What is Community Sufficiency?
If we are going to build a better hometown, we better understand where our community has been.
An Idea from a Reader
Recently, one of our readers brought up the concept of “Community Sufficiency”. It wasn’t a new term, but it was a term that was certainly a bit more nebulous rather than something very concrete. No matter how narrowly or broadly the concept could be defined, it certainly seems that it deserves a discussion.
This discussion also made me think long and hard about the communities in our region, our history and our future. The end result is probably the longest and most in-depth post this newsletter has put foward. Furthermore, this concept of community sufficiency is truly the best way to describe the goal of the work that is being done through this newsletter.
What is Community Sufficiency?
The concept of "community sufficiency" is rooted in the broader movements of community development, sustainable living, and local self-reliance. While there isn't a single specific origin or individual responsible for coining the term, it draws upon various historical and philosophical ideas.
One of the earliest influences on the concept of community sufficiency can be traced back to agrarian and communal societies throughout history. In traditional agrarian societies, communities were largely self-reliant, relying on local resources and knowledge to meet their basic needs. These communities had strong social bonds and worked together to address challenges and celebrate successes.
The Problems of the Twentieth Century
In the modern context, the idea of community sufficiency gained prominence in response to challenges posed by globalization, industrialization, and urbanization. The increasing centralization of economic activities and the reliance on distant resources raised concerns about sustainability, environmental impacts, and loss of community identity.
All of these concepts fundamentally changed how communities (and the people who lived in them) related to one another, participated in economic and social life and crafted the decisions that were made in those places. Perhaps no better argument could be made on the decline of community sufficiency than Robert D. Putnam’s influential book, “Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of the American Community.”
In his book, Putnam explores the decline of social capital and community engagement in the United States, using the metaphor of bowling to illustrate the changing dynamics of community life. Putnam put forward six observations in his book that summarized community life in the Twentieth Century in America.
Decline of Social Capital: Putnam's central thesis revolves around the notion of social capital, which refers to the connections, trust, and networks that bind individuals and communities together. He argues that over the years, there has been a decline in social capital, as people have become less engaged in social and community activities. This decline in social capital is reflected in the diminishing participation in civic organizations, community groups, and social gatherings.
Individualism and Isolation: Putnam identifies individualism and increased personal mobility as contributing factors to the erosion of community life. As people become more focused on their individual pursuits and are less bound to their local communities, they tend to withdraw from active participation in communal activities. This trend leads to social isolation and a weakening of the bonds that hold communities together.
Importance of Bridging and Bonding Social Capital: Putnam distinguishes between two types of social capital: bonding and bridging. Bonding social capital refers to close ties among individuals within specific groups, such as family, friends, or people of similar backgrounds. On the other hand, bridging social capital refers to connections between diverse groups, fostering greater cohesion and cooperation in society.
Community Sufficiency as a Solution: While Putnam's analysis highlights the challenges of declining social capital, it indirectly points toward community sufficiency as a potential solution. By emphasizing the need to strengthen social connections and community engagement, community sufficiency offers a framework for rebuilding social capital and fostering a sense of belonging and interconnectedness.
Building Resilience: Putnam's research indicates that communities with higher levels of social capital tend to be more resilient in times of crisis. When individuals are connected and have a shared sense of responsibility for one another, they are better equipped to respond to challenges and work collaboratively to find solutions. Community sufficiency promotes these very attributes, making it a valuable approach to increase resilience in the face of social, economic, or environmental disruptions.
Economic Benefits: Putnam's work indirectly suggests that communities with higher levels of social capital are more likely to thrive economically. When people are engaged in community life, they tend to support local businesses, collaborate on projects, and create a positive environment for economic growth. Community sufficiency encourages local economic development, entrepreneurship, and sustainable practices, all of which can contribute to the prosperity of a community.
The Solutions of the Twenty-First Century
The early 21st-century environmental and social movements, such as the local food movement, further influenced the development of community sufficiency as a concept. Across the country (and perhaps more importantly, across political lines) community residents began to advocate for building stronger, more self-reliant communities to reduce dependence on external resources and to promote sustainable practices.
Additionally, the idea of community sufficiency aligns with the principles of decentralization and subsidiarity, which suggest that decisions should be made at the most local level possible. This philosophy emphasizes the importance of empowering communities to take charge of their own development and address their unique challenges.
In recent decades, as macro-concerns about everything from social development, climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality have grown, the concept of community sufficiency has gained traction. Many local communities around the world have embraced community sufficiency principles to foster resilience, strengthen local economies, and promote sustainable practices.
