Growing a WWCode Community
Written by Sapphire Duffy
Leading a WWCode community is an opportunity to give back to the tech industry by supporting diverse technologists in fostering friendships, sharing ideas, learning, and receiving career support. For underrepresented technologists, joining a tech community can be a beneficial step in career advancement.
If you’re interested in building and growing a WWCode community, here are a few things to consider:
- Create opportunities for members to network
Networking goes beyond connecting on LinkedIn or following on Instagram. It is about interacting and learning from each other, exchanging information, and building relationships. It can help decrease loneliness or inadequacy, and help members grow personally and professionally. Networking at virtual events may look like creating space for member greetings in small groups or activating an instant chat, e.g., Slack. Forums encouraging member interaction help technologists establish meaningful connections and grow in their careers.
- Support members in building their skills
Tech communities are among the best places to learn new skills and engage with industry trends. There are many ways for you to help members stay on top of what is popular and expand their knowledge, including WWCode online and in-person events, on-demand content, attending WWCode conferences, reading WWCode blogs, sharing resources, and more. You can also offer members the opportunity to speak at events to help improve their presentation skills and gain more confidence.
- Encourage problem-solving and collaboration
Tech communities are full of people who may have faced similar obstacles or challenges. Members can help each other find a solution to problems and learn from the mistakes of others to avoid making the same mistakes. You can create a collaborative environment for members by hosting events like coding hangouts, competitions, hack nights, or hackathons. You can also create a space in Slack for members to ask questions or get help with solving problems.
- Champion access and career navigation
Host events like a resume or interviewing workshop to help members gain access to new tools and career guidance. WWCode has a Career Navigation Track that helps make tech more accessible and demystifies what it means to transition into tech, build career resiliency, and level up. It combines resources like WWCode Job Board, Career Navigation newsletter, and community events.
Giving space for members to connect with WWCode partners is also essential. You can work with partners to host events in your area, allowing members to network with companies that support WWCode’s mission and vision.
- Expand access to mentorship
Tech communities are a bridge between learners and experts as members guide and support each other. You can offer mentorship opportunities to members or host a mentorship program, which is popular in some WWCode Networks.
Overall, building a community gives you a chance to impact the world! If you have ever wanted to make the world a better place and contribute to the growth of other technologists, building and growing a community with WWCode will give you a chance to positively impact others and be part of a powerful mission. You can create a ripple effect and inspire others to do the same. Take the chance to impact the world by sharing your time and resources.
Building a community in your Network is an ongoing process that takes time to grow. If you want to build a community, join one of our local networks or online communities to get started.