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Emily Burnett's avatar

Great piece! I'm still active in the religion of my childhood and profoundly grateful for the ways it shapes me. One thing that makes it so rich is that there are expectations of service to each other in a way that clubs can't replicate, and something bigger than our chosen intellectual pursuits unifying us--there's plenty of tension. I also participate in Toastmasters (a public speaking club) and most weeks I don't exactly want to go, but am always glad I did. One thing I find important about both is that they attract all kinds of people, and there's an important mixing of socio-economic statuses that we don't always get in social clubs we choose because they're intellectually stimulating.

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Kath Egan's avatar

Thank you for your research and beautifully written article, I would also like to be part of the solution. I live in a rural community in Australia, am currently building an art studio with the intention of hosting community building opportunities. This post is very helpful, thank you Cissy.

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