Lesson 5 Checklist: Showing Up: Becoming an Active Community Member

Understanding Participation Barriers

Identified your primary external barriers to consistent participation

Recognized your key internal barriers to deeper engagement

Noted any structural barriers in communities you’re part of

Developed specific strategies to address your top 1-2 barriers

Shared your participation challenges with a trusted person for support

Scheduled community gatherings as non-negotiable appointments

Connected with potential accountability partners in your communities

Determined your minimum viable commitment for each community

Created a system for communicating planned absences

Assessed your current participation patterns for sustainability

Observed what tasks or roles seem needed in your communities

Reflected on your skills, interests, and available resources

Identified specific contributions that energize rather than drain you

Made at least one small, specific offer to contribute

Noticed which contributions received positive feedback

Identified your current phase in each community you’re part of

Practiced patience in the observation and participation phases

Offered assistance with specific tasks when appropriate

Took initiative in areas aligned with your strengths

Collaborated with others on community improvements

Reviewed your current community portfolio

Identified your 1-2 most important communities for this life season

Set clear boundaries about your involvement level in each community

Allocated specific time for different community commitments

Checked for signs of community overcommitment

Developed strategies for periods of reduced motivation

Practiced direct communication about community concerns

Adjusted your involvement to better fit current realities

Found ways to reconnect with what initially drew you to communities

Prepared to build deeper trust and connections in Lesson 6