We have had a lot of experience of building safe online spaces for trusted peers to collaborate and connect.

The best approach we’ve seen is where groups grow in stages - usually cohorts of 10/15

Stage 1: The first 15

This group is very important and will set the tone for the entire group.

The main things we need to get right here are:

• Profile completion - so everyone is approved and expressing their authentic selves
• Introductions so that people are sharing about themselves and what they want from the group
• A sense of safety, vulnerability and willingness to share between themselves

A good introduction template is something like:

• Where in the world are you from:
• What’s your current role:
• What challenges or outcomes are you working on:
• What can you offer the group:
• What vibes with you most, what are your values:

Stage 2: The next 15