Interest Groups That Work
Thirty-two easy ideas for interest groups that work, from books to hiking, so you find a place where you fit.
Follow what you love. Friends follow.
30 tips that really help
These ideas come from The Art of Gathering (Priya Parker), Bowling Alone (Robert Putnam), Platonic (Marisa Franco), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Interest is the shortcut
When people share a passion, conversation flows. The topic is built in.
Choose a passion.
List what you love
Write ten things you enjoy, from cooking to chess. Your list is your map.
Write it.
Book clubs
You read, then talk. The book gives you things to say. Great for thoughtful people.
Try one.
Walking and hiking groups
Walking side by side makes talking easy. Fresh air also helps mood.
Try one.
Cooking and baking groups
Food brings people together. Cooking classes and potlucks are friendly.
Try one.
Language groups
Practising a language gives purpose to chat. Many groups meet in cafes.
Try one.
Choirs and music groups
Singing and playing together bonds people quickly.
Try one.
Art, craft and writing groups
Making things together gives conversation topics and pride.
Try one.
Games and trivia
Board games and quiz nights make teamwork and laughter easy.
Try one.
Volunteer groups
Helping others brings warm, purposeful people together.
Try one.
Parent and neighbourhood groups
Local groups help with practical needs and friendship.
Try one.
Professional and learning groups
Meetups, courses and workshops attract curious people.
Try one.
Script: asking
What brought you to this group? Say it with interest.
Use it.
Script: sharing
I love hiking on weekends and I am new to this area. Say it brightly.
Use it.
Script: joining
May I join your table? I would love to chat. Say it kindly.
Use it.
Script: plan
Let us walk the lake trail together next time. Say it lightly.
Use it.
Script: closing
Thanks for including me, see you again soon. Say it sincerely.
Use it.
Mistake: picking a group only because friends like it
Choose what you love, so your enthusiasm shows.
Follow your interest.
Mistake: choosing a group that is too advanced
If you feel lost you may quit, so look for beginner-friendly groups.
Start easy.
Mistake: ignoring group size
Very large or very small groups may not suit you, so check.
Check size.
Mistake: not reading the description
Read the group rules and vibe, so you know what to expect.
Read first.
Mistake: joining too many at once
Too many groups tire you, so choose two or three.
Limit.
Troubleshoot: when you have no strong hobbies
Try new things like a class or a walk. Interests grow through trying.
Experiment.
Troubleshoot: when no local group exists
Start an online or small local meetup. You may be the spark.
Start one.
Troubleshoot: when groups feel cliquey
Try another group with a friendlier vibe. Fit matters.
Try another.
Troubleshoot: when you are older or younger than most
Look for age-mixed groups or ones for your age. Many exist.
Search.
Troubleshoot: when mobility is an issue
Look for accessible venues or online groups. Many are inclusive.
Ask the organiser.
Drill: write a top-ten interests list
Write ten interests and circle three. Search for groups for those three.
Write.
Drill: try one new group
Attend one new type of group this month. Note how it feels.
Try it.
Drill: bring a friend
Invite a friend to a new group with you. Share the first-time nerves.
Invite.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday friendships.
“What brought you to this group?”
“I love hiking on weekends.”
“May I join your table?”
“Let us trek together next time.”
“Thanks for including me.”
“See you again soon.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
List your interests
Search for groups
Choose two or three
Check the vibe
Go regularly
Talk about the interest
Make friends
Further reading
- The Art of Gathering (Priya Parker)
- Bowling Alone (Robert Putnam)
- Platonic (Marisa Franco)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
More lessons in “How to Join Groups”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
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- Why Groups Beat One-on-One for Making Friends
- Interest Groups That Work
- Local Clubs and Community Groups
- Online Groups That Lead to Real Meet-Ups
- Sports, Games and Creative Groups
- Groups for Introverts
- Try Three Before You Choose One
- Check the Group Beforehand
- Contact the Organiser First
- Arrive Early, Meet Early Birds
- Take a Friend for the First Visit
- What to Wear and What to Bring
- Plan Your First Three Sentences
- Give Yourself Permission to Leave
- How to Join a Group Conversation
- Find the Person Who Is Standing Alone
- Ask the Organiser for an Introduction
- Offer to Help Set Up
- Ask Questions to Learn the Group Culture
- Use Group Activities as Icebreakers
- Stay for the After-Event Chat
- Show Up Consistently
- Remember Names and Stories
- Volunteer for Small Roles
- Contribute Ideas Gently
- Welcome Newcomers Yourself
- Celebrate Group Wins
- Follow Up With People Between Meetings
- What to Do When a Group Feels Cliquey
- Handle Being the Newest Person
- Handle a Difficult Member
- When You Feel Left Out
- Know When a Group Is Not Right
- Leave a Group Without Drama
- Invite One Person for Coffee After Group
- Organise a Small Spin-Off Meet-Up
- Start Your Own Group
- Host a Gathering at Your Place
- Keep the Group Chat Alive
- Your Group Plan
