"Even if it's a few people that show up, that's not a failure."”

Anna Stifter

BOULDER — Want to start your own community skill share, or other types of neighborhood gatherings? Here’s what Fourmile organizer Anna Stifter recommends.

Make contact

First, “figure out a way to reach your neighbors,” she said. Maybe that’s by utilizing existing communication resources; in Stifter’s case, a neighborhood WhatsApp group. 

You can attend an HOA meeting, post to NextDoor, create a Facebook group, post flyers around the area or go truly old school and knock on doors. Once you have a location secured, make use of their communication channels to drum up interest. 

Give the people what they want

“Gauge the temperature and what people are looking for in connection,” Stifter says. “What are people interested in? What do people like? Are they all antisocial and like, ‘Leave me alone?’ Or are they like, ‘Yeah, actually it kind of sounds nice.’

“Catch the vibe.”

Do a poll to find the best days and times for your neighbors to meet. Recurring events are more successful in building community, Stifter says, but be flexible: Match your plans to what folks say they can and will do.

Pick your gathering place

“Find a central hub that's unused or under-used,” Stifter recommends. “It has to be cozy, it has to have some amenities: a bathroom and somewhere to wash our hands, ideally a heater or a wood stove.

“Get the contact information” of whoever runs the space and “set up a meeting. Figure out what the restrictions are for use of space.”

Stifter’s Fourmile Canyon skill share will make use of two volunteer-run, nonprofit-backed historic buildings: the one-room Salina Schoolhouse and Little Church of the Pines.

It’s also important to consider the history of the space, Stifter said. Churches, for example, are a great, low-cost option for many community groups. But they can also be unwelcoming to demographics that have historically been targeted or excluded from organized religion.

It’s worth considering: “Is there a history of exclusion or inclusion? Because those sort of backgrounds can change the type of audience that you're pulling in and the feeling of safety and the feeling of togetherness.”

It’s important to treat the buildings you’re using with respect, Stifter said. Getting a couple attendees to help with opening and closing the venue is a great way to create more intimate connections.

Follow up and follow through

Actually getting your community event across the finish line may require lots of followup communication, Stifter said. “I have a catchphrase for this: happy heckling.”

It may feel uncomfortable, but Stifter found her neighbors grateful for the frequent reminders, and more than willing to participate.

“Send reminders however you can,” she wrote via email in response to followup questions. “Make a flyer if needed for each event. Free food and drinks [are] always an incentive!”

If turnout is low at first, don’t be discouraged, Stifter said. And definitely don’t give up.

“If you say you're gonna do this thing and bring people together, make good on your word. Even if it's a few people that show up, that's not a failure.”