Community Time

Community Time is the time we put into fostering relationships with neighbors and friends. It also includes being an active member of the community. In The Intentional Family, Doherty says we should evaluate how well we do with the following:

• "We regularly see family friends"
• "We are actively involved in a church...or a similar community concerned with beliefs, ethics, and values"
• "We are involved in neighborhood activities"
• "We participate in recreational or educational groups and activities (for example, athletic programs, book clubs, support groups)."
• "We are involved in activities to better our community"
• "(For parents) We talk to our children about social and community concerns"
• "(For parents) We are active in our children's school"

(found on page 190)

Valuable Ways to Connect With Your Community

• Get involved with special community events and activities as a family
• Attending activities (many community activities are offered for free or a small fee)
•  Helping organize or plan activities
•  Collaborate with other families in the community for recreation
• Plan a picnic or barbecue
• Play games together
• Put together a friendly game of kickball (or something similar)
•  Volunteer together in the community
• Pick up garbage
• Serve a neighbor in need
• Volunteer at a race, assisted living, food shelter, etc.

Quotes about Community Time from the book The Intentional Family:

• “The healthiest families give to their community and receive support back in good measure.” p.13
•  “Family health and community health are thoroughly interwoven” p.134
•  “Community relationships are formed through effort and leadership.” p.137
• “Most Americans spend many hours a day watching television instead of being involved in their communities or talking with their family members.” p.139