Getting Involved in Your Community—Why Bother?
by LAUNI DAHL
I get it. Sometimes attending a community event just doesn’t sound all that interesting. What changed my mind was actually going to one of these events. It had been a long day at work, and I was tired—especially after my 45-minute commute home. Nonetheless, I rushed through dinner and found my way to “Ladies who Launch,” a workshop by and for women who launch their own companies, blogs, and more. It was a place for professional women to network, discuss ideas, and connect.
I’d never voluntarily gone to anything like this before, and I didn’t necessarily think of myself as a “business woman.” In fact, the first thing I thought when I walked in the room was, “Oh crap, I’m the only one here wearing Vans!” Scanning the business attire all around me in stark contrast to my own faded jeans and t-shirt, I didn’t exactly feel like I was in my comfort zone. However, that feeling vanished entirely within minutes of listening to the incredible panel of women speaking about their careers and giving advice to aspiring freelance writers like myself.
Going outside my comfort zone was the first step that gave me the motivation to push myself. It’s what transformed my thoughts into action. I met new people. I got fantastic advice about writing. I left feeling inspired, creative, and full of energy—definitely not the feeling I would have felt had I stayed home watching Netflix or scrolling through Instagram.
So, take it from me. You never know how much you’ll benefit from getting involved and putting yourself out there unless you actually get out there and do it! Here are some other great reasons to be aware of what’s going on in your community and get involved:
Sharpen your skills: No matter your skills and hobbies, chances are high that there’s a workshop, seminar, or meetup group in your area that reflects your interests. From arts and crafts groups, to business seminars, to gardening workshops, and almost everything in between, collaborating with others is a surefire way to sharpen your skills and keep them fresh.
Be a self-advocate: Sometimes women have a reputation of taking care of everyone else and putting their own needs last. More opportunities for women exist now than ever before in our history, making it a great time to take advantage of these opportunities and get involved. Advocate for yourself! Be assertive! There are so many great community events all over Utah, and taking advantage of these events will help you take control of your goals—both professional and personal.
Make more of your time: After a busy day, it’s tempting to sprawl out on the sofa and scroll through Instagram or binge-watch your favorite show. But do you even remember what you saw on Instagram last week? Probably not. If, however, you attended a fun and engaging community event where you learned something new and had a good time, would you remember that? Definitely! Getting out into the community is a great way to invest your time and create meaningful memories.
Meet people: We all have our circles of friends, family, coworkers, and acquaintances that we see on a regular basis. Putting yourself out there, in a new setting with a bunch of different people, is a great way to forge new connections, whether it’s for networking opportunities, seeking new friendships, or both!
Whether you live in busy Salt Lake City or rural Kamas, every town in Utah has opportunities and events to learn new things. Pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone may not sound fun at first, but you’re likely to leave the event feeling like it was worth the time invested to do something truly meaningful for yourself. You never know how much something seemingly simple, like a community event, might end up inspiring you and giving you the push you need to pursue what you love.