Recognizing that life changes often
prompt people to reevaluate their
affiliations, successful communities
give members opportunities to take
on new roles, alternate between roles,
and negotiate tensions across roles in
conflict - without ever leaving the fold.
Nonprofit communities are particularly
good in this respect. Saddleback Church
of Orange County, California, maintains
a cohesive community despite membership
of over 20,000 by constantly
monitoring individuals* needs and creating
subgroups and roles to keep people
engaged. Groups are organized not
only by age, gender, and interests, but
also by shared challenges, social commitments,
and family situations. People are
offered many types of roles, from active
to passive, in small groups and large, and
can participate in person, by phone, or
online. Assorted print and digital tools
help people identify options and map
opportunities, so they can easily change
roles or try on new ones.