Recent events do not define us, but our reaction to them will

The importance of community simply cannot be overstated. Communities play a crucial role in fostering social cohesion, which in turn has significant implications for health and wellbeing. It is no secret we are going through a thing or two in our community right now.

And it’s not just the past few weeks. We’ve been through a lot in the last number of years. Despite this, I am thankful that our community remains strong. Strong communities provide a network of social support that is essential for individual well-being. Whether it's emotional support during tough times, practical assistance in times of need, or simply a sense of belonging and connection, our community offers invaluable resources that contribute to mental and emotional resilience which increases our social capital.

This “social capital” refers to the networks of relationships and trust that exist among individuals and groups. Social capital facilitates cooperation, information sharing, and collective action, all of which are essential for communities and individuals to thrive. This is important because humans are, at our core, social beings.

As social beings, developing a sense of belonging is crucial for our psychological and emotional health. Strong communities foster a feeling of belonging by providing opportunities for interaction, collaboration, and shared experiences. This sense of belonging enhances self-esteem, reduces feelings of loneliness and isolation, and promotes overall life satisfaction.

Sounds like a sociology lesson, I know. But it’s true: community serves as a glue that binds individuals together, fostering cohesion and solidarity. When people feel connected to their community, they are more likely to trust and cooperate, leading to a more harmonious and supportive social environment. Social cohesion is essential for building resilience against social challenges and promoting action for positive change.

Resilience is vital to both individuals and communities. Strong communities reinforce resilience and well-being among their members. Social support networks within communities provide a safety net during times of economic hardship or crisis.

Communities are not just social constructs—they are fundamental drivers of economic prosperity and human support networks. Communities play a critical role in shaping the local landscape and improving the quality of life for individuals and society. I was so impressed by our girls’ lacrosse teams joining arms at mid-field for the national anthem and by each member of the Summit High soccer team handing each of the Eagle Valley High teams a rose with a note to express their condolences over recent events.

This is a community in action, and it shows that our kids are both kind and aware. These examples show the importance of community to our individual and collective well-being and trigger some thoughts:

We all must be devoted to making our community a great place to live, work, and raise families. Everything we are and everything we do must be in service of a stronger community.

We must work together to make sure our community emerges from turmoil stronger than ever. Creating new solutions and powering positive change for everyone in our community requires that we seek out new paths and new partnerships wherever we can.

By working together, we can build a better tomorrow. Working together we can achieve great things, understanding that this requires a very practical and pragmatic approach to making community work.

Lastly, we must stand up for what we believe in. And we must be willing to fight for what's right, so our community can thrive. How we come together during these times will define our strength moving forward. The path is clear: be kind, do good, and identify opportunities to work together. Our kids are counting on us to lead the way.

Chris Romer is president & CEO of Vail Valley Partnership, the regional chamber of commerce. Learn more at VailValleyPartnership.com