Community shapes our identity, quenches our thirst for belonging, and bolsters our physical, mental, emotional, and economic health. But in the chaos of modern life, community ties have become unraveled, leaving many feeling afraid or alone in the crowd, grasping at shallow substitutes for true community.

In this thoughtful and moving book, Paul Born describes the four pillars of deep community: sharing our stories, taking the time to enjoy one another, taking care of one another, andworking together for a better world. To show the role each of these plays, he shares his own stories - as a child of refugees and as a longtime community activist.

It's up to us to create community. Born shows that the opportunity is right in front of us if we have the courage and conviction to pursue it. &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp&nbsp

Paul Born's profile page

Paul Born is the cofounder and President of Tamarack - An Institute for Community Engagement, a global leader on issues of place, collective impact, and community innovation. The author of four books, including the Canadian bestseller Community Conversations, Born is internationally recognized for his community-building activities that have won awards from the United Nations and as a senior fellow of Ashoka, the world's largest network of social innovators.

"For many years now Paul Born has been among the most trusted tender and practical voices about how to create community. This beautiful book embodies each of those qualities and is a work to be used well and treasured for years to come.' - Margaret J. Wheatley author of seven books including Leadership and the New Science and most recently So Far from Home "I listen to Paul Born when I want to know how people get together for the common good. He is a master practitioner and storyteller. If you want to know what lies beyond the radical individualism and collective incompetence that plagues our modern lives read this book.' - John McKnight Codirector Asset-Based Community Development Institute and coauthor of The Abundant Community "Paul Born is a bright light. His commitment to community and celebration of life are infectious. If world leaders were to really embrace the principles of this book we might be able to divert the social chaosand natural disasters of climate change. Put a copy of this book into the hands of an elected official or government leader near you!' - Nicole Rycroft founder and Executive Director Canopy "There is no one writing today who understands more about community: what we miss when we don't have it why we long for it how to build it and the rewards that it brings. Paul Born speaks to all of us in this book at once touching our hearts and giving us the encouragement and the tools we need to change how we live in relation to those around us.' - Dr. Frances Westley cofounder of SiG (Social Innovation Generation) University of Waterloo and coauthor of Getting to Maybe: How the World is Changed "Deepening community is essential to building healthy societies. Paul Born understands this principle and knows how to put it into practice. His book is an essential resource for everyone who wants to contribute to bringing forth better futures.' - AdamKahane Partner Reos Partners and author of Solving Tough Problems Power and Love and Transformative Scenario Planning "Paul Born doesn't just study community; he lives it. In Deepening Community he shares practical advice on how to reweave the social fabric that we have neglected for too long. This book exudes the joy he e periences in community and his stories provide hope that in this time of social economic and environmental crises more of us will find ways to care deeply for one another and the place we share.' - Jim Diers faculty member Asset-Based Community Development Institute and author of Neighbor Power "Community has the power to change everything. No amount of innovation individual brilliance or money can transform our broken society as effectively and sustainably as building community. Deepening Community provides useful and inspiring guidance for leaders everywhere who seek to create better outcomes in their work.' - John Kania ManagingDirector FSG; founder of the Collective Impact Movement; and coauthor of Do More Than Give "Paul Born's call to deepen community in the face of fear and superficiality is steeped in the wisdom and insights of a remarkable life dedicated to helping people out of poverty. In a time of growing income disparity and social isolation this timely book reminds us that there is a better way and that the joy to be found in taking it is there for everyone.' - Stephen Huddart President and CEO J. W. McConnell Family Foundation "Paul Born has worked in community all his life with a watchful eye and an open heart and he provides insights from what he has learned in Deepening Community - a must-read for anyone interested in strong communities.' - Alan Broadbent Chairman and CEO Avana Capital Corporation; founder and Chairman Maytree; and author of Urban Nation "Deepening Community exudes joy. The joy of each other's company. The joy ofbelonging. The joy of taking care of being cared for. Paul's book is also a joy to read. That is to be e pected given Paul's life and work. He reminds us in print and in practice that joy is enduring abundant and beautiful.' - Al Etmanski social innovator blogger and author of A Good Life "No one has helped me understand and value the essence of community like Paul Born. Paul has an amazing storytelling ability that excites challenges and demystifies and helps us all to appreciate the simplicity of moving community from ideal to living reality. This book is a community builder's gem.' - Peter Kenyon Director of Bank of I.D.E.A.S. (Australia) "We need deep community to tackle issues such as environmental resiliency a fair economy and a safe and caring society. Paul confirms that we need enduring and trustful relationships for an even more fundamental reason: to be fully human. Deepening Community is an engaging and practical contribution to what may be the most important work of our times.' - Mark Cabaj social innovator and co-founder of Vibrant Communities Canada