Thanks for your comment, Jose. 🫶 Curious if you've watched Join or Die on Netflix? It's sobering. Fair warning…it's a little "dry" and since I only get to watch shows at the very end of the day, I had to break it up into a few nights. BUT it's a clarion call for connection, community, and belonging and well worth watching.
PS > the clear objectives is such a key part of what makes a gathering really work. H/T to Priya Parker.
Laura, I love how you highlight that community isn’t about nonstop posting or being the center of attention, but about creating space for genuine connections between people. The story about the potluck and Feeding Avery Families shows how meaningful and powerful simple, shared moments can be. Also, the point about existing communities just needing support and strategy instead of starting from zero is spot on. Thanks for sharing these important reminders!
Thank you, Wallace! (Love your Substack profile byline, btw!) 💪
We've been so conditioned to think that community online has to be an always-on FB group. We've upped our game on the tech, and I love how we're starting to see more nuance, tiers, and variety in the structures of what people are building. It's high time! Community happens so naturally when we're out and about IRL, and we can look to that for clues.
Absolutely loved this! Thanks for sharing it served as a great reminder. It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers that show up at an event or get discouraged around decreased engagement, but community it so much more than that!
I love this - community happens in showing up. Often it grows in little episodes, and likewise works for people who gather consistently, but connection does not happen on a schedule. It sprouts from the soil in little ways. It amazes me in our church community when it happens - a coffee, a retreat, a book group, serving a meal, a visit - it can be anything. I'm glad you shared this.
Thank you so much, Hans! "Connection doesn't happen on a schedule." I love that magical little line in what you shared.
PS > this draft sat for waaaaay too long in my folder wondering if it had enough "value" for my readers. Your kind words are so validating. Thank you! ☺️
Neela inspired me to just hit "send" on a few of those lingering drafts!
PS > The GAPS founders would love see a chapter started in every county of the US. If you're interested in learning more, leave a comment and I can put you in touch with them. Their website is under construction, but I'll update the post with it once it's ready for prime time!
I appreciate how you clarify what community is - in all its many forms! I think many of us are creating community experiences without even realizing it.
Thanks for sharing.
Community building is becoming more and more important.
We need to get together and share without fear, with a sense of ownership, and clear objectives.
Thanks for your comment, Jose. 🫶 Curious if you've watched Join or Die on Netflix? It's sobering. Fair warning…it's a little "dry" and since I only get to watch shows at the very end of the day, I had to break it up into a few nights. BUT it's a clarion call for connection, community, and belonging and well worth watching.
PS > the clear objectives is such a key part of what makes a gathering really work. H/T to Priya Parker.
I’ll check it and come back 😀
I wish I'd taken notes! Maybe I need to watch again in daylight with my apple notes open. 😉 It's fantastic.
Laura, I love how you highlight that community isn’t about nonstop posting or being the center of attention, but about creating space for genuine connections between people. The story about the potluck and Feeding Avery Families shows how meaningful and powerful simple, shared moments can be. Also, the point about existing communities just needing support and strategy instead of starting from zero is spot on. Thanks for sharing these important reminders!
Thank you, Wallace! (Love your Substack profile byline, btw!) 💪
We've been so conditioned to think that community online has to be an always-on FB group. We've upped our game on the tech, and I love how we're starting to see more nuance, tiers, and variety in the structures of what people are building. It's high time! Community happens so naturally when we're out and about IRL, and we can look to that for clues.
Absolutely!!!! It feels very refreshing 😌
This made me realize how often we confuse audience with ecosystem. One is built around you. The other is built through you. Huge difference, indeed!
PS, that pasta salad looks amazing
Thank you for this Laura :)
Aw, appreciate your kind words!
I love how you succinctly parsed down the audience/ecosystem difference there. You have such a way with words.
Psst…grateful for your gentle push to get this post out of the eternal drafts folder! ;-)
Thank you for a wonderful article and your too kind words
I love all the work you're doing in the world! It's an honor to help champion it.
Absolutely loved this! Thanks for sharing it served as a great reminder. It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers that show up at an event or get discouraged around decreased engagement, but community it so much more than that!
Thank you, Tyra! And sometimes community is as simple as showing up not quite knowing what to expect.
When you bring people together, things start to take a life of their own. 🌸 I'm so excited for all you're building in Houston!
I love this - community happens in showing up. Often it grows in little episodes, and likewise works for people who gather consistently, but connection does not happen on a schedule. It sprouts from the soil in little ways. It amazes me in our church community when it happens - a coffee, a retreat, a book group, serving a meal, a visit - it can be anything. I'm glad you shared this.
Thank you so much, Hans! "Connection doesn't happen on a schedule." I love that magical little line in what you shared.
PS > this draft sat for waaaaay too long in my folder wondering if it had enough "value" for my readers. Your kind words are so validating. Thank you! ☺️
Neela inspired me to just hit "send" on a few of those lingering drafts!
I'm glad you did!
PS > The GAPS founders would love see a chapter started in every county of the US. If you're interested in learning more, leave a comment and I can put you in touch with them. Their website is under construction, but I'll update the post with it once it's ready for prime time!
I appreciate how you clarify what community is - in all its many forms! I think many of us are creating community experiences without even realizing it.