On a recent seven-mile hike in Oregon, a woman casually mentioned that she was turning 80 the following Tuesday. But what stayed with me was what she shared next: She had been a member of the same nonprofit outdoor organization since the 1990s. For more than 30 years, she had continued to show up, build friendships and share her passion for the outdoors with others.
She was one of many people I met while spending a month in Portland, where I connected with two local nonprofit outdoor organizations, the Mazamas and the Chemeketans. What began as an opportunity to explore a new city became a reminder of the importance of finding community through shared interests and missions we believe in.
Through these organizations, I met teachers, accountants, environmentalists and people from all walks of life who had been members for decades. They volunteered their time, shared their knowledge and welcomed others into a community built around a common passion. One of my trip leaders was part of three generations of family members involved in the same organization.
And perhaps my favorite part? The longtime members were genuinely excited to have someone younger joining them. Whenever I offered to take a group photo, they insisted I be in it, too. They wanted the next generation to discover these organizations, get involved and help carry their missions forward.
It made me think about something we don't always recognize when we talk about the nonprofit sector: We spend so much time discussing what nonprofits do for communities that we sometimes overlook the communities they create in the process.
Community Is Something We Create
We often think of community as something that already exists around us. But meaningful community requires more than proximity. It requires participation.
Sociologist Ray Oldenburg coined the term "third places" for spaces outside our homes and workplaces where people gather and build relationships. We often think of coffee shops, libraries and parks. But I think nonprofit organizations deserve a bigger place in that conversation.
My time in Oregon showed me how nonprofits create that space: by bringing together people who might otherwise never cross paths, connecting them through shared interests, experiences and purpose.
Getting involved was easy. Signing up took almost no effort, and I was added to their newsletter right away. But none of that is what brought me back. The volunteers did.
For those of us working in the nonprofit sector, that's worth paying attention to. Is there a clear, welcoming way for someone to get involved beyond making a gift? Do your volunteers and longtime supporters feel like part of the story you tell? Are you inviting the next generation in?
Nonprofits were the first place I looked because of the work I do, but you don't have to work in one to start. If that isn't your first instinct, I'd encourage you to try it. Whether you're passionate about education, the arts, environmental conservation, accessibility or addressing food insecurity, there are organizations working toward those causes that could benefit from your involvement.
Finding Your Role in the Community
The communities nonprofits create don't sustain themselves. They depend on people who show up, share what they know and invite others to take part.
As we approach the year-end giving season, I encourage you to think beyond the question, "Which organization should I donate to?" and consider:
Which organizations make my community a better place to live?
What local knowledge, relationships or opportunities would be missing if these organizations didn't exist?
How can I help sustain the organizations that create those opportunities for other people?
Find an organization whose mission resonates with you. Become a donor and invest in its future. Volunteer your time, skills or services. Advocate for its work, attend an event or introduce someone new to a cause you believe in.
I went to Oregon hoping to explore somewhere new. What I remember most are the people who welcomed me and the sense of community they had built around something they loved. It reminded me that some of the most meaningful connections begin when we choose to participate.
And perhaps there's an organization in your own community waiting to welcome you in, too.
