2 upvotes, 1 direct replies (showing 1)
View submission: Weekly Free Talk Friday Thread!
Where I used to live, there were a few great examples of community for me that I am currently missing after having to move. I'm hoping to be able to recreate them here, but it's tough.
The one I miss most was a Pinball Co-op. It was a high cost of living area with very small apartments, so a bunch of people who loved pinball gathered up their machines and rented a space in a warehouse. $10 to get in and every machine was on free play, BYOB with fridges in the back. They ran leagues and tournaments as well, and Wednesday night was league night at the co-op. It was great getting to know all these different people from different walks of life and different generations just getting together to enjoy a pretty silly hobby. Unfortunately tough to get going on my own as Pinball machines are stupid expensive, and it's hard to find people in my area who may own them and be interested in helping out.
The other one was a group called Dad Guild, that was ran by maybe the kindest person I have ever met. It was just a group organizing activities for Dads and their kids. There would be dads night out events to blow off steam, book clubs on parenting books, Dad and kid events to get everyone out, park play groups, etc. all while also talking about the importance that a father can play in a child's life, and stressing that it is a father's role to be present and active with their kid. This one seems more feasible to start up locally, and hopefully I can get that going this summer.
It's tough with being overwhelmed in every aspect of my life, but I'm trying to remind myself of the importance of community in our lives. Also tough because I no longer live in an area that shares many of my values, so building bridges into the community can be tough and intimidating, and I feel the desire to retreat and isolate instead
I guess I'm rambling and should end with a question to see if there's discussion (although I don't mind shouting to the void as well). What ways do y'all find to connect and build local communities?
Comment by BurgerBandit32 at 15/02/2025 at 00:53 UTC
2 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I don't have any tips, but responding to say I understand how you feel. I want to get more involved with my community and want to make some new dad friends. I have a decent sized friend group, but I am the only one with kids even though most of us start turning 40 this year. My oldest daughter is 4, and I hope that starting at the public school will give me an opportunity to bond with other dads.
I'm also trying to find ways to get together with my existing friends as well, as most have become homebodies. I've heard people talk about setting a standing open invite on the same date each month so people can come when they choose. I may try that in the next year or so.