Want to host a Craft Club, read this.

After writing a research paper on the loneliness epidemic that Gen Z is facing, this is what I learned. Research consistently shows that Generation Z is the loneliest generation. A 2018 survey by Cigna and Ipsos found that Gen Z reported the highest levels of loneliness among all age groups, and a 2023 study revealed that 79% of Gen Z young adults feel lonely. Several factors contribute to this trend. Despite being constantly connected through technology and social media, many Gen Zers experience only surface-level interactions, which often lack the depth and emotional support found in face-to-face relationships. The decline of community spaces and traditional social structures has also made it harder for them to form meaningful, in-person connections. On top of this, economic uncertainty, the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and growing societal pressures have only deepened feelings of isolation. Together, these issues have created a perfect storm of loneliness for a generation that is more digitally connected than ever, yet still feels profoundly disconnected. I don’t want to be part of a generation that only experiences surface-level interactions, I wanted to take action within my community.  I often host soup nights and craft nights at my house with my close friends, but I wanted to have a greater impact on the city I currently call home, Missoula, Montana. So Craft Club was born. 

My first step was to decide what Craft Club was going to look like. I wanted something that would bring people together, wouldn't lose me money, didn’t cost a lot to be a part of, and allowed people to be creative. I think I have figured this out, but still tweak things from month to month. As of now, there are two options for every Craft Club: a free version where you bring all of your own supplies and come to Craft Club to socialize and work on a craft you are doing individually, the second option is to buy into our monthly craft (under $10). With this option, you just sign up and Venmo me. When you arrive at Craft Club, I give you your materials and instructions. You don't have to bring anything! 

Our first Craft Club, a Collage night at Youer.

The second step was much more logistically heavy. Where would I host it? Who would come? I proposed the idea to a few local businesses but found success with a past employer at Youer. Youer is a local women's clothing brand that recently bought and redesigned their own space. The company has started hosting community events in their vibrant warehouse, so I figured this would be perfect. Mallory, the owner of Youer expressed that she would love to see Youer be a place where people gathered and created community. Finding people who find this event useful has been the hard part. I use Instagram as the main marketing source along with Youer posting the event to their page. I have also seen success in word-of-mouth marketing. 

Third step, the fun one, host Craft Club. The first month we had a collage night. I gathered magazines, books, stickers, and other collage supplies, posted the event to my socials and waited. I had forty people sign up, and I was so excited. Mallory and I set up tables and decorations. About 20 of the forty signed up showed, and we called it a success. It was heart-warming to see people make new friends and enjoy themselves at something I organized. Mallory and I spent some time after everyone had left to debrief the event and decide what we should do differently the next time.  

Main takeaways: 

1. The first month I didn't require people to Venmo me before and allowed payment at the door for supplies. This ended because people signed up, I bought materials, and then they had other things come up. I ended up with an excess of materials and spent too much money on people who didn't end up at the event. 

2. For the first club meeting, I hung posters around town. I found that this wasn’t extremely helpful in the marketing of the event. In the sign-up form I asked people how they heard about the event, and only one person mentioned the fliers, lesson learned!

3. I had food and rented chairs at the first meeting. I decided this cost too much money and took too much time. I want Craft Club to be something I enjoyed as well, so taking out unnecessary stress was a great decision. 

I am still very new to hosting Craft Club, but I feel like every time I learn something new. I am learning to have more fun, relax, and be a part of the community I am trying to create at Craft Club. If you have questions, suggestions, or words of encouragement, please reach out! Oh, and start a Craft Club in your city!