Democracy as Human Connections

Author: Martin Simon

Power is the currency of action, the ability to shape our worlds. Democracy, at its core, is about sharing this power amongst people who might not trust one another. It’s a system built on tolerance and mutual support, a framework for turning strangers into neighbours and neighbours into community. As community organisers, we cherish this kind of power – power with each other, not power over one another.

‘Power over’ is toxic. It's the force behind sectarianism and corporate greed. It's the allure of strong, charismatic leaders over humble servants. And tragically, it is in danger of gradually eclipsing the everyday, transformative powers of localism and community life.

Yet, true democracy isn't confined to grand institutions or utopian dreams. It is present in every neighbourhood, in the simple (and reciprocal) acts of collective care and mutual aid. The informal connections between ‘ordinary folk’ in the places where they live. The unpaid caring between families, friends, and neighbours – a vibrant economy of reciprocity and neighbourliness – is still the bedrock of our society and etched into our moral identities as social beings. This is a home-based, sub-state of democracy in action, unfettered by bureaucracy or external control.

Empowered by the time-honoured, unauthored principles of neighbourliness – give and take, live and let live, and speaking out against injustice – communities continue to share and exchange resources, skills, gifts and inventiveness. As Matt Haig beautifully puts it, "Everything we need is right here. Everything we are is enough." Our capacity for love, friendship, and creativity is inherent, a testament to our shared humanity.

Albert Camus echoed this sentiment when he declared that “no-one has the right to decide that their own truth is good enough to impose on others.” Such calls for solidarity fuel our work in community development. But let's be clear: community empowerment isn't a linear journey that can be delivered through pre-scheduled programmes; it's a way of life. It's built one connection at a time – on a win, a failure, on the new learning that arises from each, time after time. It happens where we live and is nurtured by conviviality, a sense of purpose and the emergence of trust and feelings of belonging.

Through initiatives like Timebanking and Asset-Based Community Development, we've witnessed first-hand the power of discovering what it is that people care enough about to act on and then connecting them with others who feel the same way. By forming relationships, asking questions and keeping conversations alive and positive we bring people together. By being available, responsive and emotionally present we can shift the narrative from powerlessness to possibility. By accelerating the mutual appreciation of the strengths and unique contributions readily available in the neighbourhood we help long-term community-led solutions to proliferate.

Just as formal democracy protects us from the abuse of power, our everyday acts of kindness and cooperation fortify our neighbourhoods against fear and divisions. In times of trouble, comfort and healing comes from those around us. Random Informal interactions can encourage ordinary folk to set aside inequalities and racial differences. A simple smile, a helping hand, or a shared story can be the catalyst for profound change. In these casual encounters, we may, in time, rediscover a sense of shared humanity, build trust, and find new ways to contribute to a more resilient, compassionate neighbourhood. If we want transformational change, we must be brave enough to start more and more conversations that matter.

Martin Simon is Trustee of Gloucestershire Gateway Trust and former Chief Executive of Timebanking UK.

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The publisher is Citizen Network. Democracy as Human Connections © Martin Simon 2025.