5 helpful insights on building a community around a social issue 🤝

Few people truly believe they can change the world — you’re one of them!

If you're reading this, it’s because you’re passionate about a cause and ready to take that first step toward making a real difference. But where do you begin?

Here are five insights from a seasoned community manager to help you unite others around the issue you care deeply about.

Start by writing a short statement that defines your social issue and explains who you want to bring together. Keep it focused and specific.

For example, I am working to connect patients with similar diagnoses to reduce feelings of isolation.

Then I think of a few catchy slogans that reflect your cause and be memorable.

For the community of patients, the slogan could be:

• "Healing Power of Human Connection"

• "Together Through Tough Times"

• "Connection is the Best Medicine"

Communities can be virtual (online forums for specific interests, social media groups etc.) or in-person (volunteer organizations, charity meet-ups etc).

If you plan for members to meet face-to-face, well-planned activities are key to building real connections. Try organizing workshops, group discussions, or volunteer days where everyone can participate and work together — togetherness is essential.

Set up a welcoming space where everyone feels included by starting with icebreakers, sharing meals, or having casual conversations. Encourage members to share ideas and take on roles. When people feel they belong, they’re more likely to stay engaged and committed.

To manage a virtual or in-person community, you’ll need the right tools. With great options like Facebook, WhatsApp, Meetup, and more, which one will you choose?

The truth is, great community managers focus on people, not the platform.

No platform will magically grow your community. Just pick one and start experimenting!

Remember:

• Focus on building relationships instead of building features or content.

• Avoid using automatic messages or bots — don’t automate humanity.

• Be genuine and open. Personal interactions are the heart of a thriving community.

Whether your community is virtual or in-person, keeping members engaged by setting clear expectations is essential. Let members know when to expect new content or events. Plan regular events, like weekly emails or monthly meet-ups, to give them something to look forward to.

Be consistent with your schedule to keep everyone connected and involved. For my community, I chose a monthly community letter.

It can be tempting to start sharing your passion right away, especially since it's a topic you care deeply about. However, it's important to take a step back and allow members to take the lead.

Give them the space to share their ideas by making it clear that this is their community, and they shouldn't expect you to do everything. Instead, encourage to take ownership.

An example from Community Guidelines:

Welcome! This is your space, and we encourage you to take the lead. Whether it's sharing a post, starting a discussion, organizing an event, or asking a question, your voice matters!

Every community is different, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Find what works best for yours. Start small, but most importantly, just start!