It’s about the stuff that binds community together

It’s a resource for leaders of all kinds of communities to learn from, and help each other, create strong social glue.

Why do this?

For decades communities, groups, clubs, unions and associations of all kinds have been in decline.

And we’ve felt it. Data shows that we’re craving more connection with our neighbors and family. And that we’re frustrated we don’t have enough time to pursue our hobbies, passions or causes with other people.

Things are changing.

Facebook and Twitter have given us a taster of what it’s like to connect with others. We’re finding those that share our passions on networks like Ning. Local groups are cropping up with the aid of sites like Meetup. Some are even using these tools to retool their societies.

We’re rediscovering the power of community. What has been neglected for too many decades, or not gotten to because of relocation, work, family and the sheer busyness of modern life, is making a comeback.

But we don’t necessarily know how to do this well.

Our grandparents’ generation joined clubs and associations as a matter of course. They knew how important they were. They knew how to run them, how to be high-functioning members and how to get things done.

Those skills have been lost. In the 1950s, 5% of American adults were presidents of some club or association or other form of community. Now you’d be hard pushed to find 5% who are simply members of anything.

The purpose of this site is to be a go-to place for insight on how to run successful communities of all kinds.

Whether it’s a wine club, a social movement, a union or a sorority, the idea is that here you’ll find the practical advice and the principles to create thriving communities.

These insights will be sourced in part from my own interviews and research, but also from people like you…people who are trying to run effective communities.

You could have just started an online network. Or you’ve been running a local PTA for years. You could be a world-renowned expert on how communities work, or the leader of a large business.

Whoever you are, and whatever the purpose of your group, this place is designed to help you do it better, and for you to share your knowledge of what works with others.