The document discusses the benefits of building a strong community through collaboration. It notes that collaboration allows groups to constructively discuss differences and develop joint strategies. It also strengthens relationships, problem solving skills, and accomplishes goals more effectively by sharing resources and perspectives. An activity is described that requires classroom students to collaborate by sharing supplies and ideas to successfully complete a project, in order to experience the community building benefits of working together.

2. “Building the right community will give you the strength to
act on your ideas and inspire you to be the best version of
you”
~ Miki Agrawal
• People of the community feel comfortable and
welcomed by others
• Strengthening the production and communication of
the whole group
• Flexibility and adaptability in group problem-solving
• Organization and cooperation among the members

3. “a process of shared decision-making in which all the
parties with a stake in a problem constructively explore
their differences and develop a joint strategy for action”
~ Scott London
• Opinions, questions and answers are
respected, engaged and encouraged
• Teamwork and support among the group
• Working together to share information and resources
• Recognizing and acknowledging the other
collaborators

4. • Develops group and
individual problem solving
and leadership skills
• Strengthens relationships
• Effectively and efficiently
accomplish goals using new
strategies
• Learn new approaches to
resolve conflicts
• Improve professional
development skills
• Create a framework of trust
among people of the
community
• Create and maintain a
strong supportive
environment
• Add and value new views of
diversity

5. Each student will get a question sheet. Some students
will get a bag of supplies that may not have all of the
correct items (please help each other to acquire the
needed materials) and some will get a cup with water.
This activity will require collaboration in the community
of the classroom to successfully complete it.
Through a group discussion we can assess how
collaboration to accomplish the goals for the
activity led to a community building experience.
• Did you work with other people to complete the project?
• Did you listen to ideas and make suggestions about the project?
• How did the collaboration of this project benefit the community?

6. • Building Community Collaborations
http://www.uri.edu/ce/faceit/Facts%20Sheets/Community%20Development/cd4.html
•Building Community and Collaborations
http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI80073.pdf
•Building Collaborative Communities
http://www.scottlondon.com/articles/oncollaboration.html