“We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned
that the only solution is love and that love comes with community.”
~ Dorothy Day, legendary social activist
This is a guest post written by Elizabeth Conlisk, Vice President of Communications and University Relations for Big Ten Network (and, full disclosure, Elizabeth is my sister).
When I first moved to Chicago for my job just over five years ago, I knew one person. It didn’t really matter for about the first 11 months because I was working nonstop to help launch the Big Ten Network. Any free time was spent sleeping, working out or fulfilling family obligations. (Lots of graduations that year!)
So, when the dust settled from all that hubbub, I lifted my head up and realized that it was time to make some friends, time to build some connections in my new city and time to build my community.
The first thing I did was start a book club, which had been such a source of friendship back in Columbus. I’ve had the same experience here. Not only was I able to convince two of my first new friends here to join, they and others have brought their friends. And don’t tell my Columbus book club, but the Windy City Book Club is my favorite ever.
Making some connections was next on my list. I joined a couple of professional organizations and met some people who graciously introduced me to others in their networks. I’m a part of a Midwest communicators group that consists of other PR professionals who give me insight into their worlds which can be very similar to, and very different, from mine.
And I frequently attend inspirational and informative talks. Chicago Ideas Week is this week and I’ve heard some amazing speakers give their views on innovation and disruption.
But building a community for myself has been a bigger challenge. I’m happy getting together one-on-one with friends and neighbors, but have wanted to connect with something bigger than myself, with others who have a shared purpose.
One step I took was joining the Chicago board of the Positive Coaching Alliance, which helps students, parents and coaches be “better people, better athletes.” Given the role sports played in my youth and adolescence and how it plays such an important role in my professional life, joining PCA made perfect sense. And it’s been rewarding to see our chapter grow over the past year.
I think I’m on the right track, but feel there’s more I can do to really and truly create the life I want to live.
What about you? Is your community all it can be?
Thanks for your insights, Elizabeth.
To your success,
Mary
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