During my time in Chengdu, I found myself integrated into an organization based in a local community next to the university. Dubbed "The Community" by our group of study abroad students, it gives a perfect example of what a community in China looks like. Ever since its Maoist roots, the Chinese government has built a sense of community by encouraging its citizens to focus on their local community. They have done this by funding community events, such as the one that we were lucky enough to be invited to during the National Holiday, and by focusing on the arts through local recreational centers. While segments of these ideas do exist in the United States, in China these values are a lot more prominent and play a larger role in communities. These community organizations play a large role in holiday planning, resume building for individuals, and the overall well-being of neighborhoods. They are commuity organizations funded by the Chinese government, whether local or national, in order to promote interdepedence and unity. These community organizations work alongside schools, local news outlets, and local businesses to promote and maintain an environment where everyone can feel welcome.
