Building Community
Building community is something that I feel like has been on my mind and heart for so long. In this crazy digital world we live in I feel like it is harder and harder to create in person, local community and it is something that in so many conversations with women feels like is missing. Sure, it is fun to be online and connect with other women and I love the community I am building online but gosh, sometimes there is nothing like connect face to face with people who love near you. There really is something magical about it.
My friend Sheena and I meet to co-work often especially as we jump start Gathered a networking and coaching business we cofounded and we both always leave feeling so much better than when we get there. That in person meet up fills us up and reenergizes us because we are not only working together but chatting, catching up as friends, dreaming together and just talking about life as women and moms.
Last week week when we met up at a local coffee shop we thought…why are we just doing this together, why don’t we open it up to others to join us and so we did just that. We put it out to our friends, on local Facebook groups and Instagram and met for coffee the 2 of us as normal and hoped others would show up! And let me tell you, we had the best time meeting new women in the community and starting to build community.
Part of me while I am typing this right now is like why the heck are you even sharing this and the other part of me knows that I feel called to share this because I know that so many women struggle with wanting community but not knowing how to find it or create it and since I love it, I thought why not share some of my favorite ways to create it!
Are you ready?
Here are my top 5 tips on building and creating community…
Be willing to go first. This sounds intimidating and it usually is but someone has to do it so why not you? Invite the new mom over. Introduce yourself to your neighbor. Don’t sit alone at your kids sports games. Go to a coffee shop and say hi to someone sitting alone. You get it…be willing to put yourself out there because you never know who you are going to meet and what connection you will have.
Start a club/meet up. Whether you start a Bible study at your church, a book club through your library, a craft night, etc find others with similar interests and goals by hosting a club or meet up. There are many apps you can now post on and through places like your church and library you can find others who enjoy the same hobbies as you. Having an activity also makes it a little less awkward.
Get involved. Start volunteering somewhere, doesn’t matter where. A friend of mine recently joked that I know so many people but its only because I was willing to help where I go. Cheer needed volunteers, I will help. School needs help, I’m in. Church is looking for an extra set of hands, I’ll do it. Now, I can’t do it all the time and there are definitely boundaries but…if I am already dropping my kids off and can drop off coffee too, why not. Don’t sit on the sidelines, step up and you will make instant friends.
Follow up. This one may sound like common sense, but is it really? Don’t forget to follow up friends! You met a friend for coffee, text them when you get home and tell them how much you enjoyed it. Felt supported and encouraged during your Bible study, text them and thank them. Those little messages and follow ups make all the difference in keeping that connection going.
Be Yourself. We can all pretty much smell phony from a mile away. Do yourself a solid and them a favor and just be yourself. You are impressive enough as you are I promise. Just be who you are, be a kind human and enjoy your time with others. When we are in a rat race of trying to impress we aren’t ourselves and you feel it and so do those around you. Be you and have fun.
What would you add to this list? How do you form local community and stay connect with those around you in person? I would love to hear in the comments…