The Art of Community: Symbols

THE ART OF COMMUNITY: Symbols

What helps a community feel connected and share a sense of belonging?

Join the West Hill community for a talk by Katie Hladky-Grant exploring the role of symbols in bringing people together. Part of our ongoing series inspired by Charles Vogl’s The Art of Community, this conversation will explore how symbols express shared values, strengthen connections, and help create a sense of identity and belonging.

Coming soon… Watch the gathering here.

Reading - The Art of Community: Seven Principles for Belonging, ch. 7, excerpts from “The Symbols Principle.”

- Charles H. Vogl

Communities often use many symbols. In fact, this is almost inevitable. Some symbols will emerge naturally. Others can be thought out and chosen. Symbols usually reference a story, a place, or a tool that’s important to the community’s history. What’s most important is that you recognize the power of symbols and how much members appreciate them. They can serve as potent tools to remind everyone who you are, what you do, and why you matter. Ask yourself, what are the symbols your community uses? If you have none, what elements should your community’s symbol include?

Tokens as Symbols

A token is a kind of symbol given to a person as a keepsake to remember an idea, event, or set of values. It’s often a reminder of accomplishment, belonging, and commitment. People love tokens. They often have powerful meaning when leaders or peers present them in rituals.

You likely already have tokens (formal or informal) from your own community experiences. Sometimes we get our own tokens: souvenirs are a kind of self-gotten token. But tokens are much more meaningful when others give them to us. The importance of the token’s presenter will imprint on the token’s value.

Giving Tokens

Tokens can be very powerful when we give them to others.

Remember that the giver can imbue value in the token. If this is done honestly and intentionally, the token’s material value may not matter at all. To use the value of tokens, we can use a few simple principles:

Intention: Tell the receiver why you’re giving it yo her.

Symbolism: Tell her what it represents to you.

Connect to the future: Tell her how you hope it will support, change, or serve her.