To celebrate Black History month, we met with group organizers from Meetup’s organizer-led Communities for Black Justice and Equity (CBJE). CBJE is a network of groups dedicated to elevating Black voices and experiences while simultaneously creating safe spaces for people of color to connect with each other.
Watch the recordings to hear from Calvin Brown (Black Men Coding Meetup Group) and Amy Afua (W.O.K.E. (Women of Kolour Empowered) Meetup Group) to learn more about their experiences as community organizers and how they have kept their members engaged.
Main Takeaways:
- Amy: When W.O.K.E. started, the first meeting was 16 people. And it started to grow. I like it when someone is a Meetup member and brings a friend, seeing other people bring in people that they care about to the group.
- Calvin: It’s not my personal language to talk to groups of people, particularly strangers, about a topic. It’s a challenge, but I enjoy it and I look forward to it now.
- Amy: Meetup is a big platform. If you have a great idea that’s similar to another group, I would still say just do it. Don’t let that hold you back. Be committed, take the time. Get a co-organizer. Be consistent.
- Calvin: Definitely consider the impact that it’s going to have on your life. People are depending on you. Take it seriously. Be committed to the cause.
Top Q&A Questions/Resources:
- How many hours/week do you spend creating content for your group?
- Calvin: Mine is four. Few hours of research and going through it and the training to practice.
- Amy: I haven’t really thought about it in hours, but as soon as we are finished with the group, I’m already thinking about the next topic. Once I do that, I research. Maybe 6-10 hours a month
- What do you want for your group’s future?
- Calvin: I want to see more success stories, I want people to be more vocal because that’s what other people are drawn to. I would really like to see those success stories be the draw for the future and for those who may replace us.
It’s really not about us. It’s really more important to me that this space exists regardless. - Amy: It really started with me witnessing my mother and her friends and how they would meet after church. Meetup for me is to role model healthy relationships, de-stigmatize mental health and mental health access.
I want women to have female friends. I want women to trust women.
At first, I was like “I want a Meetup group in every state.” Maybe one day, but most of it is like, I want you to be able to take what you learn in our group and practice it everyday to improve your quality of life. - Resources:
- Calvin: I want to see more success stories, I want people to be more vocal because that’s what other people are drawn to. I would really like to see those success stories be the draw for the future and for those who may replace us.
Last modified on March 31, 2021
