I want to piggyback on what Christina said about her library experience. I work in public libraries and my experience starting new programs is very similar to hers. And I have the same questions as you do about meeting people in person and starting groups.
I agree with Christina about having a consistent time and location for the group me…
I want to piggyback on what Christina said about her library experience. I work in public libraries and my experience starting new programs is very similar to hers. And I have the same questions as you do about meeting people in person and starting groups.
I agree with Christina about having a consistent time and location for the group meeting, and needing lots of time (several months in some cases) for the group to take off. I've had some success advertising with flyers in local coffee shops (that I know are homes to communities that may be interested in programs I'm offering at my library), posting the event on MeetUp, posting on online community calendars, and of course posting flyers in the library and on the library's online calendar. They key is it spread the word in multiple places. I'm sure there are more spaces to share the event.
I've found groups this way - flyers in local coffee shops, friends reposting them on Instagram stories, and online community calendars - but it can be hard to overcome the shyness of meeting new people in person as opposed to discussing things online, where the barrier to entry feels more accessible (for me at least).
I want to piggyback on what Christina said about her library experience. I work in public libraries and my experience starting new programs is very similar to hers. And I have the same questions as you do about meeting people in person and starting groups.
I agree with Christina about having a consistent time and location for the group meeting, and needing lots of time (several months in some cases) for the group to take off. I've had some success advertising with flyers in local coffee shops (that I know are homes to communities that may be interested in programs I'm offering at my library), posting the event on MeetUp, posting on online community calendars, and of course posting flyers in the library and on the library's online calendar. They key is it spread the word in multiple places. I'm sure there are more spaces to share the event.
I've found groups this way - flyers in local coffee shops, friends reposting them on Instagram stories, and online community calendars - but it can be hard to overcome the shyness of meeting new people in person as opposed to discussing things online, where the barrier to entry feels more accessible (for me at least).