Bold, brave, and thriving, these women uplift each other to be their best selves. Meetup organizer Chrysta Bairre shares how she leads a community focused on introverts in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Tell us about your group. What are your events like and how do they support introverts?
My group, She Goes High, is less focused on the content of each event, and is more interested in the community and connection we create at the events. One of the ways we create a different experience of community and connection is by being introvert-focused. So many activities, whether professional, social or otherwise, are designed around the preferences of extroverts. For example, walking into a new space and meeting a bunch of people all at once can be a challenge for an introvert. We learn how to adapt or fit in when we can, but I really wanted to flip that and create a space that was designed for introverts.
Our events aren’t focused on transactional relationships. People who attend aren’t just looking for their next clients or jobs. It’s all about getting to know each other on a deeper level. One thing we say a lot at She Goes High is that we want to know who you are, not just what you do. It’s this space where women are welcome to come in as they are—you don’t have to wear the right clothes or say the right things to be welcomed, accepted, and celebrated. During a typical event, we get to know each other through introductions. Instead of elevator pitches, we get to know each other by sharing something we’ve done in the last week that makes us proud. Then we enjoy an educational presentation, interview, or roundtable discussion on a women’s leadership topic. We love to feature female community leaders, and our presenters don’t need to be professional speakers because we know every woman is making a difference in her own unique way.
Once the group began to take off I saw that I wasn’t the only one that needed this kind of group. It became very clear to me that this is my purpose. Bringing women together in an encouraging, welcoming environment is what I’m meant to do.
How have you seen the impact of your group?
I started She Goes High in 2017 because it was the type of community that I was looking for for many years: a group where I don’t have to change myself to fit in or get someone else’s approval. Once the group began to take off I saw that I wasn’t the only one that needed this kind of group. It became very clear to me that this is my purpose. Bringing women together in an encouraging, welcoming environment is what I’m meant to do. We practice speaking up for ourselves, to shine fully, to be brave and beautiful as we make a difference in the world. This group gives introverts a place to go to be seen, to celebrate wins, to practice new skills, and learn new things, but not in a way that feels performative. Embracing our differences, including our own introversion, means showing up and celebrating women as we are, not performing or comparing. Helping other women become their true selves is the most rewarding activity I can imagine.
How have you adapted to online events during the pandemic?
I love in-person events and prefer them most of the time, but going virtual has allowed the community to be accessible to more women. This is especially important given the she-cession, the phenomenon where women are leaving the workforce at disproportionate rates during the pandemic. Shifting to online events has been great because it allows us to continue to be present for women who might not have been able to attend otherwise: women who are being impacted by this pandemic and are looking for a place to be able to show up, find support, and practice leadership.
How do you keep your group engaged?
Since our group’s focus is to support and encourage women, it’s crucial that we show up for our members consistently. One way we encourage this is by scheduling our events out pretty far in advance. This way, when someone shows up and they like what we’re about, they can plan ahead to attend our future events and add them to their calendar.
There’s also a level of engagement that involves how the leadership team shows up. We consistently show up for ourselves, such as taking care of ourselves, living authentically, and being bold in work and life. This gives energy and permission for other introverted women to show up for themselves and do the same. We’re not just focused on creating amazing programming, though we do that, too. Our leaders model being brave and showing that we’re comfortable taking up our space in the world. This environment creates another level of engagement that keeps women coming back.
Do you have any tips for organizers?
If you’re a Meetup organizer, I’d say consistency is huge. Reliable, consistent events show that the group is still going to be there for your audience in the future. Create events that are about the experience—what are the feelings you want your members to have when they show up, when they’re at the event, and when they leave? Plan every part of your group and community around that experience. If you’re really clear on what experience you’re creating in your group, it creates engagement and consistency and draws the right members to your group, rather than having to do a lot of extra work to bring people in.
I’m really grateful to have started on the Meetup platform. When many people move to a new location or find a new hobby, and they wonder how they can get involved and meet new people, a lot of people come to Meetup, and that’s one of the huge benefits and values for organizers. When your group is there, active, consistent, and focused on creating an experience, Meetup helps people find you so easily.
Do you have a great Meetup story to share? Let us know.
Last modified on June 23, 2021
