Paige Tornow’s Post

Are activities the new way to network? I vote YES. Over the past few weeks I have been invited to very different events. Both meant to foster conversation, community and connection and both SO fun in different ways. Megan Tannenbaum recently invited her community together for pickleball. There’s nothing better than wearing stretchy pants to a networking event where you can get in your workout, laugh and also eat tacos. Jenny McCabe hosted a postcard writing party (simply encouraging people to vote) where we sat around the table writing postcards to people in swing states while talking about current pop culture events, women’s health, and the rise of RomCom literature (amongst other things). One of the best parts of both events was that our hands were busy, so our phones were away which fostered genuine attention on the task at hand and the people around us. People might feel divisive in life right now, but activities bring us together. We didn’t need to be at a conference or work event to connect on both personal and professional levels. So, think outside the box when planning your next get together. You never know what might come from it. #goodadvice #networking #IRL

Dear Friends and Colleagues, Happy Wednesday! As some of you already know, I am excited to share that I have initiated a "Word of the Week" series, where I will be highlighting a meaningful word each Wednesday. I invite you to engage with these reflections, share your thoughts, and contribute to our ongoing conversation. 9/25 Word of the Week: Community Reflecting on my childhood, I feel fortunate to have been surrounded by a rich tapestry of community—family, friends, teammates, and mentors from school and church—all integral to my upbringing in a small town. This sense of connection profoundly shaped my early experiences, and I never had to think twice about having a community around me. Now, as a recent college graduate navigating life in Atlanta, I’ve discovered that building a sense of community in a bustling city can be quite challenging. The sheer size and diversity of urban life can sometimes feel isolating. Nevertheless, I believe it is essential to proactively seek out opportunities for connection. Engaging in activities such as joining local sports leagues like ALTA, attending church services, participating in networking groups, or simply making an effort to connect with friends can significantly enhance our sense of belonging. Having a supportive community around us can alleviate the pressures of daily life and help clarify our purpose. It’s incredible how the bonds we form can provide both emotional support and practical assistance during challenging times. I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. How do you cultivate a sense of community in your own city?

Context: "My Story is My Greatest Asset...." "Consider carefully what you hear," [Jesus] continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you — and even more. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him." -Mark 4:24-25 The Human Library.... In 2000, this "Library" event started in Denmark as a way to get people to meet that normally wouldn't. Its focus was to help eliminate prejudices. This event was like a Library because you could "check out" a person for 30 minutes and learn about their Story, challenges and ask questions. There are homeless, transgender, obese, pstd, tattooed, pierced, refugees and an endless list of other "books" at these events. Too often we think what we have to say doesn't matter but it does. Everyone's perspective and experience is unique and special. That's why biographies of people are so interesting because it gives us more insight to the World around us. Plus it provides inspiration because of someone already achieved it then it can be achieved again, we had the roadmap. Then it becomes refinement instead of trailblazing. Process goes faster if we glean wisdom from those that have went before us and become willing to leave our experiences for those coming behind us. ****** ".....If You Could Access a Brand New Community… With The Full Overview On How To Make Your First Or Next 6 Figures A Year Online… Would You Want An Invite To Join?........" My Mentors have decided to drastically shake things up in their online business. No, not how they are doing it- thru Content Creation and Community, that isn't changing. They are changing where and how the Community is structured. Both of them will be shutting down their respective FB Groups and consolidating their Community on the Skool platform. It will be a Free Community, that being said, many of their current paid clients are making sales in the Group. Crazy right, but its true. Monday is when the doors open to the public and yes, it's a Free Skool Community with all sorts of Free valuable trainings for Building a profitable online Community for yourself. DM me if interested https://lnkd.in/ezshCJZi

I visited with members of the Tamarack Institute for Community Engagement community for much of August, walking, listening, and learning... and making shared plans to better enable local communities to thrive. (The visits shared a theme: local collaboratives holding a bold result and centering people who face the barriers of structural oppression are key to the just transition we all need.)    Questions (and the responses they seed) often pave the path to good work. Here are some questions I’ll remember from the weeks as a guest on other lands:    On trust:  🌱 What are our practices for seeing, hearing and seeking to understand others?   🌱 What builds trust in groups, and how can we contribute to the building?   🌱 What words, stories, images, and art could bridge divides and lead to shared goals?    On change:  🌱 How do we think change happens?   🌱 How will we stay inspired for as long as it takes?  🌱 How will we name and put aside the things that distract from what matters?    On mindsets:  🌱 What is hard to admit?  🌱 Where do we need to be challenged? (Thank you, Adam Lerner.)  🌱 What truths are we learning, that must proceed reconciliation? Jorge Garza and I will host a conversation on offering context, crafting questions and listening for information that can help collaboratives take up bold work at EngageFest this Fall: https://lnkd.in/gjYcj2YK. We’d love to explore the beauty of questions with you.  

