By Lawrence Sharrett
May 28, 2025
Colloquy was formed based on psychological research showing that the more healthy communities to which people truly say they belong, the greater the possibility for overall well-being.
A community can be defined as a group of at least 3 people who meet at least once per month, either in-person or online (or a hybrid combination of the two). Though traditionally defined as such and though it often helps, this means that neither geographical location nor being like-minded are required for community to happen.
Do you know of such community opportunities around you? Do you know of in-person communities in your area? Do you know of online options easily accessible to you?
What sorts of communities are you most interested in? What sorts of communities cause you the most skepticism? Are trust and community mutually exclusive from your experience?
In other words, have you ever had an experience in a community that truly helped you feel safe, well, and at least somewhat trusting of the people who you were meeting with in that community? If so, that is a version of what one could call “collective resilience” from being in a community.
More often, people are quite skeptical of communities outside their closest friends and family. It’s even common that one’s friends and family may be the sources of high caution for a person to experience an international community. Our friends and family each have their own personal stories or stories of others whose experiences caused them to be cautious of the communities around them. Undoubtedly, some are based on truth while others are based on misinformation.
Nonetheless, whether communities of family, friends, vocational, support, faith, or social media, we will benefit from finding the people, the places, and the communities with whom we feel safe and connected. Though it may be a challenge, especially in some parts of the world, it is a worthy and realistic goal for a balanced social life.
Do you know any trusted communities? Do you know someone who is part of a community that they trust and respect? Who are you trusting with some of your personal or professional time? Do you have the capacity to find or try new communities? Is there anyone with whom you feel safe?
Colloquy is led by a diverse team of psychologists, mental health counselors, educators, and leadership coaches. Colloquy connects expats and locals around the world through live online workshops for mental health and leadership. In-person retreats and international learning experiences are becoming an extension of the communities of Colloquy.
Our core values include:
- Community Belonging
- Respect
- Trust
- Lifelong Learning
- Creating Safe Spaces
- Service-mindedness
You’re invited to stay informed on psychological research and multicultural innovation with Colloquy Communities. And you’re invited to consider if Colloquy Communities may be a place where you find and mutually experience trust and respect in the form of collective resilience.