Strengthen local community bonds by painting something together

The best antidote to the forces pulling us apart as communities is local action that brings us together. 

Local action that brings us together can be as simple as painting something together.

When I visited Rosthern, Saskatchewan, I was struck by these colorful murals filled with circles. I saw several mounted to different downtown buildings.

It turns out that these were painted by the community members themselves. The mural painting was organized to celebrate 50 years of Valley Action Abilities, a community based non-profit. The circles are a symbol of including everyone and wholeness.

Organizers said, “The goal of this project was and is for us to see our commonalities, our shared humanity and our desire for good in our lives, which ideally, leads to wishing for good in the lives of others, our communities and the world.”

They called it Rosthern Paints Together, and you can see a video on their project page.

Your community should paint together, too.

My colleague Deb Brown had the chance to be part of a community mural experience in Webster City, Iowa. Organizers selected images from throughout the town’s history and the various cultures of the many current residents. With a paint by number design, everyone could be involved.

Community happens when people talk to each other. When we create something together, we strengthen our community ties.

Our SaveYour.Town video Building a Unified Community shares more about how to use simple everyday projects to feel more connected in your community.