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Welcome to the July edition of the MeetupMeetupMeetup groups are locally-organized groups that get together for face-to-face events on a regular basis (commonly once a month). Learn more about Meetups in our Meetup Organizer Handbook. Organizer Newsletter! This month, we explore how to create purpose-driven WordPress meetupsMeetupMeetup groups are locally-organized groups that get together for face-to-face events on a regular basis (commonly once a month). Learn more about Meetups in our Meetup Organizer Handbook. that engage and inspire your community. Additionally, we’ll share important updates from the Community Team, new learning pathways on Learn.WordPress.orgWordPress.orgThe community site where WordPress code is created and shared by the users. This is where you can download the source code for WordPress core, plugins and themes as well as the central location for community conversations and organization. https://wordpress.org/, and celebrate some vibrant meetups from around the world. Let’s get started!
Create Purpose-Driven WordPress Meetups
As WordPress meetup organizers, our goal is to create meaningful and engaging events. Priya Parker, author of “The Art of Gathering,” emphasizes that a successful event begins with a clear purpose. This purpose shapes the event’s structure, activities, and atmosphere. Without it, gatherings can feel aimless and fail to resonate with attendees. Inspired by Parker’s concept of a purpose-driven event, we can elevate our meetups by focusing on a clear and compelling purpose.
Apply This to WordPress Meetups
When planning your WordPress meetup, start by asking: What is the primary goal of this event? Is it to introduce new users to WordPress, deepen the skills of experienced developers, or foster networking within the local WordPress community? Identifying the coreCoreCore is the set of software required to run WordPress. The Core Development Team builds WordPress. purpose streamlines the planning process and ensures every element aligns with this goal.
Looking for a Purpose?
A key goal for WordPress events is to attract and engage first-time attendees. Reaching new users is crucial for the growth and sustainability of the WordPress project, aligning with the Big Picture Goals for 2024. Consider organizing some meetup events driven by the purpose of introducing new users to WordPress.
Communicate Your Purpose
Once you’ve identified the purpose, communicate it clearly to potential attendees. This attracts the right audience and sets expectations. For example:
Learning and Development: “Join us for a hands-on workshop focused on building custom themes with WordPress.”
Networking and Community Building: “Meet and mingle with local WordPress professionals at our summer social event.”
Knowledge Sharing: “Hear from industry experts on the latest WordPress trends and technologies.”
Design with Purpose in Mind
Every aspect of your meetup should reflect its purpose. If the goal is education, ensure you have knowledgeable speakers and interactive sessions. For a networking-focused event, prioritize activities that encourage interaction and connection. Aligning the event’s design with its purpose creates a cohesive and impactful experience for attendees.
After the event, gather feedback to assess whether the purpose was effectively communicated and achieved. Use this feedback to refine future meetups, continually enhancing their relevance and value.
Key Takeaways
Incorporating Priya Parker’s concept of a purpose-driven event into your WordPress meetups can transform them from ordinary gatherings into impactful, memorable experiences that provide clear value to attendees. By clearly identifying, communicating, and designing around a central purpose, you’ll foster an engaged and satisfied community, with attendees who are excited to return for future meetup events and help spread word about upcoming events.
Remember, a well-defined purpose is the cornerstone of a successful event. Happy organizing!
Announcement: Reactivating or Removing Dormant Meetup Groups
Learning Pathway for Intermediate WordPress Users Now Available on Learn.WordPress.org
We’re excited to announce that the Learning Pathway for Intermediate WordPress Users is now live on Learn.WordPress.org! This comprehensive learning pathway will help Meetup organizers support community members who are familiar with WordPress and looking to deepen their skills.
The following learning pathways were also recently published:
The Make WordPress Training Team is dedicated to creating learning pathways for all skill levels, from beginner through expert, and for users, developers, and designers alike. Learn more about this initiative in this post.
Learn WordPress Course Cohort
The WordPress Training Team recently concluded its second Learn WordPress Course Cohort: a six week facilitated learning experience focused on a course on Learn WordPress.
The goals of a Course Cohort are similar to those of Learn WordPress Online Workshops. The key difference? Course Cohorts are held across consecutive sessions, while Online Workshops are generally one-off sessions.
Want to participate in a future Course Cohort? Follow updates from the Training Team!
Meetups of the Month
This month, we celebrate the WordPress Meetup groups of Tegal (Indonesia) and Rabat (Morocco).
Meetup Organizers, we want to feature you!
We’d love to publish pictures from Meetups all around the world in each newsletter. Do you want your Meetup to be featured? Share 1 picture with the Community team! Rename your picture as “Meetup-name_event-date” and upload it to this folder. The formats supported are jpg and png. Please remember, always ask for permission from your group members before taking the picture and sharing it with us!
If you have any questions, Community Team deputiesProgram SupporterCommunity Program Supporters (formerly Deputies) are a team of people worldwide who review WordCamp and Meetup applications, interview lead organizers, and keep things moving at WordCamp Central. Find more about program supporters in our Program Supporter Handbook. are here to help. Please email us at support@wordcamp.org or join the #community-eventsSlack channel. Thanks for everything you do to grow and support the WordPress community—let’s keep sharing knowledge and inspiring each other with our contributions!