The Role of Storytelling in Community Building
On building community. "Stories are the single most powerful weapon in a leader’s arsenal." – Dr. Howard Gardner, Harvard University Storytelling has played a crucial role in human connection since the inception of civilization. It shapes identities, preserves historical records, and fosters a sense of belonging within communities. Whether conveyed through spoken word, literature, or digital media, storytelling possesses the ability to unify individuals, create shared experiences, and enhance communal bonds. The Power of Storytelling in Community Building Fostering Shared Identity Stories help communities define who they are and what they stand for. They preserve cultural traditions and values, passing them on to future generations. Encouraging Empathy and Connection Personal narratives allow people to understand each other’s experiences and struggles. Stories create emotional connections that transcend differences, building unity. Inspiring Action and Change A compelling story can mobilize people around a cause or mission. Communities often use storytelling to advocate for social change and inspire collective action. Strengthening Engagement and Participation Shared narratives encourage individuals to take active roles within their communities. Engaging stories help retain interest and commitment to communal efforts. Preserving History and Legacy Oral and written storytelling ensures that a community’s history remains alive. Stories highlight past challenges and triumphs, shaping future aspirations. I love a bookstore and find that they are great places to gather. I have many in cities around the world that I love to dip into over and over and that have wonderful schedules of events. Libraries as well, and most have programs where they sell books at a big discount. Librarians are also some of the smartest people you will meet and who know everything about the cities they serve. It has been interesting learning that "Barnes & Noble is planning to open at least 60 new stores in 2025 — a stunning turnaround for a bookseller that just a few years ago closed hundreds of locations and appeared doomed to follow in the footsteps of its shuttered competitors. Barnes & Noble opened 57 new locations in 2024 and operates around 600 stores in total, making it the largest bookseller in the US. In recent years, the bookseller has also leaned into the popularity of book content on TikTok and using #BookTok as the hashtag - and the post-pandemic thirst for "third spaces" to meet and socialize." - Business Insider To that end - our stories matter. Another favorite quote from Doctor Who, "We are all stories in the end, just make is a good one." Stories have the power to inspire, connect, and bring people together. Start by sharing your personal experiences, whether through conversations, writing, or digital platforms. Encourage others to do the same and contribute to a culture of storytelling that strengthens your local community, this community - the best community in tech. What story will you share today? And where and how will you share it? #ThePowerofCommunity #Storytelling #CommunityBuilding #BelongingMatters #CuppaCommuniTea #MicrosoftCommunity 🍵 Today I am drinking a cuppa Throat Coat by Traditional Medicines - Organic Throat Coa tea supports throat health with renowned slippery elm, used in Native American herbal medicine for hundreds of years.The Heart of Community – How Friendship Strengthens Our Social Circles
On building community. “Social connections are one of the most important factors in determining our well-being and longevity. Strong friendships benefit both individuals and the entire community. By prioritizing these relationships, we can build stronger, healthier communities." Psychologist Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad Friendship is vital for strong communities, providing emotional and social benefits. It fosters connection, trust, and belonging. Close friendships enhance personal well-being, reducing loneliness and boosting happiness. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that people with strong social connections are 50% more likely to live longer. Friendship's value goes beyond personal health; it positively impacts communities. Connected individuals are more likely to engage in social causes, collaborate on initiatives, and support each other, creating collective responsibility. This applies whether it is your local community, those that are part of your technical community, or hobbies you love like a book club or board game nights/groups. Host a community gathering – Organize a small event or gathering in your neighborhood to bring people together and foster new connections. Host a small meeting online for a quarterly check-in with friends. (I have a standing meeting with some college friends every other Sunday, sometimes there are two of us, sometimes six, sometimes we cancel, but having it on the calendar keeps it going. I find this time grounding and many times support just when I need it). Support local businesses – Frequent local shops and restaurants and engage with the owners and staff to build relationships within your community. (I recently debuted my DJing house music skills at a neighborhood benefit we did for our Los Angeles animal rescues for the wildfires.) Get to know your local business owners, chamber, rotary they are your neighbors! Volunteer for local causes – Dedicate some time to volunteer for community