Intentional Community Design

The Power of Rituals in Community Building: Fostering Authentic Connections

A summary of Episode 1 of “Founder Loveline” with Daniela Santangelo and Allie Kerr. (Full episode here)

Community building has taken on a new meaning in the digital age. We're no longer confined to geographic boundaries; instead, we find ourselves as part of various online communities that align with our personal and professional interests. Communities have become integral to our lives; making the intention behind community building critical to their success and longevity.

In our first episode of Founder Loveline, we dive deep into intentional community design, how to create authentic connections, design rituals and create a sense of belonging within your communities.

What are rituals and why are they important?

Rituals are recurring practices and shared experiences within a community. Just as rituals are a cornerstone of religious ceremonies and cultural traditions, they can also be instrumental in community building. The power of rituals lies in their ability to establish a sense of consistency, authenticity, and commitment among community members.

3 Keys to Establishing Essential Community Rituals

Focus on Authenticity

• Authenticity is a core aspect of effective rituals. The practices should genuinely reflect the community's values and the individuals within it. When rituals are authentic, members can embrace them and truly feel engaged.
• People seek out communities to connect with like-minded individuals and feel part of something meaningful. Authentic rituals help foster these connections, creating a more profound sense of belonging.

Building a Strong Culture (Your WHY)

• Rituals are more than just routines; they help create a unique identity within a community. The choice of words, the way members address each other, and the specific practices they engage in all play a part in forming this culture.
• Rituals, whether they are overt or subtle, help create a unique culture within a community. These rituals not only strengthen the bond among existing members but also serve as a beacon, drawing in like-minded individuals who share the community's vision and values.

Promote Consistency

• Consistency is key. Establishing a routine for community members creates a sense of security and belonging.
• Think of rituals within a community as the equivalent of attending a weekly religious service. These practices can be as simple as a regular video call, themed discussions, or daily check-ins, but they play a critical role in creating a reliable framework for engagement.

Why is this important to community success?

• Being able to vocalize your communities message will ensure that you are attracting the audience who will resonate with the community’s values and vision.
• Attracting the right members reduces community member churn
• An intentional framework can scale with your community

Q&A Segment

Thank you to Anisia Corona, MPH for submitting great questions!

We asked Monica Rojas Head of Community at Upstream and runs a Web3 community called The Chain Miami, to answer these questions.

Daniela: What software do you use for brainstorming, and why?

Monica: I prefer using Notion for brainstorming because it's a versatile tool that combines creativity and organization, making it suitable for various tasks. Notion allows me to seamlessly jot down ideas, create mind maps, and organize my thoughts while providing the flexibility to adapt to different brainstorming methods. It's a one-stop platform that caters to both my creative and structural needs during the brainstorming process.

Daniela: What is your take on the ideal number of networking events per week?

Monica: The number of networking events one should attend per week depends on individual goals and personal social capacity. In my case, I personally don't go to more than one event per week. That's because my social meter tends to run on the lower side. However, I always stress the importance of aligning your attendance with your objectives. For instance, if I were actively job hunting, I'd adjust my schedule to ensure I'm present at the right events during the day, or if I were seeking investors, I'd strategize to attend events where I could meet potential backers. Networking should always be goal-oriented. In general, I don't recommend going to more than three events a week. Beyond that, it can become overwhelming, and it's crucial to follow up and be intentional with your time. Less is often more in this context.

Daniela: How do you keep track of valuable connections and companies for networking?

Monica: I've found Notion to be an invaluable tool in maintaining a relationship tracker. It's not just about collecting contacts; it's about nurturing and prioritizing them. I rate connections on a scale of one to five stars, with five stars signifying a high-priority relationship. This system enables me to categorize and remember whom to reach out to regularly. It's like having a visual board on Notion where I can quickly assess and decide where to allocate my networking efforts. Building and maintaining relationships are fundamental in networking, and this system ensures I'm nurturing them effectively.

Daniela: How do you stay present in people's lives without having to engage in direct conversations?

Monica: Staying present is essential in networking, even when you can't engage in direct conversations all the time. One way I achieve this is by sharing relevant content such as articles, posts, and even memes that I think would resonate with my connections. I'm also active on platforms like Instagram, where I interact with others by liking, commenting, or sharing their posts. These actions convey that I value my connections and am invested in our relationship, even when we're not in constant communication. It's about maintaining a presence and showing genuine interest in the people I've connected with.

Thank you your insights, Monica!

Allie & I can talk about this topic for hours, we are passionate about community building and encourage those that are in locations where you haven't quite found your tribe, to create one! You're never alone.

Intentional Community Design Framework Inspo