Facebook to Help Transform Passion into Purpose
June 29, 2017 / Comments (0)
Facebook to Help Transform Passion into Purpose
Facebook recently held their first ever Facebook Communities Summit (#FCS2017) in Chicago. At FCS, Mark Zuckerberg announced that Facebook is changing its mission.
(photo credit: Facebook)
Changing a company mission is no small thing. And it is telling that Zuckerberg chose THIS summit to make such an announcement. And, how the heck did I get in the room to hear it?
I was there representing Outdoor Afro. Outdoor Afro is a national non-profit that creates and inspires Black leadership in nature. Outdoor Afro has been using Facebook Groups for years. We actually have about 35 FB groups around the country that connect people to outdoor activities in their local area, all led by an Outdoor Afro leader.
There were 140 groups represented at FCS2017. 140 out of more than half a BILLION FB groups! This was a specially chosen group of people and I was honored to represent. I have been a volunteer leader for Outdoor Afro in Charlotte since April 2016. In September 2016, I was brought on as a consultant to assist with social media, and eventually, digital communications. When Outdoor Afro was invited to apply for the conference, CEO and Founder, Rue Mapp asked me if I would like to attend. I JUMPED at the chance.
Not long after I arrived at the Hilton Chicago, I received a pretty awesome SWAG bag. (Klean Kanteen tumbler was my own.) What I immediately noticed from the SWAG bag was the attention to detail and knew that would be continued throughout FCS2017.
The opening event was at Revival Food Hall. Where we were able to have incredible Chicago food and mingle with other “Power Admins.”
The beginning of an amazing tapestry
Denise & Ena from Travel Divas
What struck me was the varied groups that were in attendance – social justice, environmental, movie addicts, comic aficionados and more. Groups with 230 members (FII Boston) and groups with many, many more (Pantsuit Nation).
What I loved even more was the space that has been created for traditionally marginalized people within Facebook groups. Spaces where people of similar backgrounds are convening in a safe space. A space where they can reach out to get advice, share their dreams, their frustrations, their issues at work or with family, their love of travel and find deep and authentic connection. This is what building community is all about.
The morning of Day 1 of the workshops I reconnected with a former boss of mine! Anne-Marie saw, on Facebook, that I was in town, and we had quick coffee. I am so appreciative of being reconnected to her years ago on Facebook and then coming to Chicago because of Facebook!
Anne-Marie from my days at YellowPages.com
As we arrive at the secret venue, yes SECRET, FB told as nearly NO details, there was a fair amount of security. It was clear that someone important was in the building! We were able to take some photos and settle in for the keynote.
An Outdoor Afro leader doesn’t go anywhere without her banner!
We settled in and the energy shifted when Mark walked in the room. We had no idea what announcements he was making and we surely didn’t know that it was going to be as HUGE as Facebook changing their company mission. It goes to show how important community building is to Facebook. He also announced new tools for all us Power Admins that received RESOUNDING applause. Lots of tools to make admins lives easier – in the linked article, you won’t only learn about the tools, but you will learn about the groups Lady Bikers, Bethel Church, Affected by Addiction.
Facebook truly listens to people and their ideas. They traveled around the country talking to admins and asking them what they needed. They delivered the tools that admins wanted. Imagine that.
- Listen to your customers
- Give them what they want
- Success ensues
It’s not rocket science. During my time at Chipotle, Steve Ells would always say: “Take care of your employees, they take care of the guests and the money follows.”
At the end of the day. It’s not that difficult. Because…
Mark said this multiple times, and I can’t stress this enough, if you want a great community, you HAVE to have great leaders. Even if they are “accidental leaders.” Many of these admins who started groups are accidental leaders. They started a group and attracted a following. And there is a responsibility to that. And these Power Admins, take that responsibility seriously!
As we dove into the first workshop, I was SUPER pleased with the diverse women on the panel.
All very different leaders, with different missions and different styles, but ALL using Facebook Groups to transform peoples’ lives. Moving stories that moved me to tears multiple times.
In total, we were in 8 workshops. I didn’t know what to expect, but I received more than I thought. It wasn’t JUST a summit about how to manage a group from a tactical space; it was more about understanding YOUR vision and your group’s vision, how to plan and become inspired.
EVERY SINGLE PERSON at Facebook that I interacted with was amazing. Warm, open, inviting, helpful. And after listening to Mark, and snapping a selfie with him(!) it is clear where all that comes from. It comes from him. It comes from leadership. It always does. The employees at Facebook LISTENED! So much so, that they added a last minute workshop on day 2 based on what people asked for in day 1. Incredible!
I love social media. I love what it can be used for. I love what is has done for me. It has helped me make connections and transform my PASSION into PURPOSE. And if you use it right, it can do the same for you.
All Groups Represented at #FCS2017
(photo credit: Facebook)
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