While there may not be a specific individual or moment that birthed the concept of community sufficiency, its foundations can be found in the collective wisdom of various historical practices, social movements, and philosophical ideas that prioritize community well-being and sustainability. It continues to evolve as communities adapt and respond to the changing needs and challenges of our interconnected world.
What Does This Mean for Our Community?
Now that we have a basic idea of what community sufficiency is, how can this idea be applied to our own community?
Strengthening Local Economy
By embracing community sufficiency, we encourage the growth of local businesses and entrepreneurship. Supporting our local shops, farmers, and artisans means more money stays within Troy, circulating through our economy. This, in turn, fosters job creation and opportunities for our friends and neighbors, reducing unemployment rates and creating a stronger and more vibrant local economy.
Right now in our community, we have the opportunity to stroll down charming streets, filled with bustling mom-and-pop stores, all providing unique products and services.
Fostering a Sense of Belonging
In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to feel disconnected from the place we call home. But community sufficiency seeks to change that by encouraging collaboration and active participation. When we work together to address local challenges and celebrate our triumphs, a strong sense of belonging emerges.
Through vibrant and attractive public spaces, local events, and volunteer opportunities, we can connect with our fellow hometown citizens and create lasting friendships. Feeling like you're part of a close-knit community is priceless—it enriches our lives and improves our overall well-being.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Let's face it; life throws curveballs our way. From economic downturns to natural disasters, external shocks can impact our community profoundly. However, with community sufficiency, we become more resilient to these challenges.
By cultivating local food sources and investing and maintaining sustainable infrastructure, our hometowns can become a place that can better weather the storms. When times get tough, we can rely on each other and tackle problems head-on, knowing that we have the resources and support right here in Troy.
Cultural Preservation
Troy boasts a rich history and a vibrant cultural heritage that should be celebrated and preserved. Community sufficiency values and supports local traditions, arts, and cultural events that make our hometowns, like Troy, very unique.
By investing in our local artists, musicians, and storytellers, we keep our cultural flame burning bright. Let's celebrate our history, embrace diversity, and create a town that takes pride in its roots while looking forward to a brighter future.
Empowerment and Local Decision-Making
With community sufficiency, the power lies in our hands. By actively participating in local decision-making processes, we can shape the future of Troy according to our values and aspirations.
From town hall meetings to community forums, our voices can be heard loud and clear. No longer will we feel like mere spectators—instead, we become drivers of positive change in our own backyard.
Communities Are a Reflection of The Times They Were Built
As we think about our community of Troy, we can think about how our community was built largely on the basis of community sufficiency. This small town built on the banks of the Great Miami River, started out like many of the frontier towns of the midwest in the early days of the nineteenth-century. Trappers, trading posts and taverns dotted the landscape as people came to these parts to build a better life. Those lives became intertwined and led to other development, most notably through social institutions, such as churches and social clubs. This same basic pattern of development can be seen in other communities in our county such as Tipp City and Piqua and even West Milton; a downtown core with older buildings that was a mix of economic (stores) and social (churches) interaction.
Now, let’s think about those communities that don’t have that type of rich and vibrant history. Communities that aren’t so far away, but certainly have a certain feel. One of those communities that come to mind is a place like Huber Heights.
The city's namesake, Charles H. Huber, played a pivotal role in its development. In the 1940s, Charles and his brothers invested in the purchase of large tracts of farmland in Wayne Township. They envisioned developing a modern community with residential and commercial spaces. In 1956, Charles Huber founded Huber Homes, Inc., a real estate development company, to oversee the construction of a large-scale residential community.
The development was designed to accommodate the growing population of nearby Dayton and lead directly to Huber Heights. Huber Heights was planned as a suburban community, characterized by modern residential neighborhoods and shopping centers. The Huber Homes development attracted a diverse mix of families, and the community quickly grew and finally became an incorporated city in 1981.
Driving through the community you find Huber Heights is a community based specifically on vehicles. It’s not terribly easy to navigate and not easily walkable either. It’s a community built in a different time and it truly reflects the time it was built.
Embracing Community Sufficiency: A Call to Action
As we've explored the many benefits of community sufficiency for Troy it becomes evident that this concept isn't just a utopian dream. Rather, it's a pragmatic approach that empowers us to build a stronger, more resilient, and prosperous town.
Does this concept ring true for you? Please feel free to share this post with your friends and neighbors. Also, feel free to like this post and share a comment or send a message to william.lutz17@gmail.com.
Thanks for reading!
Another good article Bill!