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Jose Antonio Morales's avatar

Thank you for bringing this topic.

I’d love to share my experience on community building in just a few lines and with the intention of an open conversation.

1. Community is about ownership, that means it is about what the members can give.

2. Community is about simple and clear rules. They facilitate ownership.

3. Community building is about them, more than about us.

A community is a space for its members to feel safe, included, and seen.

From the perspective of the community builder - or manager, it is never about the structure, content, or activities. It is always about attitude, honesty, sincerity, and a relentless but kind enforcement of the principles upheld by the members.

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Laura Zug's avatar

It is not possible for me to like your comments more! 100% this. ALL of this!!! 👏

This is precisely the vision of community-building I champion, and I'm so grateful for the clear and concise way you've articulated it here. Thank you!

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Jose Antonio Morales's avatar

I hope it is possible to generate similar conditions here in Substack.

I am a community builder for 2 Coworking spaces, and there it is almost natural and effortless for me.

Here, online, it is so different.

Any experience you can share about digital communities?

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Laura Zug's avatar

I do believe it's possible, particularly when you're so clear about why community matters — and why you're gathering people. My #1 suggestion is to lean into your instincts; they seem spot on!

I write almost exclusively about nurturing belonging in the digital realm, so many of my past articles might interest you. Here's a good starting point: https://laurazug.substack.com/p/are-online-communities-waning

Here's another one I think you'll enjoy: https://laurazug.substack.com/p/what-if-community-is-the-cure

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Jose Antonio Morales's avatar

Thank you for sharing Laura!

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Brandon Jenkins, ACC's avatar

The “wanting” is the most essential part of any consequential goal or change. Without the “want” or “connection to the purpose “ it’s unlikely we will go through the discomfort long enough to make it to the other side.

The beliefs and assumptions you carry will then influence your behaviors which influence your desired outcome.

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Sculpting A Life's avatar

Yes. Here I am at a ‘certain’ age, wondering if my best art is behind me. But I still need to do it but where do I put it all?

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