Speed-FRIENDING @ W.Linn Library

Come find your people, your tribe, you troop.

REGISTRATION IS A 2-STEP PROCESS
1. Please RSVP here on MeetUp,
2. and most importantly, because the West Linn Library will manage the real, full, "official" registration list, please also register here: https://calendly.com/wlpl-adult-services/speed-friending-at-the-west-linn-public-library-summer?month=2025-05 (choose the date, then time, & input your info.)

WHY
Making new friends isn’t always easy – back in school we mixed and mingled with a variety of potential chums, all in the same stage of life, all the time. If your job puts you in touch with a lot of people perhaps you still do, but that’s not the case for many gig workers, entrepreneurs, empty nesters, retirees, and others.
If:

• now feels like the time to meet new people and forge new friendships, and
• you’d like to take a purposeful approach, but
• you aren’t sure where to start, or how to get beyond polite small talk,

…then let’s give this a try!

WHO
Mid-life locals interested in meeting potential pals. You'll meet new people every time you come out!

The focus is on meeting new peeps, enjoying conversation, and potentially forging new friendships so, please, no youngins and no soliciting.

West Linn, Oregon City, and Lake Oswego are the focus; that said, you do not have to live or work in these communities to participate. All who are willing and able to be kind, respectful, and good-natured are welcome.

WHAT
The idea is something akin to Speed-DATING, sans the romantic intention.

The event consists of short, structured conversations with different people. We’ll set the stage first with a couple easy warm up ice breakers that have proven quite successful at getting folks engaged right off the bat. Within minutes you’ll quickly find common ground, and begin to get to know others around the room.

In addition to those brief opening exercises, there'll be optional conversation starter prompts. We’ll pair 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 new for a few minutes, and so on. We wrap up with a few minutes of group sharing at the end.

WHO ATTENDS?
These events have consistently brought out shy, introverted, and / or "Highly Sensitive" folks -- though that is expressed in many different ways! A lot admit to having to force themselves to stretch their comfort zones and come out, but then being amazed by how much fun they have once they're there!

Those who are, perhaps, more socially outgoing but looking for more meaningful conversation and connections also turn out to these events.

Folks are pleasantly surprised how easy and enjoyable the events are. They rave about feeling welcome, and surprised to find it much less "painful" than they expected.

THEN WHAT?...
During the event, if and as you connect with others over shared interests, you’re encouraged to exchange contact info.** You might continue chatting over coffee or drinks when the event over, or schedule your own get together at another time.

Once you've attended one Speed-FRIENDING event, come back again and / or attend "MEET'CHA THERE" events posted to this group to keep meeting new people.

And, at the same time, follow up with those you exchanged contact info. with to get to know each another 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

RSVP
To guarantee a seat at the event, be sure to RSVP with the library.

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

Note that the library is also promoting these events; 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.

To claim a seat go to
https://calendly.com/wlpl-adult-services/speed-friending-at-the-west-linn-public-library-summer?month=2025-05

I'm so looking forward to this and am excited to meet / see you!
-Jo / Finding Friends group organizer