The Good that Comes of Community Hooping

Over on Hoop City this week, Leah Shoemaker asked for some ways that hooping is beneficial to a community. She's writing a grant.

Though I've considered how hooping is good for individuals, I'd not really thought about the ways it can strengthen a community. So I came up with a list that I shared on Hoop City. Then I thought some more, and the list morphed into something longer and and a little deeper.

1. Hooping allows a diverse group of people to participate:
• suits all ages. Children, parents and grandparents can hoop and play together.
• sees no biases in gender, race, religion, or politics.
• practiced by people of different physical, emotional, and mental abilities.
• needs no common language, or any language at all.
• crosses cultural boundaries. Hula hoops are loved around the world.
2. Hooping grows with the hoopers:
• provides continuation - there's no end point, graduation or conclusion.
• enjoyed equally as a casual pastime, an alternative lifestyle, or a serious profession.
• allows expression from fitness to lyrical dance to clowning.
• can be done at any level of intensity from gentle rehabilitation to challenging workout.
• expands easily to fit new joiners.
3. Hooping increases individuals' happiness:
• opens and increases personal boundaries.
• buoys spirits with play and laughter.
• increases physical activity and health.
• generates self-confidence through accomplishment and skill-building.
4. Hooping increases community harmony:
• adds to the number of happy, cooperative people.
• encourages all members to participate.
• creates face-to-face connections with neighbors.
• realises shared goals, such as performances.
5. Hooping builds ties with people outside the community:
• connects hoopers worldwide through online and offline gatherings.
• welcomes participants from other arts, education, and sports interest groups.

I am sure there are lots of other benefits a community might see. What can you think of that might apply to your community?