Get Together

Highlights

• The secret to getting people together is this: build your community with people, not for them.
• Nearly every challenge of building a community can be met by asking yourself, “How do I achieve this by working with my people, not doing it for them?” In other words, approach community-building as progressive acts of collaboration—doing more with others every step of the way.
• To figure out who to focus on, start with two questions: 1. Who do I want to get together? 2. Why are we coming together?
• It’s scary to talk to strangers. Guide your members into discussions by modeling what good participation looks like. Craft regular prompts and make introductions for newbies.
• When implemented with care, ground rules and moderation can facilitate and reward focused, sincere conversations. Structure also supports healthy debate when conflict arises.