Give the group a clear purpose
Write who the community serves, what members can ask or contribute and what is outside scope.
Read this step →Community / a practical field guide
Help new members take a first useful step
A launch and moderation playbook for professional groups, learning circles and product communities.
Start with the decisions that matter
Design the first-week experience
Create a short welcome message, a navigation guide and a visible place to ask for help.
Read this step →Document moderation decisions
Publish behaviour expectations and a private route to report issues.
Read this step →A concrete example
A learning group replaces six quiet channels with a weekly “show one thing you built” thread and a help queue. Moderators welcome each new participant and track unanswered requests. The review focuses on useful exchanges rather than the total membership number.
Turn the guide into an action plan
Use the worksheet to record evidence, open questions and the next person responsible. Check only the items you have actually reviewed. Download a text copy or print your working notes.
Open the community worksheet →