What it really takes to grow a thriving community - Introducing the Community Framework

What does it really take to build and sustain a community? I’ll give you a hint: it’s more than good vibes and passion (though those help!).

Most community organisers start with heart. You’ve got a vision, a cause, or a simple urge to bring people together. But then come the systems, the comms, the costs. Before you know it, it’s become a full time job with all the stress and none of the financial reward - and that’s not why you got into this. Is it?

That’s why we created the Community Framework. It’s a simple way to make sense of the tools, skills, and support you need to keep going and growing.

💡 The Community Framework.

Built from conversations with 100s of community leaders, it helps you pinpoint your biggest challenges so you can take focused, practical action.

It all comes down to four core areas (we call them the four S’s):

How it works:

1. Serve – Deliver the Experience This is the heart of what you do: the actual event or activity. Are your events welcoming? Are people coming back—or bringing friends?

Signs you might be having problems here:

• People come once but don’t return

• Feedback is vague, inconsistent, or non-existent

• Your activity feels more functional than meaningful

2. Structure – Keep It Running The behind-the-scenes stuff: tools, systems, and admin. How do you promote your events? What tools do you use to manage RSVPs, messages, or payments?

Signs you might be having problems here:

• You’re overwhelmed by admin or scattered between tools and you’re spending too much time on Canva, Mailchimp, Eventbrite, etc.

• You avoid planning because the “behind-the-scenes” feels chaotic.

• You don’t have a clear system for tracking who’s coming and you forget to send invites or follow-ups

3. Sustain – Support & Funding The people and resources that keep things going. Are you doing everything alone? Where’s the money coming from (and how do you stop burning out)?

Signs you might be having problems here:

• You’re doing everything yourself and you can’t take a break without everything grinding to a halt

• Helpers are unreliable or drop off quickly

• You’re dipping into your own pocket to fund things

4. Seek – Attract New People Getting the word out and keeping your group growing. Are new people finding you? Is your community visible locally or online?

Signs you might be having problems here:

• You’re always relying on the same group to attend

• You’re not sure how to get the word out

• Your posts aren’t getting much engagement or reach

Think of the Community Framework like a check-in tool. Where are you stuck right now?  Maybe your events are great (Serve), but you're drowning in admin (Structure). Or maybe you’re struggling to grow (Seek) because you’re burnt out (Sustain).

Wherever you are, this framework helps you focus your energy where it counts.

Most groups will face challenges in all four areas at different times. That’s totally normal.  This framework is a way to get clear on where you are, so you can take the next step forward.

Whether you're just starting out or years into running your group, returning to these four areas - Serve, Structure, Sustain, and Seek - can help you stay grounded, make better decisions, and keep your energy focused on what matters most: bringing people together.

Because thriving communities don’t happen by accident. They grow when we support the people behind them - like you.