BUILD COMMUNITY: LEARNING FROM STORYTELLING

The public administrators and staff at public institutions are dedicated to building community at work and in society, and storytelling is a great way to appreciate the mutual trust, obligation and faith that serve as the building blocks of community.

“The Franklin’s Tale” by Geoffrey Chaucer (1340-1400) offers lessons in fellowship and mutual obligation. The tale shows us that cooperation is essential to protect individuals’ safety and civil liberties, and that community requires trust and common interests. In modern terms, Chaucer suggests that the development of community involves nurturing a public-spirited mindset and a private entrepreneurial attitude; perhaps, even public-private partnerships.

From this perspective, effective public service professionals cultivate interpersonal relationships that support diverse groups and civic engagement through programs and services that guarantee public welfare, health and safety. These efforts can help build community. Public leaders and managers in bureaucracies want to improve public services to strengthen communities.