Community-led events are gaining in popularity

In recent years, community-led events have been gaining in popularity, with more and more event organizers turning to their own communities to host and organize events. According to a recent survey, 44% of those who run events report that some or all of their events are community-led, and of those, 25% just started hosting such events in the past year. Furthermore, of those who are not yet running community-led events, 49% plan to do so in the coming year.

So what are community-led events, and why are they becoming more popular? Essentially, a community-led event is one that is hosted and organized by members of the community, rather than by a single individual or organization. These events can take many different forms, from small-scale gatherings like potlucks or book clubs to larger events like festivals or conferences. What they all have in common is that they are driven by the interests, needs, and values of the community they serve.

There are a number of reasons why community-led events are becoming more popular. For one, they can be more inclusive and participatory than events organized by a single person or organization. When members of a community come together to plan and host an event, they can ensure that the event reflects the diverse interests and needs of the community. This can make the event more engaging and meaningful for participants, and can help to build a stronger sense of community.

In addition, community-led events can be more sustainable and resilient than events that are dependent on a single organizer or organization. When a community comes together to plan and host an event, they can share the workload and resources, which can help to reduce the burden on any one individual or organization. This can also help to ensure that the event can continue even if one person or organization is unable to participate.

So if you're thinking about hosting an event in the coming year, why not consider making it community-led? By involving members of your community in the planning and hosting process, you can create an event that truly reflects the needs and interests of the community. And if you're already hosting events, consider whether there are opportunities to involve your community more deeply in the process. By working together, you can create events that are more engaging, inclusive, and sustainable, and that help to build stronger communities.

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