I stumbled across Meetup when I became a mother in 2008. New to my community, I was researching different activities that I could do with my baby and meet other new moms. I wanted to connect with people who had similar interests and to share experiences. A ‘Mom and Me’ Meetup group popped up in my search. It included a calendar of events and activities to do with other new mothers including coffee shop gatherings, library story time activities and hiking with babies. I nervously signed up for my first hike when my child was 5 months old.
I vividly remember showing up for this hike, with my baby in a carrier, and awkwardly introducing myself to the two other women who signed up that day. We started walking and talking and before I knew it, the hike was over. A success.
Fast forward 8 years – our family has a solid network of friends that grew from this first hike. We built our own community. Our children go to different schools, we live on different sides of the city, but we regularly plan events and activities that bring us together. I love the support and the connection, and I love that my children have this one constant network that has been there since the beginning.
“Meetup helps people find and create communities based around the ideas and activities that matter to them. Meetups can be formed around a common interest or cause, and they are sustained through regular, face-to-face gatherings.”
As a newcomer to the Lower Mainland, there are a number of MeetUps that may be of interest to you as well. You can search according to cultural affinity, job searching techniques, improving a skill-set, or a fun activity or outing.
If you click on the search box field, you can see the various categories, ranging from Arts & Culture to Sports & Recreation. You’ll also see groups specific to Language and Ethnic Identity:
Another MeetUp, Job Search for New Immigrants in Greater Vancouver, offers support for new immigrants interested in understanding the Canadian labor market, networking, interviewing, social media and existing programs and resources in the community (they look like a welcoming bunch).
Whatever your interest, if you’re looking to expand your networks, share ideas, or find activities, Meetup might be the place to get you connected to the people who will become your community.