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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n6 reasons we need community during a crisis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n1. It helps combat feelings of isolation and loneliness\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Even before the pandemic forced us apart physically, Americans were struggling with feelings of isolation and loneliness. A 2020 Trends report from Ford showed that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- 62% of Gen Z, 56% of Millennials, 43% of Gen X, and 29% of Baby boomers<\/a> agreed with the statement \u201cI feel lonely on a regular basis (at least once a week).\u201d <\/li>
- Over 50% of Gen Z and Millennials<\/a> also agreed with the statement, \u201cTrying to make new friends feels harder than dating.\u201d <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
While some social media sites have been shown to increase feelings of loneliness<\/a>, Meetup has been proven to do the exact opposite and instead increases feelings of connectedness. A study conducted by ImpactED at the University of Pennsylvania found that Meetup members felt more connected to others and had an increased number of friendships. It also showed that Meetup organizers overwhelmingly reported an increased ability to impact the lives of others and that Meetup has both made their lives better and increased their self-confidence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read more about how Meetup helps people working from home defeat isolation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. It encourages communities to work together<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ve probably heard the oft-quoted line from Mr. Rogers to \u201clook for the helpers.\u201d Meetup is one of the best places to not only find but help organize those helpers. During times of crisis, people are looking for ways to help each other, and Meetup groups are perfect places for volunteers to get involved and support their communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read more about encouraging your community to get involved in your events<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. It helps small businesses succeed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The pandemic has been tough for small, local businesses as well as those who have found themselves suddenly out of work. Meetup is a critical resource for promoting your business and networking to find new roles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Organizers like Luc Bouchard (Career Coach and organiz<\/a>e<\/a>r of the Bare Bones Communications Network<\/a>) and Travis Lee (organizer of DMV Homeowners Community<\/a>) shared their journeys of starting a growing their business networks during these unprecedented times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Student leaders<\/a> just starting their careers are also using Meetup to get jobs through our College Campus Initiative<\/a> by making meaningful connections in their industries of choice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have or are thinking of starting a business, Meetup communities are part of the formula for success<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. It\u2019s essential for marginalized groups<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Meetup is a safe, welcoming place for marginalized communities to find each other and come together. Since its launch in June, 5,000 members have joined Communities for Black Justice and Equity<\/a>, an organizer-led Meetup Pro network that provides free subscriptions to groups that share a mission of elevating Black voices and experiences, helping to end racial injustice, and continuing conversations about racism. Learn more or share this network with your community<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Andy Salda\u00f1a, co-founder of QueerTech, wrote about how Meetup has helped him empower thousands of LGBTQ+ people in tech by giving him a platform to foster learning, mentorship, and growth. He put together a list of six steps to help organizers grow their community organically<\/a> and explained how Meetup helped his group increase access and representation for queer individuals in tech. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. It provides us with support during times of loss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
One of the toughest parts of this pandemic is the inability to come together to grieve. Jill, organizer of the Greater Long Island Divorce & Separation Support Group, shared how online events have helped her members cope with loss<\/a>. She remarked that \u201cSupport groups, like ours, offer an immediate circle of people who really understand what you\u2019re going through\u201d and that \u201csometimes people need to be among friends and laugh and have some levity. People are really struggling with being quarantined as it magnifies their feelings of isolation and loneliness.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She also noted that by holding online events, more people are able to join each week, providing greater accessibility for those in need. If you are experiencing loss of any kind, becoming an organizer<\/a> or seeking a support group<\/a> on Meetup can help connect you with others experiencing similar feelings and provide much-needed solace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. It helps establish a routine\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Attending events and interacting with different groups of people on a regular basis can help you set a routine and keep the days from blending together. Implementing structure into your day and week will help maintain your health, productivity, and add back some social and emotional well-being into your routine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can make Mondays for a cooking club, Tuesdays for language learning, Wednesdays for a book club, Thursdays for your career networking group, and Fridays for movie night, all without leaving the safety of your home. If you\u2019re looking for something active, make the weekends time for hiking or other safe outdoor activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Find an event<\/a> you\u2019re interested in attending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.meetup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/header-image-6.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow to start a community during a crisis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Starting a group on Meetup is simple and we\u2019ll guide you through the process. Here\u2019s everything you\u2019ll need to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Starting a group<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- The ultimate guide to starting a group on Meetup<\/a><\/li>
- 6 steps to growing a community organically<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Hosting online<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- How to host an online event on Meetup<\/a> <\/li>
- How to use Zoom to host online events<\/a><\/li>
- 5 online event tools for better engagement<\/a><\/li>
- 5 handy online event templates<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Hosting outdoors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- How to use Zoom to host online events<\/a><\/li>
- 6 steps to growing a community organically<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Over 50% of Gen Z and Millennials<\/a> also agreed with the statement, \u201cTrying to make new friends feels harder than dating.\u201d <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n