After moving across the country, I had no idea where to start when it came to finding friends and community. What I did know was this: I wasn't going to find them sitting on my couch inside my apartment.
It took doing the activities I love, talking to people everywhere I went, and being willing to explore new opportunities. Finding friends or navigating your way to a place where you truly belong isn't easy. But you can't get there by repeating the same patterns you're already in.
As an adult, it's been interesting discovering the groups and clubs I want to be part of. Each one has its own culture and nuance, and that's what makes the process fun and exciting. If you've just moved to a new place, or you're ready to find your community, I have a challenge for you:
Your Community-Finding Challenge
- List your interests: Write down your hobbies, the activities that bring you happiness, any humanitarian issues you care about, and/or your career industry (assuming you want to stay in it).
- Research locally: Search those interests in your area using words like clubs, groups, organizations, events, conferences, lectures, or panels. Podcasts in your areas of interest are also great sources for discovering upcoming events.
- Choose one event to attend: Go in with an open mindset. Be willing to talk to everyone, exchange ideas and goals, and stay after for a coffee or happy hour if the opportunity arises.
- Follow up intentionally: Connect with at least one person from the event and schedule an additional meet-up, ideally before you even leave.
- Repeat with consistency: Multiple touch points and consistent effort are what turn one-off interactions into real community.
Community doesn't come to you. It's built through repeated presence, courage, and the willingness to get out of your comfort zone. You are the missing link - show up.
If you start this challenge and want to share, I'd love to hear from you!