Community Gone Viral?

I was handed this promotional card today, advertising a live event this summer to explore the topic of viral community via a one-day blitzkrieg in the City by the Bay. Confused? I am.

First of all, the feel of this card is high gloss techno-glitz featuring an empty stage illuminated by multicolored stage lights.  Does that say "community" to you? I don't think so. (How in the world do you think it's a clever idea to promote community through sterile images sans people? Hello?)

Second of all, what does it mean that this is an "unconference" where you're promised:
o  A participatory crash course on creating and /or improving your community.
o  Plans for creating your community for as little as $5000.
o  Knowledge of how to attain public and private partnerships with donors, collaborators, and members.
o  How to find the right location for your community.
o  Information about the policies that will make your community thrive.

If it's an unconference then the program is driven by participants. So how can you know ahead what the program will be? Hmm, I think perhaps this is a zen koan conference.

Third of all, I think starting and growing successful communities is an art form, not a speed dating event. How in the heck can you claim to give people the skills they'll need a la vaccination shots and take their money with a straight face? I'm shaking my head.

Community is mainly a social challenge, not a let's-line-up-the-resources-and-make-then-dance-like-Rockettes challenge. Neither is community a poetry slam, where you score big on originality, chutzpah, and style points; it's more of an orchestral performance, where the payoff comes from practice, teamwork, and attention to detail.

To be fair, I have resonance with the notion that interest in community is growing fast, but that doesn't mean you can treat it like fast food. Successful communities are built on successful relationships, and successful relationships are not something you pick up at the store, like African violets, take home, put in the window sill, and just add water.

Maybe it's flattering that community is popular to the point that it's drawing the attention of urban hypesters, but something strikes me as seriously off about this event. I know today is Easter, but this does not seem to me to be the second coming of community.

But maybe I'm wrong. Maybe they'll pack 'em in July 5 and everyone will go home happier and wiser about how to manifest more community in their life. Maybe the unconference will unblock the secrets of community. I'll be keeping an eye on this viral phenomenon to see how far it spreads.