Finding Friends in PDX for 20s &30s

What:
The focus at this event is on meeting new people, enjoying conversation, making connections, and potentially forging new friendships. So as to not detract, please don’t bring kids or solicitations.

Who:
These events are for everyone, whether they may be extroverted with few opportunities to socialize, or more prone to homebody tendencies and hoping to find others with whom to bond over hobbies or find themselves anywhere along the spectrum of these personality placements.
There is also a high degree of success and enjoyment found amongst neurodivergent and “Highly Sensitive” folks-- many people admit to having to force themselves to stretch their comfort zones when coming out to these events but are then amazed by how much fun they have once they’re there!

Where:
The location of 20s/30s Speedfriending alternates between the West Linn library location and a TBD location at one of the North Portland library locations. This Speedfriending group will meet at the West Linn library in January, March, May, July, September, and November.
Though these events will be marketed towards those who live in the nearby area, you do not have to live or work in these communities to participate. All who are willing and able to be kind, respectful, patient, and good-natured are welcome.

How:
Speedfriending, while based on the structure of speeddating, is purely platonic, and consists of short, minutes-long conversations with different people.
First, we will warm up with a couple easy ice breakers in order to get folks engaged right off the bat. After that, within minutes, the idea is to find common ground and begin getting to know others around the room.

In addition to the ice breakers, there’ll be optional conversation starter prompts to use as everyone is paired up (regardless of gender, orientation, or status, unlike a dating event) to visit one-on-one for a few minutes, then switch partners and chat with someone every few minutes.

THEN WHAT?...
If and as you connect with others over shared interests during the event, you’re encouraged to then exchange contact info.** Once the event is over, feel free to continue chatting at one of the nearby cafes or schedule your own get-together at another time!

After attending one Speed-FRIENDING event, come back again to continue the fun and keep meeting new people.

And hopefully, in short time, you'll have many friends made through these events as you follow up with those you've exchanged contact info to get to know each other better!

**SAFETY
Registrants are not vetted. Only share what you’re comfortable with in each instance. For example, you might share your first name vs. your full name, or offer to communicate by email vs. phone, etc.

COST
None, though donations are appreciated if one wishes to show support and to help with occasional material costs.

RSVP
To guarantee a seat at the event, be sure to RSVP with the library. The link in order to sign up will be posted soon, and will be updated shortly.

Please also register here on MeetUp to:
--help me gauge interest
--keep you informed of additional upcoming events, including notice of next month's Speedfriending event, as well as other social activities not held at the library

Note that the library is also promoting these events, and thus not all attendees are included in the RSVP list shown on MeetUp.

Those who choose not to register at all may drop by and see if there’s room to join in; however, priority will be given to those who've registered with the library.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me via MeetUp’s messaging system and I will try to reply in a timely manner. Hope to see you soon!
~Morgane