Building New Friendships After Relocating: Effective Strategies

Relocating to a new state or city can be an exciting but challenging experience. Navigating the social landscape can be daunting, especially when you're trying to find people who share your interests. In this article, we'll explore effective strategies for meeting and befriending new people in your new home, including the renowned MeetUp platform and volunteering activities.

The Power of MeetUp

MeetUp is a highly recommended platform for networking with like-minded individuals. Many newcomers mistakenly dismiss MeetUp as a mere 'meat market,' but it can be an invaluable tool for building meaningful connections. I first heard about MeetUp from two different sources in the years 2010-2012, but it wasn't until the second person suggested it that I finally joined in 2012. At that time, MeetUp was holding a raffle where the winner could win a free trip to any destination in the world, provided they attended an event at a local MeetUp group. The more groups you joined or attended, the more chances you had to win. I participated in 12 different groups and enjoyed all of them, forming many new friendships in the process, even leading to ongoing relationships outside of MeetUp.

Before discovering MeetUp, it was incredibly challenging to make friends, particularly those who understood my experiences. Since then, I've highly recommended MeetUp to others facing similar challenges. One of the key advantages of using MeetUp is that you get to choose groups that align with your interests, and you can connect with individuals who share these interests. This makes the process of forming friendships much smoother and more enjoyable.

Volunteering: A Path to Kindness and Connection

Another effective way to meet new people is through volunteering. There are numerous opportunities to give back and meet like-minded individuals. From animal shelters and hospitals to organizations like Meals on Wheels and tree-planting initiatives, volunteering can be a rewarding experience. You can find some of the nicest people who share your passion for making a difference. For example, I've volunteered at animal shelters, where you get one-on-one time with frightened and lonely animals. This can be a deeply gratifying experience and a great way to connect with others who have a similar interest.

If financial constraints prevent you from donating money to organizations you care about, consider volunteering your time instead. In many cases, volunteering your skills and time can be more valuable than a financial donation. I found that donating my time was often as satisfying, if not more so, than contributing financially.

Be Careful with Church and Organizational Involvement

When considering joining groups or organizations, it's important to be careful, especially if they are church-based. While many volunteers are friendly and welcoming, some organizations, particularly those with strong religious affiliations, may not be the best fit. I once volunteered at a church location for a food pantry event, and while the other volunteers were nice, they weren't as warm towards me when they discovered I wasn't a member of that church—nor was I a church-goer. This experience taught me that some groups can be cliquish, and there may be additional layers of non-acceptance if you don't share their beliefs or practices.

I do not recommend getting involved in groups or organizations you don't genuinely believe in. For instance, church-based organizations might not be the best fit if you are agnostic, atheist, or non-Christian. It's crucial to find groups and organizations that align with your values and beliefs, as this will make the bonding process much smoother and more enjoyable.

Is MeetUp your go-to for networking? If not, consider giving it a try. While one group might not be a good fit, you can always try a different one. The key is to stay open-minded and persistent, and you're sure to find the right group or volunteer activities that resonate with you.