Get Together

How to Build a Community With Your People

by Bailey Richardson, Kevin Huynh, and Kai Elmer Sotto

4.4(363 ratings)

13 min read

Brief overview

This book demystifies how to nourish a passionate community that unites people around a shared purpose. It shows you how to identify your core audience, facilitate their growth, and set in motion a sustainable cycle of collaboration that will keep members returning for more.

Introduction

Communities thrive when people see a common purpose and are inspired to contribute. Whether you’re creating a local sports club or forming a global online group, the goal remains the same: bring people closer to each other in ways that spark engagement, support, and shared pride. In this journey, we’ll explore practical steps for fostering such communities. From finding your first group of enthusiastic supporters to encouraging them to collaborate, it all begins with understanding who your people are and why you’re uniting. As you read on, reflect on your personal motivations. Perhaps you want to solve a specific problem, or maybe you seek to bring a new tradition to life. Whatever it is, remember that the spark of any community is rooted in human connection. This introduction sets the stage: you have a vision, and your role is to gather the right people and guide them toward a sense of belonging. Let’s discover how.

We’ll look at key stories of communities that took shape around an idea or hobby, survived early mistakes, and grew stronger with time. These real-life examples are your proof that what begins as a small group can blossom into something far bigger than you ever imagined.

True community starts when people stop being an audience and start collaborating.

Pinpointing Your People

All successful communities begin by defining who you want to gather. Consider individuals who share a common interest, location, or cause. Early members become the spark that lights the flame—your “kindling.” By focusing on these like-minded people, you ensure that your purpose resonates from the start. Begin by asking, “Who am I trying to help or bring together?” and “Why does this group need each other?” The clearer you are, the easier it will be to inspire real participation. Don’t worry if you only find a handful of interested folks initially. Many well-known communities began with just a few loyal allies who championed the vision.

It’s essential to accommodate diversity. Even if you start with a specific niche, remain open to welcoming new perspectives. This enriches your group and can lead to surprising expansions. Make a point of clarifying how all types of people—and their unique experiences—are valuable to the larger goal.

It might take time to fine-tune your group’s identity. Listen to your earliest supporters: What do they love? What frustrates them? Use these insights to refine your focus. If you discover unexpected pathways for expansion, follow them with curiosity. The best communities are built with, not just for, the people who care the most.

Community bonds flourish when it’s clear who belongs and why it matters.

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What is Get Together about?

"Get Together: How to Build a Community With Your People" is a practical guide that unveils the secrets of cultivating vibrant, engaged communities that rally around a common purpose. co-authored by Bailey Richardson, Kevin Huynh, and Kai Elmer Sotto, this book focuses on the essential elements of community-building, emphasizing the importance of knowing your audience, fostering growth, and creating a culture of collaboration. Crafted with a blend of insightful stories and actionable strategies, "Get Together" is an invaluable resource that empowers readers to build meaningful connections.

The authors explore vital themes such as defining and attracting the right members, promoting engaging group activities, and nurturing open communication while addressing healthy conflict. Readers will find step-by-step guidance on developing rituals, identifying leadership roles, and maintaining the vitality of the community over time. Whether you're looking to establish a local meet-up or connect a global network, "Get Together" provides the tools and knowledge to cultivate a sense of belonging and create a lasting impact on those involved.

By engaging with these concepts, readers will discover how community design can amplify shared interests and inspire collaboration. This book serves as a blueprint for anyone eager to make meaningful connections and foster a sense of unity where shared passions flourish.

Review of Get Together

"Get Together" by Bailey Richardson, Kevin Huynh, and Kai Elmer Sotto is a refreshing take on community-building that stands out with its pragmatic approach and compelling narrative. The authors successfully combine insightful anecdotes with sound, practical strategies that equip readers to foster communities founded on a shared purpose. From the onset, the book emphasizes the importance of identifying the right people, a cornerstone for thriving communities. The easy-to-follow techniques such as designing group activities and creating spaces for meaningful dialogue make this book a potent tool for both novice organizers and seasoned leaders.

What's particularly striking about "Get Together" is its focus on long-term community health, spotlighting methods that transcend conventional guides. Here, readers learn practical and innovative approaches: from crafting passed-down leadership roles to strengthening connection through rituals and symbols. The book’s style invites accessibility, laying down advice in a conversational tone without sacrificing depth—a testament to its broad appeal and relevance across varied contexts.

Despite its comprehensive nature, "Get Together" doesn't overwhelm its audience. Instead, it encourages thoughtful reflection, urging readers to experiment and personalize their efforts. The outcome is an actionable, invaluable resource that's both timeless and timely in today's interconnected world. Whether you're seeking to build a local neighborhood group or a widespread online network, "Get Together" proves itself an essential read—with clear recommendations for turning passion into purposeful action.

Who should read Get Together?

**Community Leaders:** People who wish to harness the power of group dynamics to foster collaboration and sense of belonging.
**Educators & Facilitators:** Individuals looking to create inclusive and effective group activities within academic or workshop settings.
**Non-Profit Organizers:** Those keen on growing supportive volunteer networks and community engagement around charitable missions.
**Business Leaders:** Professionals interested in leveraging community-building to enhance team cohesion, brand loyalty, or customer interaction.
**Social Entrepreneurs:** Innovators aiming to connect people around a social cause or movement, seeking sustainable models of community involvement.

About the author

Bailey Richardson, Kevin Huynh, and Kai Elmer Sotto founded People & Company, which helps organizations build communities. In 2021, People & Company was acquired by Substack.