Get Together

1. Communities form around shared activities and purpose

The secret to getting people together is this: build your community with people, not for them.

Shared purpose is essential. Communities thrive when members come together over a common interest or goal. This shared purpose provides the foundation for all community activities and interactions. It's not enough to simply gather people; they must be united by a meaningful reason to connect.

Activities bring people together. Regular shared activities are the lifeblood of communities. These can range from in-person meetups to online collaborations, but they should always align with the community's purpose. Examples include:

• Running clubs meeting for weekly jogs
• Online forums discussing shared interests
• Volunteer groups working towards a common cause

Build collaboratively. Instead of creating a community for people, involve them in the process from the beginning. This collaborative approach ensures that the community truly reflects its members' needs and desires.

2. Start with a small group of passionate allies

Genuine passion attracts passionate people.

Find your kindling. Begin by identifying a core group of early supporters who share your enthusiasm for the community's purpose. These initial members will set the tone and direction for the future.

Quality over quantity. Focus on attracting genuinely interested individuals rather than trying to grow numbers rapidly. A small, dedicated group is more valuable than a large, disengaged one.

Encourage organic growth. As your core group becomes more established, they will naturally attract like-minded individuals. This organic growth ensures that new members align with the community's values and purpose.

3. Create spaces for meaningful conversations

Personal relationships bond people in communities.

Provide platforms for interaction. Establish spaces where members can freely connect and converse. This could be:

• Online forums or social media groups
• Regular in-person meetups
• Collaborative projects or events

Facilitate discussions. Especially in the early stages, take an active role in prompting conversations and making introductions. This helps break the ice and encourages participation from all members.

Establish community guidelines. Create a code of conduct to ensure that conversations remain respectful and aligned with the community's purpose. This structure helps foster a safe and welcoming environment for all members.

4. Cultivate a unique community identity

Authentic, shared ownership of the group's identity only fuels a community's fire.

Develop shared symbols. Create badges, logos, or other visual identifiers that members can use to express their affiliation with the community. These symbols help foster a sense of belonging and unity.

Establish rituals. Develop unique practices or traditions that are specific to your community. These could be:

• Special greetings or handshakes
• Regular celebratory events
• Shared goals or challenges

Create a common language. Encourage the development of community-specific terms or phrases. This shared vocabulary strengthens bonds between members and creates a sense of insider knowledge.

5. Empower members to become leaders

Amateurs try to manage a community, but great leaders create more leaders.

Identify potential leaders. Look for highly engaged members who consistently contribute and show initiative. These "hand-raisers" are prime candidates for leadership roles.

Create leadership opportunities. Develop various roles and responsibilities within the community that allow members to take on greater ownership. This could include:

• Event organizers
• Content creators
• Mentors for new members

Provide training and support. Offer guidance and resources to help new leaders succeed in their roles. This ensures that they feel confident and prepared to take on additional responsibilities.

6. Provide support systems for community leaders

Your goal is to provide the support that leaders need, when they need it.

Map the leader journey. Outline the key steps and responsibilities of community leaders to identify areas where support is needed.

Develop resources. Create tools, templates, and guides that help leaders perform their roles more effectively. This could include:

• Event planning checklists
• Communication templates
• Best practices documentation

Offer ongoing guidance. Establish regular check-ins or mentorship programs to provide continuous support and feedback to community leaders.

7. Celebrate achievements and milestones together

Celebrations are festive moments that revitalize a group.

Define clear intentions. Ensure that celebrations have a purpose beyond simply gathering people. This could be:

• Recognizing community accomplishments
• Reinforcing shared values and goals
• Energizing members for future initiatives

Choose appropriate formats. Select celebration styles that align with your community's identity and purpose. This could range from formal galas to casual potlucks or online events.

Incorporate community elements. Infuse celebrations with unique aspects of your community's identity, such as shared symbols, rituals, or language.

8. Pay attention to who keeps showing up

If you want to gain momentum, you'll have to keep at it week after week.

Track engagement. Monitor which members consistently participate in community activities and conversations. This data helps identify your most committed members.

Gather feedback. Regularly seek input from active members about what's working well and what could be improved. This information is crucial for the community's growth and evolution.

Recognize and reward participation. Acknowledge and appreciate members who consistently contribute to the community. This could involve:

• Public recognition or awards
• Special privileges or access
• Opportunities for greater involvement or leadership

9. Adapt and evolve as the community grows

Because change is inevitable, don't try to fight it. Instead, build a community that can respond to it.

Stay flexible. Be prepared to adjust your community's structure, activities, or focus as it grows and evolves. What works for a small group may not be effective for a larger one.

Empower members to lead change. Encourage long-time members to take ownership of the community's direction. Their deep understanding of the community's values and history can help guide its evolution.

Regularly reassess goals. Periodically review and update your community's purpose and objectives to ensure they remain relevant and meaningful to members.

Last updated: August 11, 2024