👋 Hey fam!
Happy 4th of July, y'all! 🎆
While we're still riding the high from our epic capstone last week 🚀, we took this long weekend to reflect on our experience🌟
This week, we’re passing the mic to some of our real heroes: the builders. 🎤
Hear their firsthand reflections on the Build IRL journey.
But first, a fun video recapping our month together!
In this edition:
🧠Builder reflections - A word from our real heroes
🤝 Not just an accelerator, we’re building a forever community (a fellowship?)
💪Support us!
01/ A word from our real heroes
“Build IRL accelerator was a priceless experience. I’ve been building communities alone for a while - but here I was completely floored by the love and wisdom of this ‘community of community builders.’
Every gathering was energizing, full of ideas and connection. It offered the opportunity to bounce ideas with people doing the same kind of work.
The people-centered approach to Build IRL’s model, as opposed to profit-centered, can be felt at a cellular level, and it’s exactly what this world needs more of.”
— Michaela Nee, Builder S24, Interwoven
In today’s noisy digital world, Build IRL is the refreshing change we all need.
The Run Your Life community took a backseat post-pandemic, but thanks to Build IRL, I feel rejuvenated and ready to elevate it to the next phase.
Saum and Colt, as community builders, have done an outstanding job in assembling resources, experts, and a curriculum that truly inspires. I initially joined for the content but left with an incredible community of fellow community builders who are passionate about fostering real-life social connections.
I am excited to see how the Build IRL movement will evolve on both micro and macro levels, and I’m thrilled to contribute to its future growth.
— Sandy, Builder S24, Run Your Life
In today’s world, "community" often means "audience," and "building" can imply "move fast and break things." Finding a space to navigate the complexities of creating IRL communities that foster belonging and care is rare.
Build IRL brought together a group where I engaged in thoughtful discussions about every aspect of community building. Beyond our conversations, being around people curious about diverse human experiences has inspired me to create similar support within my community.
Building community is especially complex in a culture where many have been deprived of it, especially among marginalized groups who face more isolation. It requires designing a new culture. It makes a world of difference to have a group to build along with.
— Tara Raj, Builder S24, The Neurodiverse Startup Ecosystem
We bonded, played, evolved with each workshop, and honored each other's journeys. We realized how much we have in common in our work of building community.
The Build IRL cohort was beautifully curated, with a perfect balance of participants with diverse interests and generous spirits. We hung out, talked to expert speakers, discovered awesome community spaces, engaged in thoughtful dialogue, and in boisterous action. Along the way, a month zoomed by so quickly - we succeeded together in our showcase and are poised to carry on, armed with more tools, knowledge, and most crucially, a talented, heartfelt 'B.irl-y' community to support us.
I'm so proud to have been a charter member of this accelerator. Big, deep gratitude to Saum and Colt for their call to action, responding to our connection crisis with all of the resources pulled in and put to use.
Advice to new participants:
Get to know your cohort, spend time building support in between workshops, relax, be social, drink boba, go to an event, schedule hang time at the commons, reach out to Saum and Colt when you have questions. Be in the moment and the flow.
— Barbee, Builder S24, BYOP
Want to join a future Build IRL cohort?
Join our waitlist below.
02/ Not just a program, we are a forever community!
What do you think was the most powerful driver of our experience together — the workshops, guest speakers, tools, resources? No.
It was other local builders. The profound multiplier effect of interwoven community of builders in a city is something we didn’t fully grasp before.
Our (alumni) builders are stoked about keeping this community going strong. So, we're creating our very own rituals to support each other every step of the way. 🚀
Early days, but we're psyched to see where this journey takes us. 💪
Our journey in supporting these builders—and many many more—is just beginning.🚀
But it's gonna take support— collabs, funding, awareness and more. Know someone who'd love to support our mission of building more builders? DM us!
Keep building! 🛠️
Until next week,
Saum & Colt
Amazing!