projects or organizations that resonate with you, helping to strengthen communal ties. One organization could benefit from even 1 hour of time and volunteering a way to make new acquaintances and friends. In the Microsoft Community space, a big shout out to those who produce both free and paid technical skilling community events and who run user groups - you are the purveyors of belonging and friendship. Be sure to check out all events in the Microsoft Community ecosystem on Communitydays.org. If you are a producer who creates events around Microsoft products, please list your event on the site! As we continue to spotlight and celebrate the individuals and initiatives that make our communities vibrant and connected, let us remember that each small act of connection and kindness contributes to the greater whole. By fostering friendships and creating inclusive spaces, we not only enhance our own lives but also build resilient, supportive communities. Let's all take a moment to reach out, engage, and uplift those around us, knowing that every gesture matters in the tapestry of community life. After twenty-four years in this space, I feel grateful to call so many of you friends of mine as well as colleagues. What is one way you can reach out to a friend today? #TheHeartofCommunity #BelongingMatters #CuppaCommuniTea #MicrosoftCommunity 🍵 Today I am drinking a cuppa Lemon Ginger tea from Bigelow Family Tea Blenders since 1945 - Fairfield, Connecticut. A probiotic tea that is a delicious blend of zesty lemon and ginger combined with BC30™ probiotic that supports healthy digestion.Microsoft Ignite - Join us in the Hub at the Community Area at Microsoft Ignite!
Microsoft Community Teams are excited to say hello to all of you in person! We are thrilled to invite you to the Community Area in the Hub at Microsoft Ignite, where innovation meets collaboration! This year’s event promises to be an unforgettable experience, packed with opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. Here’s why you won’t want to miss it: Come to Hub on the 3rd Floor of the McCormick Place, West Hall Tuesday 10:30AM – 7:15PM Wednesday/Thursday 8:30AM- 6:00PM About the Community in the Hub: The Community Area in the Hub is more than just a space; it’s a vibrant ecosystem where ideas flourish, and collaborations are born. Designed to foster a sense of community and belonging, the Hub provides a welcoming environment for attendees to engage, learn, and grow together. With interactive displays, dedicated spaces for networking and discussions, and sessions on a wide array of topics, the Community in the Hub is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the Ignite experience. World Map Activation: Attendees can interact with a digital heat map of event participants and add their location. This activation will also display information about nearby communities so you can learn more! Chat and Connect: Engage in meaningful conversations with fellow attendees, share your insights, and learn from others. The Community Area in the Hub is the perfect place to build lasting connections and expand your professional network. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, you'll find valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, discuss industry trends, and collaborate on exciting projects. Meet the Microsoft Executives: Get the chance to meet and interact with Microsoft executives. Gain valuable insights into the latest trends and strategies directly from the leaders who are shaping the future of technology. This is a unique opportunity to ask questions, share your thoughts, and get a glimpse into the vision and direction of Microsoft. Don't miss the chance to connect with the minds behind the innovations that are driving the industry forward. (all times are local Chicago/Central US Time). A few highlights: Tuesday November 19 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM - Community Forum: Accessibility in the AI Economy with Jennie Lay-Flurrie 1:00 PM - 1:55 PM - Community Forum: Chat and Hellos with Jeff Teper 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM - Community Forum: Imposter Syndrome Banishing Spell in the Era of AI with Dona Sarkar Wednesday November 20 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM - Community Forum: Azure Unplugged: Tech Talk with Mark Russinovich 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM - Community Forum: Azure Unplugged: Brendan Burns and Eric Boyd on Kubernetes and AI Thursday November 21 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM - Community Forum: Azure Unplugged: Scott Hanselman and Mandy Whaley on Developers and AI Apps 3:00 - 3:45 PM - Community Forum: Azure Unplugged: Azure Data in the Era of AI with Arun Ulag MVP Photo Wall: Come and take pictures with our MVPs at the Photo Wall! Capture the moment, celebrate the community, and share your experience with the world. This is your chance to be part of something special and show your support for the incredible MVPs who make a difference every day. Discover Community Programs: Explore a variety of community programs designed to support your professional development and personal growth. