How to Grow A Philosophy Meetup: The Ten Commandments of Growing a Group
Patrick Barry of the Stoic Fellowship Podcast interviewed me on the topic of how to grow your local Stoa. See what you think:
Stoic Fellowship Podcast Hey everyone! 👋 Welcome to the Stoic Fellowship podcast! In this episode, host Patrick Barry chats with Phil Yanov, who brings a wealth of experience from running numerous local practice groups and the popular Conversations with Modern Stoicism events.
Are you a Stoic facilitator looking to grow your local practice group (stoa)? Or perhaps you're interested in starting a stoa and want to know the best ways to build a healthy and sustainable Stoicism community? Then this is the episode for you!
Phil shares his thoughts and hard-earned lessons on how to foster organic and meaningful growth within your Stoic circles. He dives deep into the importance of cultivating the right group culture, emphasizing that the quality of attendees often matters more than the quantity.
In this interview, you'll discover:
Practical strategies for finding and inviting new members who are a good fit for your group's culture, moving beyond just relying on online platforms.
Insights into the pros and cons of different group sizes and how to adapt your approach as your stoa evolves.
The power of personal invitations over mass outreach for building a strong foundation.
Phil's "Ten Commandments for a Successful Stoa", offering valuable guidance on everything from establishing culture to managing group dynamics (we explore several of these in detail!).
The significance of consistency and ritual in creating a stable and engaging environment for your members.
Essential tips on building an email list to effectively communicate with your community.
How to address discord within your group with courage and clarity to protect the community.
The crucial reminder of the ultimate purpose of your Stoic gatherings: facilitating personal transformation.
Phil emphasizes the value of genuine connection and thoughtful conversation in fostering a thriving Stoic community. He shares actionable advice on creating a space where people feel psychologically safe to learn and grow together.
Don't miss this episode packed with wisdom and practical tips to help you nurture a vibrant and enduring local Stoicism practice group!
Listen now and start building the stoa you've always envisioned! — Thanks to Patrick Barry for the links. Follow Stoic Fellowship Podcast on Substack.
