a group they hope to create. These communities can be formal, with official memberships and administrations, or informal, tied by shared values and commitments. Some people think communities happen by accident, or have to emerge organically, but Charles Vogl emphasizes that there are solid, time-honored principles for consciously building them.

Drawing on 3,000 years of tradition, Vogl lays out seven enduring principles that every community of every kind must master to be effective and supportive. He describes each principle's purpose and provides extensive hands-on tools for implementing them. He also helps leaders ensure that their communities remain healthy and life-affirming and not degenerate into rigid cults.

©2016 Charles H. Vogl (P)2016 Charles H. Vogl

some good ideas about communities

This book succeeds as a reference book on how to succeed in building a community. Filled with tips and examples, it is very useful. It succeeded less as an engaging read. Some good ideas were stretched out to make a short book-length manuscript, with a fair amount of repetition. That said, this is a valuable how-to book community builders.

Creating community

Discussing community is an important thing. Vogl points out how you have to be intentional with community, most community doesn't just miraculously happen. He breaks down the levels of community, you will have newcomers, the newcomers will need sort of a gatekeeper to welcome them into the community. Vogl uses a lot of church examples because for most people Church is the only place that we really have chances for community.

Another place that Vogl has examples from is the gym Crossfit, and website Twitch. The interesting thing about Twitch was because they are an online community they also set up events for people to come to at arenas, because the community is already established the events are well attended.

Perfect listen before launching a community

As someone with a well-developed idea who hasn’t formally launched yet, this was exactly what I needed. It helps clarify the differences between communities that are successful and those that are not. Quick and easy to follow.

Informative and Insightful

If you could sum up The Art of Community: Seven Principles for Belonging in three words, what would they be?

The Art of Community is chock full of real life examples - making it clear what has worked for organizations and groups to grow and increase participation. Rather than being prescriptive, it shows those who are interested in community many ways to create excitement and enthusiasm and belonging, no right way, just ways that have worked.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

All of the first-hand experiences the author has had.

Which scene was your favorite?

When the author discovered people were asking how to attend the dinners he was hosting and training others to host. People were eager to be invited.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

I personally realized that I sometimes feel myself pulled to be further and further up the diaconate in my communities, and that is part of my human nature. I found it freeing that I don't have to pursue being in the innermost ring in every community I participate in, and I can experience that in my own community that I am creating with my husband.

Any additional comments?

This book would also be helpful for those who wish to create a movement around a cause, a shift in behavior or consciousness. A sense of community and belonging are very powerful for that.

Too religious

I had to stop listening as it was too faith based. Relevant ideas but not geared towards a whole community.

well written, well narrated and extremely useful

I most appreciated the volume of useful information and the high quality engaging presentation. If you want to work on growing community then read/ listen to this book.

Community Building essential

This succinct and powerful book shares essential relevant knowledge and experiences for anyone involved or interested in community building. I would consider an essential read for community builders and anyone interested in participating in community.

Creating your own community

What did you love best about The Art of Community: Seven Principles for Belonging?

I enjoyed learning about how the inner rings of a group work. You become an insider the closer you get to the innermost ring. You may get to participate in some decision-making. You become like an elder of the group. But you can also choose to stay in the outer rings if that suits you better. It's about belonging to a group at your own comfort level.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite character is the foreign student (from the Philippines?) who was at college the same time as the author. He got invited to the weekly dinners, although he couldn't go regularly. He was going to quit school because he felt so alone but he found community with his dinner companions. He later wrote a letter to the author telling him how much it meant to him to be invited and feel like part of a community.

Have you listened to any of Tom Dheere’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is the first time I've listened to Tom Dheere perform. He has a personable, conversational, believable reading style.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

The most interesting thing I learned was the difference between religion and a cult. While some religious groups seem to be like cults because their theology is a bit over the top, cults are far more dangerous because they require allegiance to the one leader. People end up doing things that, under other circumstances, would be objectionable (e.g., fanatical loyalty to the leader, the leader is the only one with all the knowledge, power, etc.). Cults are about control; you can't leave. Religions have a code of conduct but members can leave if they so choose.

Any additional comments?

I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator.

Corto, concreto y bien explicado!

Me pareció muy interesante como organiza los aspectos primarios de una comunidad. Vale la pena.

I really enjoyed this book!

I really enjoyed this book! It was very informative. Community connectedness is very important when establishing a Community.