The Community Collective is a thriving, educational cohort of coworking and collaborative hub builders, operators, and founders. And it has just concluded its 4th successful training cohort yet
What started as a small meetup group in Melbourne during the pandemic in 2021 has grown into a global movement with over 9,800 people in their audience and 700 in their community across 18 countries. The Community Collective's mission is clear: to elevate community builders and transform businesses through top-tier community management training.
The Community Cohort is an 8-week program designed to bring together people who run, manage or direct various types of communities. The curriculum is to develop new strategies and uncover new opportunities. Participants engage in workshops, networking, and hands-on activities to hone their skills and expand their offerings. It can be a lonely journey — this cohort-based approach creates a community of its own, letting participants bounce ideas, pressure test concepts, and find commonalities across their work.
"We began The Community Collective to create a supportive space for community builders. It's been incredible to see how it has grown from 17 members to a global network," said Co-Founder Paz Pisarski.
Since its inception, the program has seen remarkable growth. The recent Cohort #4, which ran from April 8 to May 31, 2024, stands out as the biggest iteration yet, with numbers that demonstrate its power:
"The metrics from Cohort #4 are mind-blowing. But beyond the numbers, the real success lies in the vibrant, supportive community we've built," Pisarski noted.
Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Ashley Hanger, founder of Stripped Supply in Brisbane, appreciated how the cohort turned theoretical concepts into practical applications for her business. Joy Ndukwe, a community builder in Agbara, Nigeria, gained new insights into community building, while Sean Grealy, founder of Sell Anything in Sydney, valued the friendships and professional connections he made.
"Seeing members celebrate their wins, support each other through challenges, and land jobs through our Slack channel has been incredibly special," said Pisarski.
The diverse range of strategies and initiatives developed by members showcases the program's real-world applications. The program not only boosts participants' confidence and strategic thinking but also leads to tangible improvements in their community initiatives.
Jess Walker, the Cohort Lead, highlighted the “exceptional mix of practical, fast-paced workshops from world-class speakers, and the tangible takeaway of a fully-fledged Community Strategy and Roadmap that each member creates. The collaborative environment and the support from the team have been crucial in delivering high-quality experiences and outcomes.”
Building on the success of Cohort #4, The Community Collective is gearing up for Cohort #5, which will run from September 16 to November 8, 2024, and applications are open.
Participants can expect to learn six key community-building skills, including community strategy design, efficient operations, public speaking, community growth tactics, measuring ROI, and building connections with other community builders.
"We're excited to welcome new participants and continue supporting the growth and development of community builders worldwide," Pisarski stated.
The program offers a blend of practical workshops, networking opportunities, and experiential learning, providing immediate value and long-term benefits for anyone serious about community building.
The success of The Community Collective's latest cohort is a testament to the power of community and the effectiveness of the group-based approach. As The Community Collective continues to grow and evolve, it remains dedicated to supporting these professionals worldwide, transforming businesses, and leading the global movement to establish community building as the most impactful business strategy.
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