Groups, Spaces or Events? A Quick Guide to How This Network Is Organised

One question I get almost every week from new organisers: "Should I start a group or a space?" It's a fair question. The structure of a network like this isn't obvious from the outside, so here's how I think about it.

Groups: your community's home

A group is for an ongoing community with a shared purpose. Members join, post, comment and get to know each other. The Makers Network, Neighbourhood Organisers and Meditation Club are all groups. If you're bringing an existing community here, start with a group.

Spaces: a hub with rooms

A space works like a building with several rooms. It can hold smaller spaces inside it, so it suits bigger topics that need some internal structure. The Patient Support Network and UNA Builders are spaces for that reason. Start with a group, and if it outgrows one room, we can talk about a space.

Events: anything with a date

Meetups, workshops, livestreams, clean-ups. Events have a time, a guest list and reminders. Attach them to your group so members see them in context.

A few rules of thumb

• Start small. One group with active members beats five empty ones.
• Name things for what people will do there, not for your brand.
• Write a two-line description that tells a stranger whether they belong.

If you're unsure, ask in Help & Support and I'll help you choose. Getting the structure right early saves a lot of moving furniture later.