Groups or organizations are an important part of our lives because people are social. We like to get together with those who have similar attitudes and beliefs. The most important people to us are our families, our religious organizations, and our political organizations.

Our families are obviously our most important group. You will never find more physical and emotional support from any other group than is provided by your family. Your family is part of you; you are tied to them by blood. They will always be there for you.

Similarly, religious organizations can provide comfort for us in times of stress. When we are with people who have the same beliefs, we feel better. Our beliefs are based on tradition. These beliefs have been tested over time and they tell us how to respond and act.

Our political organizations change as we change. Some years we may feel conservative; other years we may feel more liberal. Whatever our political philosophy, we can find a political organization that matches our opinions at the moment. Those political organizations help us be a part of a larger community.

Whether the group is tightly knit like a family, spiritual like religious organizations, or secular like a political party, each serves a function in our lives. They all help us feel a sense of belonging.