<h1>How Communities Create Change: Interview with a Community Expert (Part 2)</h1>

Nahyunhong, a community leader running a social economy network in Korea (Photo courtesy of Nahyunhong)

 In the previous article, we explored how “connection” takes shape in the field of social economy and social innovation through an interview with Na Hyunhong, a community expert working in Korea’s social impact sector. We examined how online communities and open chat rooms—relatively lightweight formats—have expanded into nationwide networks.

👀Read Part 1 of the Interview

The Power That Connects Korea’s Social Economy Ecosystem: Community Expert Interview (Part 1)

In this second installment, we take a step further through Na Hyunhong’s interview to examine what connection truly means on the ground. We look more closely at the principles and philosophies that guide community building, as well as what is needed for Korea’s social impact ecosystem to grow sustainably. Going beyond the idea of community as simply a gathering space, this interview asks how communities actually create change for individuals and organizations.

 

Q: What role do you think communities play in the fields of social economy and social innovation?

 

A: For people who are new to the social economy, a community can function as a collective repository of information that has been scattered across many places. Even for those who are not directly working in the field, it can serve as a tool to understand what kinds of social enterprises and social innovation organizations exist in Korea.

 

Most organizations in the social economy and social innovation sectors operate on a small scale, which makes it difficult for them to allocate budgets for marketing or promotion. Communities, however, allow organizations to introduce themselves and share information about their events, projects, campaigns, or initiatives without significant financial cost.

 

At this point, communities have gone a step further and are also playing a role in enabling organizations with similar business models to share information and learn from one another.

 

Nahyunhong (center) holding a meeting with cooperative members(Photo courtesy of Nahyunhong)

Q: What are the most important operating principles or philosophies in the communities you build or manage?

 

A: When many people gather in one space, political issues inevitably arise, and deciding how to respond to them has been a major concern. Since community members often hold very different political views, it was not easy to establish clear standards.

 

After much discussion, we decided to avoid allowing content that represents only one political party or perspective, and instead aim to create space where diverse viewpoints can be shared.

 

We also try to filter out repetitive self-promotion or content that appears to be part of the social economy on the surface but is actually far removed from its values.

 

These decisions are not mine alone. They are made collectively with the SE-ACT team, who co-manage the open chat community.

 

Q: What do you think needs to be strengthened for Korea’s social impact ecosystem to grow sustainably?

 

A: As society continues to change, I believe a gradual generational transition is necessary. In addition, people who are new to the social economy and social innovation fields need to continue entering the social impact sector.

This does not have to be complicated. Creating light, accessible networks among people in the same region or industry—or lowering the barriers to entry for existing networks—can open up more opportunities for diverse individuals to connect and communicate regularly.

 

Q: Based on your experience building impact communities in Korea, what advice would you give to people who want to start their own communities?

 

A: Bringing people together is not easy. At the beginning, it often feels unclear where or how to start. Because communities involve people, they are also closely connected to issues of personal data and privacy, which makes things even more complex.

 

I am not someone with a high social status or public recognition. I am simply a representative of a small cooperative who continues to meet people, introduce a modestly sized community, and invite others to participate. Over time, people gradually began to gather.

 

I make an effort to organize the information I gain through these interactions and share it in ways that allow others to access it when they need it.

 

Most importantly, don’t try to do it alone. Find companions who are willing to walk with you. That is where a community truly begins.

 

 

❓Do you have more questions for Na Hyunhong?😃

If you have additional questions after reading this interview, please send them to [email address].

We will compile the questions and address them in a follow-up interview.