In the Omnimodel, we recognize community as an essential part of our human interactions. Community addresses basic needs and represents one of the strongest driving forces we possess. Even in growth and development, children and young people are on their way to understanding the importance of community, even though it may often be immature.
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Belonging to a community
Belonging to a community often overrides individual values. The fear of being excluded or abandoned by the community can activate strong feelings of anxiety and discomfort. This pressure can lead to various strategies, from seeking new communities to acting in ways that contradict one's own values.
Some individuals mark their place in the community by being dominant or tough, while others may feel compelled to make themselves invisible or even attempt to ostracize others to secure their own place. The intense fear of being an outsider can lead to participation in groups or activities that do not necessarily reflect one's own values or interests.
Outsider
Exclusion is a significant risk factor in society, and a safe and supportive community is crucial to counteracting this challenge. Community can manifest itself in both formal and informal settings. Formal communities, such as classrooms, sports teams, and organizations, provide structured frameworks for collaboration and belonging. On the other hand, informal communities allow for a more personal approach, based on feelings, desires, and shared interests.
It is important to recognize the importance of formal communities as the main arena for building a safe and healthy community. Research clearly shows that these structured communities lay the foundation for a stronger and more inclusive society. By supporting and strengthening formal communities, we can create a lasting impact on individual well-being and the well-being of society.
The green and red community
Experiencing community and feeling included is a fundamental need, and important for children and young people's development, learning and well-being. In the following, we use the terms green and red communities.
The green community is the positive and inclusive community that our society, through laws and regulations, desires. The characteristics of the green community are taken from the Curriculum for the overall part of primary school, but are in our opinion generally valid for all upbringing arenas.
The red community is the type of community that can create exclusion, bullying and various challenges in the lives of children and young people.
The Green Community
The green community is an antidote to bullying, abuse and exclusion. The green community places great emphasis on creating a safe and predictable atmosphere for everyone. In this community, we believe in the value of being there for each other, and we work actively to ensure that everyone feels welcome and cared for. In our community, no one is subjected to violence or abuse, and safety comes first.
For us, belonging means being able to contribute and feel like you belong. We make it possible for everyone to participate and feel valued, regardless of background or abilities. We believe in giving meaning and mastery to everyone, both academically and socially. Participating in our activities and events should feel meaningful and give a sense of mastery.
We value diversity and difference in our community. We recognize and encourage the unique qualities of each individual, and we facilitate a culture where everyone feels included and accepted. By recognizing and supporting each other's strengths, we create an environment where everyone can feel valuable and have a sense of being good enough.
In the green community, we practice positive internal justice. This means that we all agree on the norms and rules that apply, and we take responsibility for maintaining these in our daily interactions. Through mutual understanding and respect, we create a harmonious and safe environment where everyone can thrive and develop.
The Red Community
In the red community, we understand that it is precisely community that can create a sense of exclusion for some. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of both the formal and informal community arenas. A classic example of how schools can produce exclusion is through a one-sided focus, such as on football.
In a class of 13 boys, and 11 of the boys play football on the same team, the other two may feel excluded from the community. While it is important to cheer on the football, we must remember that the class community is the valid community at school.
The strong need for belonging can lead to social exclusion anxiety or the fear of falling out, which in turn can create anxiety and fear. This in turn can lead to an “us and them” mentality, where people do things to secure their own place, even if it affects others.
In the Red Community, we recognize that the most common perspective of inclusion is to be “normal.” Unfortunately, this can lead to some people pointing out others as deviants to affirm their own normality. This can be especially difficult for vulnerable children and those who are easily targeted for bullying or exclusion.
The red community increases the risk of bullying, insults and exclusion.
We must understand that our behavior and attitudes affect the culture around us, and therefore our values. It is our responsibility to create an environment where everyone feels seen, valued and included.
Most important lesson
We must understand that our behavior and attitudes affect the culture around us, and therefore our values. It is our responsibility to create an environment where everyone feels seen, valued and included.