Online gathering : How to create and keep a community engaged?

A huge thank you to everyone who joined last Thursday morning’s online gathering!

What an inspiring, high-energy exchange on the art of building, leading, and sustaining thriving communities.

💡 We discussed:

* Why communities form – tackling shared challenges and needs: belonging, social inclusion, human connection, local integration, empowerment, trust, and action-orientated engagement that’s more than just numbers.

* How to set them up – from a need to action-orientated strategy, smart promotion to the right channels, tools, and resources.

* Keeping people engaged – activity design, fresh topics, and regularity that keeps energy flowing.

* Leader well-being – Self-development, health, finding allies, avoiding burnout, and navigating time zones.

* Overcoming challenges – visibility, funding, limited resources, safety/security, and exploring alternative economies.

* Growth pathways – from grassroots to global, local to online, online to in-person events.

* Impact potential – how communities can shift societies and connect people to powerful causes.

🚀 Spotlighted projects:

* Thaer with “The Yalla Syria” : Youth-led civic initiatives in Homs : from volunteer training and digital security to firefighting support and community relief.

* Nia with :

 * Women empowerment & solo travel community in Peru

 * Creative Sessions in Colmar : free workshops & mentoring for English-speaking entrepreneurs in France

* Anastasiia Korshunova with ASEYA: An online community for social entrepreneurs and changemakers, powered sustainability, and personal development workshops.

* And my own experiences – co-founding and growing diverse communities worldwide such as All The Elements CIC Blabla walks, Hike it out, etc. 

✨ Takeaway: Great communities run on trust, shared value and purpose, and genuine participation. They flourish when their leaders are supported and when nurtured with intention, creativity, and resilience, they can truly change the world.