A tapestry of service: Weaving a community of belonging on the Gold Coast

In the heart of the Gold Coast, a vibrant story of community-building is unfolding, woven together by threads of service, language, and a shared yearning for connection. It began in March 2020, when the Covid pandemic cast a shadow of isolation over the city. In response, a group of Baha’i friends established Serving Our People – a charitable organisation dedicated to providing essential support to those confined to their homes. 

This initiative, born from a desire to offer comfort and practical assistance, soon attracted a wave of volunteers, many of whom were from the local Brazilian community. These new migrants possess a strong cultural inclination towards community service and helping those in need. Despite often holding tertiary qualifications, many faced the challenges of settling into a new country, including language barriers, social isolation, and difficulties finding meaningful employment. 

Recognising the transformative power of the Discourse on Social Action (DSA) program, local facilitators offered it to the volunteers of Serving Our People. The program’s emphasis on exploring purpose and identity resonated deeply, fostering a sense of belonging and inspiring many to engage further in community-building activities.

As the community of volunteers grew, the issue of language proficiency came into sharper focus. To ensure that everyone could fully participate, the DSA group was divided into beginner and intermediate levels, creating a supportive environment of mutual assistance. A separate group was also formed for the women, providing a space to explore both spiritual and practical matters, including navigating visa and employment challenges.     

The desire to enhance language skills and foster connections led to another innovative initiative – the Language Cafe. Using materials from the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment program, these weekly gatherings not only improved participants’ English skills but also provided a space for reflection, prayer, and the forging of deep friendships. 

The gatherings enabled bonds of friendship to deepen, thus creating a sense of purpose, community and belonging. The Language Cafe also became a space where spiritual aspirations could be explored, with devotional gatherings becoming a regular feature. One of the participants shared that she had asked God “why am I here” in the morning, and after praying together that afternoon, she felt that she had received an answer: “Now I know why I am here, I feel confirmed”. 

Another participant reflected on the impact of the process on his personal life, stating: “I think about my life every day, and I think about the other person that’s behind me or next to me, … and I think about how can I [make] their life better.”

With a growing understanding of the community’s needs, attention turned to creating a more formal structure to support its development. A survey was conducted to identify key challenges, with visa issues emerging as a primary concern. In response, a community event was organised, featuring a migration lawyer who provided valuable information and support. This initiative, driven by the Brazilian friends themselves, resonated deeply with the community, highlighting the power of local ownership and collaboration.    

This ongoing journey of community-building has been marked by significant milestones, including some 70 individuals from the Brazilian population engaging in the study of various Baha’i-inspired materials (junior youth texts, DSA and Ruhi books) and thirteen embracing the Baha’i Faith. As the community continues to evolve, there’s a focus on weaving further dimensions of community life into its fabric, ensuring that it becomes a vibrant tapestry of service, learning, and mutual support.