build Your own
Loops are a fun way to get people together for great conversations about things that matter. And building your own Loop could not be easier. All you really need is a little bit of time and at least one other person. But if you'd like some help getting started, simply follow the steps below.
Step One:
Decide
Who?
Is it just you and your spouse? You and your best friend? Or is it a handful of neighbors? A couple of good friends from around town? Or is it the entire neighborhood plus every person in your address book?
Where?
Here are a few great choices: Your house, a friend’s house, a coffee shop, a restaurant, your church, over Zoom, at a park, on a porch, in the break room... the possibilities are endless.
If you want to meet somewhere where it would be disruptive or difficult to watch the videos together (i.e. coffee shop, park, or restaurant), simply plan on having everyone watch the video on their own ahead of time.
When?
When do you want to start? What day and time would you like to meet? It usually works best to keep it consistent from week to week.
With smaller groups of just a few people, you can probably figure out these details together. With a larger group (6 or more) it’s usually better to pick the date and time yourself.
Step Two:
Invite
The best invitations come straight from you. Send a text. Write an email. Talk to them in person. Even call them on the phone if they’re over a certain age.
If you’d like a sample invitation, click here.
If you’d like a send a video to explain what we are doing, click here.
Step Three:
Prepare
The videos and conversation guides are designed to be easy and intuitive. You should not need much preparation week to week. But if you would like some tips and ideas for leading a great conversation, let us know.
Depending on the size and makeup of the group, you might want to begin with a group covenant. Group covenants help everyone start off on the same page and can help manage any issues that may come up through your meetings. You can find a sample covenant here.
When possible, it is good to center your Loop around food and drink - but this can also be a lot of extra work. Before your first meeting, think through what you want to offer, and whether you want to invite others to bring food and drink. Perhaps each Loop is a potluck? Or maybe you can have a sign up and take turns.
You will need to have some way to watch the video for your meeting. Most TVs these days should be able to access the videos without problem, but if you need tech support, please reach out and we’ll try to help.
Step Four:
Communicate
A few days before your first meeting, it is a good idea to send out a reminder email or text. Express your enthusiasm for your gathering and offer any details (location, date and time, food and drink plans) you think would be helpful.
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Even though Loops are designed to be conversations without homework, some people are more comfortable if they can see the video and the questions ahead of time. If you think your group would appreciate it, then make sure to send a link to the videos and questions.
Step Five:
Show Up
This is the most important step. Show up. Be present. Be open. Be ready to listen and share. Be ready to encourage and challenge and support.
You are doing something critically important - you are creating a safe, social place for people to connect. So show up. Be open. And have fun!