“In this time of distancing, we especially need to feel connected and part of a supportive community.” —Meetup organizer Nancy Markow
There are tons of reasons to host an event on Meetup: building connections, finding the right audience for your topic, and easily communicating with members. But getting a new group up and running can take some creativity and finesse. In this interview with Meetup organizer Nancy Markow, we’ll hear about her successful group, Connecting You With Your Self (CYWYS). Nancy will share her innovative methods for adapting to new social distancing measures while maintaining engagement with her members.
Describe your group, Connecting You with Your Self. What kind of events does this group host?
As the name suggests, Connecting You with Your Self events encourage an exploration of the relationship with one’s self. Events include multi-level yoga, Intentional Living Circles, and special events sharing Enneagram and other wisdom teachings.
Events provide space for those interested in a community that focuses on living with courage, authenticity, and purpose.
What made you decide to start organizing a group on Meetup?
When I learned how Meetup could support me with the logistics of managing a group, I signed right up. I knew it would simplify time-consuming tasks like finding participants, communicating event details, and keeping track of event attendance. With that support, I could focus on offering the best experience possible for members.
What was it like to transition your group online?
Like any major transition, there were pros and cons to moving events to Zoom. The transition was at first complex, requiring first and foremost good internet and devices for each person to connect. It required participants to find comfort with technology and for me, as a facilitator, to make adjustments and changes to meet the new format.
The course I teach on empowered living was enhanced after it moved online. Once it was on Zoom, I planned more interactive exercises with participants to keep them engaged, which has made the course richer and more meaningful. The course always had a workbook and homework, and with the Zoom format, I can depend on the participants to have their materials nearby and be more diligent about keeping up with the work.
With a dependable internet connection, a laptop, and a dedicated group, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish.
How has Connecting You with Your Self helped the group’s participants?
I’m very proud of the results group members have had. In testimonials, students have told me that they now live more positive lives and have more confidence after sessions of the Connecting You with Your Self group. Others shared how much they valued the ability to discuss their passions with other members of the group. Many people have simply had a lot of fun with the group and the exercises.
All of these outcomes are a result of the fact that Meetup allowed people with an interest in these topics to be connected with a group of other people who share their interests, led by someone like me, who has decades of experience with this kind of work. For me, this experience has been beneficial because it’s given me an outlet for my passions and purpose.
What advice do you have for someone who is interested in starting a group on Meetup?
I’d encourage patience, flexibility, humility, and lots of curiosity. Ask questions from your audience and honor your own needs as the facilitator. Set clear expectations for how group members can show respect for your time and ask for accurate RSVPs. Keep in touch with your group members using the tools supplied by Meetup. Keep your group going, give it time to develop.
Sharing Meetup events has been fun and rewarding for me and I hope you will have a similar experience!
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Last modified on January 13, 2021
