"sense of community"
In 1986, psychologists David W. McMillan and David M. Chavis, published a theory which they called ‘Sense of Community.’ In this theory, they outline the building blocks that make up a community: membership, influence, integration and fulfillment of needs, and shared emotional connection.
Membership
Membership has five elements: boundaries, emotional safety, a sense of belonging and identification, personal investment, and a common symbol system.
Influence
Influence in community is both the influence of the group on the individual and the influence of the individual on the group
Fulfillment
of Needs
The member needs feedback from the group that they not only belong but also have a voice and a say in the future of the community.
Emotional Connection
McMillan and Chavis call shared emotional connection the “definitive element for true community.”(McMillan 14)