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills, find mentorship opportunities, or get involved in community initiatives, there’s something for everyone. Learn about programs that can help you stay ahead in your career, connect with like-minded professionals, and make a positive impact in your community. Network with MVPs: Connect with Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs) and learn from their expertise. MVPs are recognized for their exceptional technical knowledge and community contributions, making them invaluable resources for your professional journey. Take advantage of this opportunity to gain insights from some of the best in the field, ask for advice, and build relationships that can help you grow both personally and professionally. Community Forum: During these forums, participants can engage in open discussions, share experiences, and explore strategies to address various challenges and opportunities within the tech industry. The forums are an excellent opportunity to network with peers, gain new perspectives, and stay updated on the latest trends and best practices. https://aka.ms/MSIgnite/Community/SessionCatalog Community Roundtables: These are interactive sessions designed to foster engagement and collaboration among attendees. These roundtables cover a wide range of topics and provide a platform for participants to share their insights, ask questions, and learn from each other. To interact with these roundtables, you can join the sessions during the scheduled times at Ignite. https://aka.ms/MSIgnite/Community/SessionCatalog Our goal is to create a space where attendees can come together to share knowledge, inspire each other, and build meaningful connections. The Community in the Hub is dedicated to promoting a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. We believe that by bringing people together, we can drive positive change and create a stronger, more connected community. Whether you're looking to learn something new, meet potential collaborators, or simply enjoy the company of fellow tech enthusiasts, the Community in the Hub is the place to be. Join us at the Community Area in the Hub at Microsoft Ignite and be a part of this incredible journey. We can’t wait to see you there! Schedule (subject to change) To access the complete schedule of community sessions, please visit the Microsoft Ignite website. You can find the full schedule by navigating to the following link: Session catalog Once on the page, you can sort the sessions by relevance, date, or other criteria to find the sessions that interest you the most. The schedule includes detailed information about each session, including the time, topic, and speakers. To find Community sessions, select “Community” under “Session Type”. You can also use this handy link if you are registered to go directly to the “Community” search in the session catalog: https://aka.ms/MSIgnite/Community/SessionCatalog We can't wait to see you at the Community Area in the Hub, where connections happen, ideas flow, and the Microsoft community comes alive! Join in the Community activities at the (heart) of Microsoft Ignite! #MSIgnite #WeLovetheCommunity #CommunityLuv #TechnicalSkilling #Careers #NetworkingCollabDays New England (October 18, 2024)
We’d like to extend an invitation to join us for a wonderful day of sharing, listening, and connecting at the 2024 edition of CollabDays New England. We hope you’ll join us on Friday, October 18 in Burlington, MA. CollabDays New England is a premier event that brings together Microsoft enthusiasts, IT professionals, and developers to learn, network, and share knowledge about the latest trends and innovations in Microsoft technologies.ESPC23 - Amsterdam | Event guide
Amsterdam is one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in Europe – and primed for in-person depth and breadth learning during the European SharePoint Conference – now simply branded as: ESPC23 – in Amsterdam, Netherlands – November 27-30, 2023. You will have the opportunity to learn from experts, network with peers, and discover new technologies that can help you achieve your goals. The event and city have something for everyone: Inspiring keynotes, depth sessions and workshops, community, famous canals, art and culture, and much SharePint’ing.365 EduCon – Chicago | Event guide
365 EduCon - Chicago (Oct. 30 - Nov. 3, 2023) brings together the leading experts in Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Power Platform, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Viva, Microsoft Graph, and Azure. Whether you're a newcomer to these technologies or an experienced power user, administrator, or developer -- offering a diverse range of sessions and workshops tailored to your level of expertise and specific interests. The combined whole of the event brings together a stellar lineup of industry-leading experts, including Microsoft MVPs, Microsoft Regional Directors, Microsoft MCTs and Microsoft Engineers, who will share their invaluable insights and best practices. Prepare to be inspired as these gurus delve into the latest trends, strategies, and innovations that shape the Microsoft 365 landscape and walk away with actionable knowledge that you can apply directly in your organization.365 EduCon and PWR EduCon – Seattle | Event guide
365 EduCon and PWR EduCon are co-located for Seattle, a two-for-one conference that brings together the leading experts in Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Power Platform, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Viva, Microsoft Graph, and Azure. Whether you're a newcomer to these technologies or an experienced power user, administrator, or developer -- offering a diverse range of sessions and workshops tailored to your level of expertise and specific interests.
