Company of Friends Groups

How do CoF groups start? Most form and come together on the Net at first.

People who step forward as coordinators

• search the CoF for other people in their area
• email the people they find to introduce themselves, to inquire whether other folks are interested in attending a local get-together, and to express interest in organizing and facilitating a CoF event

If people respond favorably, the volunteer coordinator helps determine a suitable date, time, and location -- by consensus, if possible. Fast Company encourages CoF members to select free meeting spaces such as people's homes, public libraries, schools, colleges and universities, restaurants and cafes if the size of the group allows. For the first meeting, don't get hung up on an agenda. Most new groups use their first meeting to meet each other, to get acquainted, and to find common interests. The group can suss out how future get-togethers will be organized once it's clear that people are interested in meeting again.

The special interest groups, which are organized around industry and interest, are largely based on the options available to members in their CoF profiles. If you have an idea for a new special interest group, let us know, and we'll consider it for addition.

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