Reflecting on Purpose: Inherent Nature As we continue our exploration of purpose, let’s focus on the key concept: Purpose Is Inherent. When God created each of us, He had a specific purpose in mind. There’s no need to “find” your purpose; it’s about discovering what’s already within you. Everything you need to fulfill your purpose is already there—like a seed waiting to grow and flourish. Have you ever felt an inherent pull toward a certain path in your career or life? What passions or interests resonate deeply with you? I encourage you to take a moment to reflect and jot down your thoughts. Understanding your inherent nature is a vital step in uncovering your true purpose. Let’s support each other on this journey! Feel free to share your insights in the comments below or connect with me directly. Join our community! If you’re looking for more support in your journey toward purpose, I invite you to join the Navigating To Your Purpose Men Community Facebook Group. Together, we can inspire and uplift one another as we navigate our paths. Click the link below https://lnkd.in/etXZYri2

It's never about numbers It's about genuine connections Building a thriving community is beyond running after numbers ! It's about fostering genuine connections, sparking meaningful conversations, and creating a space where every voice feels heard and valued. Here are some ways we can build a stronger community: 1. Listen actively: Make sure to respond to comments and messages. 2. Share stories: Share your experiences and invite others to share theirs. 3. Support others: Engage with content from your community members. 4. Celebrate successes: Highlight achievements and milestones within the community. Let’s engage, inspire, and grow together. Repost this if you believe in the power of community ♻️ Thank you! P.S. What’s one way you foster community on social media? Comment below!

🌍 A Nation United: Finding Commonalities & Celebrating Differences Through Storytelling 🌍 In a time of increasing polarization, many of us feel exhausted by the divide that seems to separate us. But what if we could bridge that gap—not through political debate, but by sharing our personal stories and learning from each other’s life experiences? On Tuesday, October 22 at 6:30 PM EST, the Social Justice Racial Equity Collaborative is hosting "A Nation United", a special CommUnity Circle designed to create space for connection, empathy, and understanding. This is an opportunity to pause and reflect, to find commonalities and celebrate differences, and to connect across lines that too often divide us. 📅 Date: Tuesday, October 22 🕕 Time: 6:30 PM EST 🌐 Location: Virtual (Link to register) Through the power of storytelling, we can build bridges, listen deeply, and recognize that we have more in common than we might think. This is your invitation to be part of a community where healing and connection take center stage. 🔗 Register now to join us and help create a future where unity and understanding prevail: https://lnkd.in/eUTbbqxm #ANationUnited #StorytellingForChange #SocialJustice #EquityMatters #CommunityBuilding #UnityThroughDiversity #LeadershipForChange #SJREC

Transform Your Church with These Event Strategies! Are you looking for ways to grow your church and build stronger connections within your community? Our new YouTube video offers practical insights and strategies to help you achieve these goals. In this video, we cover everything from planning successful events to building meaningful relationships with visitors. You’ll learn how to create engaging events that resonate with your target audience and foster lasting connections. Discover effective follow-up strategies and event ideas that work, from block parties to back-to-school fests. Start transforming your church’s growth trajectory today by implementing these proven strategies. Watch the video now and take the first step towards a thriving church community. Watch the video here: https://lnkd.in/eC-Tjupg #effectivechurch #churchgrowth #pastors #church #faithcommunity #eventplanning #churchleadership

And suddenly amongst 40,000 fans singing every single Bruce Springsteen lyric I was reminded of how important one thing is to forging long-lasting connections. (As a human, as a business.) What exactly was on my mind beyond being unexpectedly emotional to hear Born to Run live as thousands of people danced and screamed in joy at the top of their lungs all around me? Community. About what this world is building and who cares about it—and how dystopian the world feels without it. How lonely the world can feel without it too. About how sharing values and stories invites people to stick around. (Something Bruce was doing so well 50 years in.) On the drive home the next day, I thought about work that leads with community and belonging and why they stand out so clearly amidst the rest. (Yep, I know you have some examples in mind too.) Because community deepens the well of belonging and helps us feel seen. And I think it’s going to matter a heck of a lot more the more this world tries to automate everything—which may make things easier, but also much more disconnected. Because community builds trust. And we need to build more trust in a world that can often seem increasingly untrustworthy. Building that trust? That is something we can control amidst a billion things we can’t. Days later, the crowd at the show is still ringing in my ears. I may still be learning about LinkedIn and have a ways to go. But such a large display of how community can feel over shared things reminded me of why taking time to build community is so important for helping people connect with you. How seeking out and connecting with the people who want to grow in the same way feels generative and kind—and builds trust in return. How strong a foundation you can build once you find others who may not be screaming at the top of their lungs along to every word, but who do indeed feel like dancing because of how what they’re building together makes them, as well as others, feel. (Precisely because they know how rare this can be. This rarity can become a calling card.) Here’s to creating more of those spaces, both in our own work and along with others. 🌱 And to remembering that building community is an important step to having one that sticks around. Who makes you feel connected in this world and who doesn’t? And what can you learn from the former group as you go?

Community Hidden Gems: What's found in Community? Welcome to Day 4 of our community exploration series! Today, we embark on a joyrney ( Joy+ Journey) of what's found in community? Forget the picture-perfect hangouts and polished conference images  — community is not a curated Pinterest board. When it comes to community there are certain common elements that contribute to the success and vibrancy of that community, ever wondered what they are? Let's dive deep in the slides below into the evolving concept of community and explore its diverse meanings. As we uncover these hidden treasures within the heart of community, I encourage you to reflect on your experiences. What gems have you discovered in your community journey? How have these treasures enriched your life? Let’s continue this exploration together, unraveling the unique facets that make each community a realm of hidden wonders! As I wrap up "What's found in Community?" Today, expect me tomorrow where I'll explore the driving force behind communities — "Where's Community?" Where are community found or held? Stay tuned and continue this enlightening journey with me!