Where are you trying to create a community? At work? At school? In your neighborhood? What do people need in these places that is lacking? Think about a niche that’s missing a community could provide. Maybe people at your work tend to keep to themselves due to long hours. People may need to feel more camaraderie with co-workers. You could create a community based around a particular social event. For example, maybe you could start a board game club to help people interact outside of work.
Think about what you have shared with those around you. People are often brought together by an experience or feeling that is unique to them. Look to people you’re reaching out to and ask yourself, “What have we shared? What do we have in common?” For example, maybe you’re trying to create a community in your dorm in college. All of your fellow students are likely away from home for the first time. You probably all experience feelings like loneliness, fear, and anxiety. Try to encourage people to share these feelings. This can foster a sense of community.
Leaders have to keep the group in check and let people know when they’re out of hand. Honesty, therefore, is important. You want someone who can tactfully address bad behaviors. Commutation skills are also key. Look for a leader who is easy to talk to and conveys information well. Leaders should be confidant. You want someone who is sure of themselves and unafraid to speak up. You should also look for someone who is committed. Choose someone who can be counted on to reliably show up to meetings, day in and day out. Inspires and motivates others. [1] X Research source Builds relationships. [2] X Research source Innovates and displays technical expertise. [3] X Research source
For example, if you’re doing a weekly trivia night at work, try having team colors everyone should wear.
What are the boundaries for your community? How to people become part of the community and how do you keep the community somewhat exclusive? Boundaries are often related to a feeling of emotional safety. For example, if you’re creating a community for college students, you may want to make it only for college students. This way, people will not feel uncomfortable sharing their feelings about issues unique to being a student. You should also have requirements for personal investment. If a community is going to thrive, people need to be dedicated. If you’re, say, starting a book club, have a rule that you can only miss a set number of meetings.
For example, say you’re trying to create a community of friends at work. If you know someone from accounting with the same sense of humor as someone from sales, ask them both to get a drink with you after work.
For example, if it’s someone in your dorm’s birthday, have everyone go out to celebrate that person’s birthday.
Oftentimes, certain activities can encourage meaningful conversations. Say you’re a teacher trying to create a strong community for a creative writing class. Instead of a conventional ice breaking activity, have everyone share something slightly more personal like their first memory.
For example, if you’re hosting a book club, let everyone share their ideas about what book to read next.
For example, if someone who attend your book club is regularly late and rude to other members, it’s okay to have that person stop coming. Say something like, “I’m sorry, but people are not comfortable with you attending because it seems like you can’t prioritize this right now. "
For example, in a classroom setting do not call on the same students over and over again. Encourage the students who are normally shy to raise their hands and share.
For example, if you ask someone how they’re feeling about a new stressor at work, be willing to share your own feeling as well. A new boss or change in company policy can be stressful, so be willing to share your own personal experiences with stress.
For example, if a community member is sick, stop by their place and help them with some chores. If someone is having a rough week, have everyone sign a card for that person.
