Oh, this feels so familiar! I remember starting so many short-lived clubs in middle school. Today, my job is centered around the place I live and helping people find their places of belonging. I have a reminder from Vonnegut tacked up on my wall: "What should young people do with their lives today? Many things, obviously. But the most daring thing is to create stable communities in which the terrible disease of loneliness can be cured."
TENLEY!!!!! This is so beautiful. I love these words and all of this. Yes yes yes. SUPER grateful you shared. (Also thank you for working to create belonging right where you are.)
I feel this so deeply! I'm currently wrapping up my final semester of my experience design master's degree. As I prepare my portfolio and story to share with the world, I'm realizing the common thread in my work is seeking to create opportunities for belonging and connection. When you said you realized you've been making all these scrappy, homemade clubs, I realized I've been doing that too in my own ways in both my professional and personal life. Can we make a Club Makers Club? :) Big fan of you as always!
A CLUB MAKERS CLUB!?!?! I was traveling today when I saw your comment and couldn’t immediately respond. Instead your idea has rattled in my head all day long. It’s so good. It needs to happen. Can it happen? Wanna be President? I’ll be your Skipper. We’ll create a club that creates more clubs. Let’s do it!
Brad, what a welcome message from you this morning. Belonging. Maybe that's all we silly humans really need. One of the most fun and (I hope) important things I do at work is partner fifth grade students (who are willing and apply for the job!) with younger students. Our mentor program has been going for years. The little ones think they have a helper for reading, but the rest of us know it's all about building community, belonging and having someone on your side. Belonging. Thank you!
Oh I cannot even begin to express how encouraged I’ve been by your comment. Thank you. I’m also so so so moved by your work and the good it’s undoubtedly doing. Grateful you’re right where you are doing what you’re doing. So glad you’re here!
You know I love this. Though as Groucho Marx said, I’m not sure I’d want to be part of a club that would accept someone like me. ;) Just kidding, I’M IN.
I recently listened to your audio book and was so inspired by your creativity. I now go through life trying to be what I needed when I was younger. I also loved your reminder to be a parent whose ‘sparky’ - I try and channel this everyday with my twin toddlers. Keep inspiring, spreading kindness and joyful rebellions. (My little girl is called Joy) Xx
Loved this, Brad, and it resonated with me because I loved the membership cards and special ‘things’ you get as being a member, I joined so many as a kid. As an adult, when I had my stationery business I ran a subscription box and subscribers got a membership card. In my wellbeing business, I used to have a membership, there’s definitely a desire to keep creating clubs in my life. And at the same time I remember how awful it felt to not be a part of a club/clique at school, and being conscious of not wanting others to feel left out or excluded. Paid subscriptions here on Substack are clubs, and they come with the waiting and hoping for your first members (as I am)! Lots to ponder here, Brad, thank you.
Oh, this feels so familiar! I remember starting so many short-lived clubs in middle school. Today, my job is centered around the place I live and helping people find their places of belonging. I have a reminder from Vonnegut tacked up on my wall: "What should young people do with their lives today? Many things, obviously. But the most daring thing is to create stable communities in which the terrible disease of loneliness can be cured."
TENLEY!!!!! This is so beautiful. I love these words and all of this. Yes yes yes. SUPER grateful you shared. (Also thank you for working to create belonging right where you are.)
I feel this so deeply! I'm currently wrapping up my final semester of my experience design master's degree. As I prepare my portfolio and story to share with the world, I'm realizing the common thread in my work is seeking to create opportunities for belonging and connection. When you said you realized you've been making all these scrappy, homemade clubs, I realized I've been doing that too in my own ways in both my professional and personal life. Can we make a Club Makers Club? :) Big fan of you as always!
A CLUB MAKERS CLUB!?!?! I was traveling today when I saw your comment and couldn’t immediately respond. Instead your idea has rattled in my head all day long. It’s so good. It needs to happen. Can it happen? Wanna be President? I’ll be your Skipper. We’ll create a club that creates more clubs. Let’s do it!
Let's make it happen! I'm 100% in. If you're serious about it, my email is hello@maryntan.com :)
Brad, what a welcome message from you this morning. Belonging. Maybe that's all we silly humans really need. One of the most fun and (I hope) important things I do at work is partner fifth grade students (who are willing and apply for the job!) with younger students. Our mentor program has been going for years. The little ones think they have a helper for reading, but the rest of us know it's all about building community, belonging and having someone on your side. Belonging. Thank you!
Oh I cannot even begin to express how encouraged I’ve been by your comment. Thank you. I’m also so so so moved by your work and the good it’s undoubtedly doing. Grateful you’re right where you are doing what you’re doing. So glad you’re here!
Love it! 100% behind you and praying for you and Kristi!
Chris!!! Thank you. Truly.
You know I love this. Though as Groucho Marx said, I’m not sure I’d want to be part of a club that would accept someone like me. ;) Just kidding, I’M IN.
JESSICA! You are such a brilliant light. I love that Groucho quote. (And sorta feel it some days haha) I’m honored to be in any club that has a YOU
I recently listened to your audio book and was so inspired by your creativity. I now go through life trying to be what I needed when I was younger. I also loved your reminder to be a parent whose ‘sparky’ - I try and channel this everyday with my twin toddlers. Keep inspiring, spreading kindness and joyful rebellions. (My little girl is called Joy) Xx
Loved this, Brad, and it resonated with me because I loved the membership cards and special ‘things’ you get as being a member, I joined so many as a kid. As an adult, when I had my stationery business I ran a subscription box and subscribers got a membership card. In my wellbeing business, I used to have a membership, there’s definitely a desire to keep creating clubs in my life. And at the same time I remember how awful it felt to not be a part of a club/clique at school, and being conscious of not wanting others to feel left out or excluded. Paid subscriptions here on Substack are clubs, and they come with the waiting and hoping for your first members (as I am)! Lots to ponder here, Brad, thank you.