Community Activities - To Share with Our Wider Communities
Community building asks us to identify the strengths we have in our group and share them with the wider community. This can look like holding events for the community to attend such as banner making workshops, or responding to asks from other groups such as bringing drums to a rally.
Think about what you as a group can offer and make those offerings visible! Here we have a few examples:
1. Pop-Up Spaces
What is it?
Any temporary space we create as a group. Stalls, actions, talks and exhibitions are all examples of spaces we create that pop-up in the community space!
These are the spaces we create in which people can interact with us, where conversations are started and ideas shared.
It is in these spaces that we begin to create, communicate and invite people into our visions of the world we want. Through the way we act, the care we show and the curiosity for those who step in to visit or join.
How does this Build Community
Every interaction within the wider community is a potential connection. Every connection adds to the network. And the more interconnected our communities are the stronger we become. It is only through conversation that we learn who our community conectors are, that we discover the hidden talents of our neighbours and the passions that drive each of us.
2. Banner Making
What is it?
Outline:
You will need:
- A space to host the workshop
- Newspaper and an old sheet to protect surfaces
- Fabric
- Paints (acrylic or fabric paint) & Tubs
- Brushes
- Letter templates, print blocks or stencils
You can also consider having eyelets to add and a sewing machine to hem the edges either before or after painting. Remind everyone to wear scrappy clothes or bring an apron.
From this point it's up to you what you create. It may be XR themed or it may be for another group's event, or for a campaign!
More information and graphics for banner making can be found on the Banners page.
How does this Build Community
There is re little teaching involved in banner making so once someone learns how to do it they can easily pass it on to others and become a teacher or designer of some wonderful banners!
3. Block Printing
What is it?
Block printing stands are a fantastic offering of our skills into the community. They invite people to have fun in a creative way and connect.
Outline:
You will need:
- Print Blocks
- Swatches or clothes to print on
- Foam roller & acrylic sheet
- Ink
- Lots of old newspapers
All the information needed to run an effective print stall can be found here: Block Printing by the Art Blockers.
How does this Build Community
By creating a small task that can be done with the hands with very little teaching required space is created fo conversation, connection and the sharing of stories. The act of creating together also brings people together by experimenting with ideas.
There is potential for the expression of both individual and shared identity in wearing patches and printing clothes.
4. Beginner Drumming Session
What is it?
A drumming workshop for beginners is a great offering and entry point into the thriving community of Rhythms.
It is also a great offering of skills to the community as our bands support not just XR actions but a wide range of events that happen locally, showing solidarity and care for other groups.
Outline:
You will need:
- A collection of Drums
- Ear Defenders!
- A space where making noise is not going to be a problem
- A whistler helps but isn't absolutely necessary
Equipment List
Drums: Bass, Mid, High, Repinique, SnareBackpack: Agogo bells, Tamborim, Shaker, Ear Defenders, Beaters, Straps for Drums
A session for beginner drummers is fairly easy to hold. Start of with learning a simple rhythm like Funk and go from there.
You can find more resources and contact XR Rhythms here: https://xrrhythms.uk
How does this Build Community
The low barrier into drumming and our Rhythms spaces creates fun entry points for new members, and space where new connections can be built.
Our Rhythms spaces really prioritise the creation of safe and inclusive space for our communities and by consistently showing up in solidarity to events organised by other groups we show are commitment to the work and purpose that exists between these groups.
5. Zine Workshop
What is it?
A creative workshop that allows people to express themselves in many different ways! Zines have a long history in activism and are a great, low budget tool we can use to share ideas, get people thinking!
Holding a Zine Workshop invites community members to consider the skills, interests and passions they have that they may wish to share in a new creative way.
Outline:
You will need:
- Some old magazines, scissors & glue
- Paints, pens, pencils
- A4 paper
- Photocopier
Either around a table or scattered on the floor, let people create whatever they want! It may be an Art Zine where they draw on all the pages, maybe they create a comic book, maybe a workshop outline people can run, maybe a collection of poems or essays on a topic. The possibilities are endless.
Make time to scan, photocopy and share the zines people have made! Maybe take a few away with you to give to friends. Some notice boards have areas for flyers and zines - share them even wider!
How does this Build Community
Zines are a fantastic way to share information, ideas and resources! They are also great tools for artists, poets and writers to share tasters of their work. Encouraging people to express themselves creatively.
A workshop like this really allows a window into the skills, interests and assets in your local community. From simply socialising in such a space you now know who the artists are, who the writers are, who can offer specific skills, and what people are passionate about! This in many ways can be used as a form of gift circle.
Here are some examples of zines: