Lesson 7 Checklist: Taking Initiative: Creating Your Own Community
Identifying Community Opportunities
Recognized genuine community gaps in your context
Validated your community concept through informal conversations
Tested interest through small gatherings or social media polling
Defined your community’s core purpose and vision
Articulated the specific value proposition for potential members
Designing Community Structures
Made key decisions about membership boundaries and size intentions
Determined appropriate meeting cadence and location strategy
Clarified your leadership approach and communication channels
Established a financial model (free, dues-based, or activity fees)
Balanced different types of activities based on community purpose
Creating Community Guidelines
Established clear expectations for member interaction
Addressed potential tension points proactively
Ensured guidelines reflect your core community values
Created guidelines that are adaptable as the community evolves
Designed for inclusion across multiple dimensions
Planning First Gatherings
Developed a clear structure for your initial community event
Prepared thoughtful introductions and vision-sharing components
Created participation opportunities for attendees
Established next steps and follow-up mechanisms
Addressed practical logistics (venue, timing, materials, etc.)
Facilitating Effectively
Practiced creating safety and welcoming atmosphere
Prepared to manage energy and balance voices
Developed strategies for maintaining focus on purpose
Planned how to model appropriate vulnerability
Created a thoughtful closing for your gathering
Growing Membership Organically
Identified your primary growth channels
Developed a strategy emphasizing value demonstration
Created clear onboarding processes for newcomers
Assigned welcome roles for integrating new members
Balanced honoring founding members while welcoming new perspectives
Navigating Early-Stage Challenges
Developed strategies for maintaining momentum
Created plans to address inconsistent attendance
Established systems to prevent founder dependency
Regularly revisited and refined your community’s purpose
Found co-creators to share the community building journey
Prepared to focus on community sustainability in Lesson 8