📍 While Creatiflow thrives online through Daily.co video sessions, there's irreplaceable magic in **in-person creative collaboration**. This forum is for organizing regional gatherings, local co-working sessions, and community events. **Why Local Meetups Matter:** **Embodied Connection** Screen-based connection is powerful, but physical co-presence enables: - Spontaneous collaboration and "happy accidents" - Shared meals and social bonding - Hands-on creative work (printmaking, ceramics, performance) - Multi-sensory experiences impossible online **Place-Based Learning** Local environments offer unique creative opportunities: - Nature walks for environmental creativity - Urban exploration for place-based projects - Studio tours and maker spaces - Cultural events and community resources **Strengthening Networks** Meeting face-to-face deepens online relationships and builds trust for future collaboration. **Types of Meetups:** **1. Co-Working Days** Work alongside others in cafes, libraries, or shared studios. Parallel presence, mutual accountability. **2. Skill-Sharing Workshops** Teach each other hands-on skills: bookbinding, screen printing, improvisational dance, etc. **3. Creative Field Trips** Visit museums, galleries, performances, maker spaces, or natural areas together. **4. Critique Circles** In-person feedback sessions with snacks and supportive structure. **5. Collaborative Projects** Create something together: mural painting, community zine, group performance. **6. Social Gatherings** Casual hangouts to build community: potlucks, game nights, creative playdates. **How to Organize a Meetup:** **Step 1: Post Your Idea** Create a thread with: - **Location** (city, neighborhood) - **Type of meetup** (co-working, workshop, field trip, etc.) - **Date/time** (or poll options) - **Capacity** (how many people) - **Cost** (free, split venue rental, materials fee) **Step 2: Coordinate Details** Use this forum to discuss: - Specific venue (accessibility, parking, public transit) - What to bring (laptops, supplies, snacks) - Emergency contact info - COVID protocols if relevant **Step 3: Follow Up** After the meetup, share photos, reflections, and insights. Inspire others to organize in their cities! **Safety & Inclusion Guidelines:** **Public Spaces First** For initial meetups, choose public venues (cafes, libraries, parks) rather than private homes. **Accessibility** Consider mobility, sensory, and economic accessibility when choosing venues. **Code of Conduct** Our community values extend to in-person spaces: respect, consent, inclusivity, anti-harassment. **Emergency Protocols** Share phone numbers with attendees. Have a plan for medical emergencies. **Current Meetup Interest:** **Who's Where?** Comment below with your city/region to find others nearby: - San Francisco Bay Area - New York City - London - Berlin - Austin - Portland - Los Angeles - Toronto - Sydney - [Your city here!] **Event Calendar (Coming Soon)** We're building a map-based event calendar so you can easily find meetups near you. **Questions for Discussion:** - What kind of in-person events would excite you? - What barriers prevent you from attending or organizing meetups? - How can we make these gatherings maximally inclusive? - Share photos from past creative community gatherings! Let's bring rhizomatic learning into physical space! 🌍🤝