Community and belonging
These tools are for being part of something with other people: circles and groups, gatherings you can join or host, forums, local groups and book clubs. There is also a community calendar and a shared feed. Some of it happens online and some in person.
The tools are free to use today and need a free account. “Open in the app” asks you to sign in or create one first.
SOS is an educational tool. It is not a doctor, therapist, financial adviser, lawyer or crisis service. Use it to learn and to keep track of your own life, and check anything important with a qualified person. Read the terms.
Tools that help
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Community
Circles
Purpose-driven communities — forums, discussions, and shared missions.
Open in the app: Circles -
Community
Gatherings
Virtual and in-person events — meetups, workshops, and community sessions.
Open in the app: Gatherings -
Community
Local Groups
Create and join local community groups around shared goals, issues, neighborhoods, or interests.
Open in the app: Local Groups -
Community
The Commons
Your social home — Pulse feed, Circles, Gatherings, and Initiatives.
Open in the app: The Commons -
Community
Host a Gathering
Set up a gathering: choose virtual, in person or hybrid, add the date, time, place or link and a capacity, and see a live preview before you create it.
Open in the app: Host a Gathering -
Community
Community Calendar
A month calendar of community events.
Open in the app: Community Calendar -
Community
Forums
Threaded discussions for every topic — forums covering every pillar, tool, and cause.
Open in the app: Forums -
Community
Book Clubs
Join or start a book club, and pick up discussion frameworks and a guide for running your meetings.
Open in the app: Book Clubs -
Community
The Commons Feed
Open in the app: The Commons Feed
Help answers on this topic
- What is the Community (Commons)?
- How do I create or join a circle?
- My circle isn't listed
- How do I find people and groups?
- What are the community rules?
- The community feels empty. Is anyone there?
- How do I set up my community profile?
- Is it safe to meet people I find on SOS?
Guides
- How to start a community gardenA step-by-step guide to starting a community garden: allies, land and permission, soil safety, water, rules, costs, insurance, access and volunteers.
- How to Start a Mutual Aid GroupA practical guide to starting a mutual aid group: choosing an area, finding first members, matching needs and offers, and keeping it going.
- How to Start a Neighborhood AssociationA practical guide to starting a neighborhood association: talk to neighbors, find helpers, hold a first meeting, set limits and include everyone.
More topics
- Physical wellbeing
- Mental wellbeing
- Social connection
- Volunteering and giving
- Personal growth and habits
- Goals and productivity
- Money and financial wellbeing
- Learning and knowledge
- Empowerment and rights
- Cooperation and organizing
- Family and relationships
- Life stages and events
- Meaning, values and purpose
- Safety and support