Advice on finding communities

Submitted by These-Assignment-936 t3_10ab4ib in CambridgeMA

Hello, fellow Cantabrigians! I've (34M) lived in this town for close to 10 years, but have done a poor job at becoming part of the community. For most of my time here, I was always expecting to move away again, so it was never a priority. Now that I also work from home, I realize that life has become rather lonely - especially in these dark winter months!

I'd love your advice on communities or clubs that I could join to spend more time around other human beings. Could be volunteering, or interest-based clubs... very open to expanding my horizons.

Thank you for your ideas!

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SomervilleOak t1_j43zy1b wrote

I laughed when you wrote, "For most of my time here, I was always expecting to move away again, so it was never a priority."

I had the same attitude when I moved to Somerville from CT, after completing grad school. That was in 1987. I'm still in Somerville and settled in! 😀

The years fly by really quickly.

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These-Assignment-936 OP t1_j440cyx wrote

Haha. Yes, I figured I wouldn't be alone in that. I did attempt to move away once or twice, but always ended up back here. It's a fine place to live :)

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krysjez t1_j44hish wrote

I feel that too - it's hard to really settle in because of that worry!

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Snoo52682 t1_j43e17w wrote

What are your interests?

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alternativetowel t1_j43sxtj wrote

Yeah this is a pretty key question. OP, do you want people to hang out with? Or a group to be active with (running, climbing, whatever)? Or a volunteer group, or a board game group, or any/all of the above?

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Pykors t1_j43ut32 wrote

If they're not sure what they'd like, maybe check out what's going on at community centers like The Foundry or The Democracy Center to see if there's anything that seems interesting.

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These-Assignment-936 OP t1_j440wx2 wrote

Yeah, I think finding a regular group of folks to hang out with would be great. If I can do that while also being outdoors or physically active in some way, that's even better. Open to all the suggestions you made above :)

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alternativetowel t1_j44zfl7 wrote

I’ll try to list some ideas I haven’t seen mentioned yet:

  • Pandemonium in Central used to do regular game nights—they may still, or they may have other suggestions if they’re not doing what you play

  • Food for Free is always looking for volunteers to pack and/or deliver food boxes throughout the area

  • Also community fridges! I saw mutual aid suggested, but specifically I’ve seen volunteers form a nice community around fridge stocking and upkeep too.

  • If you’re up for joining a more specialized gym like a lifting/climbing/CrossFit situation, they tend to be more social

  • In all seriousness, try MeetUp and/or BumbleBFF. I know people who have had success with both around here.

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These-Assignment-936 OP t1_j45fz0u wrote

Awesome list. I've walked by Pandemonium a few times. Love board games. Will have to check that out.

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These-Assignment-936 OP t1_j440qc2 wrote

My (known) interests include photography, woodworking, nature walks, biking, board games, gardening. Probably forgetting some, but that's what comes to mind :)

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Wibblybit t1_j44nfej wrote

For any outdoors activity (hiking, climbing, skiing, etc), check out MITOC (mit outdoor club), which is open to the greater Camberville community (not just mit) They run trips for pretty much every skill level and are very welcoming and friendly.

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Dibujaron t1_j44u312 wrote

Another person recommended MITOC, which is MIT affiliated. If you'd like something more generic, I wholeheartedly recommend the Appalachian Mountain Club. As a single person, this was the easiest thing by far to attend by myself and not feel weird. There's a 20s and 30s group where I met some good friends. Come join us!

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These-Assignment-936 OP t1_j45fx8z wrote

Thank you all for your kind suggestions! I'm very excited to jump in - what a great town. I've consolidated the suggestions below, for my own sake and for easier consumption by future readers with similar questions!

Sports and Fitness

Games

  • Pandemonium is a board game store that hosts tournaments, game nights and book events

Volunteering

  • Cambridge Fridge is a mutual aid focused on food sharing, open to volunteers
  • Food for Free is a non-profit fighting hunger in the Greater Boston area, open to volunteers

Other/Misc.

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HellbornElfchild t1_j43aq5w wrote

I joined a league at Urban Axes and have been going for a little over two years. Its a ton of fun and the people are great! Even if you come in with no experience, everyone will take you under their wing and help you get better! Its very satisfying to watch the rookies succeed!

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These-Assignment-936 OP t1_j4412vz wrote

Oooh... that's really interesting. Thank you! I'll take a look. Sounds like a nice community.

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ElasticEel t1_j43x1ay wrote

If you are into fitness and can tolerate exercise at 6:30 AM, the November Project is probably the most welcoming community I've been a part of. It's a 2 for 1 of fitness and community, can't beat that...unless you prefer being in bed in the morning.

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These-Assignment-936 OP t1_j440ghm wrote

Oh wow. That seems super interesting. I admit that 6:30AM fitness isn't what I first think of, but I do need to find ways to stay active! Thanks for this one.

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These-Assignment-936 OP t1_j45qpdc wrote

Was going to go this morning but seems to be raining. Does it happen rain or shine?

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ElasticEel t1_j46hci2 wrote

Rain or shine, that's kind of a November Project's thing. We exercise outside no matter the temperature or weather. I typically go to the official Wednesday workout at Harvard stadium. The official Friday workouts are in Brookline on Summit Ave. That's a bit too far for me, so a smaller group of us meet every Friday at Prospect Hill in Somerville, run up and down the hill for about 45 minutes then go down to Union Square Donuts for coffee and sweets. There were probably around 10 of us today and with the warm weather it was actually quite pleasant. Again, it's a super friendly group, new faces are always welcome.

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Right_Split_190 t1_j44fr0x wrote

When I was your age, the Boston Ski and Sports club was a really great way to get to know other people while doing something you enjoyed. Just looked their website, and it seems to be much the same as i remember. Wide range of ages, good mix of genders, welcoming and cooperative vibe. Not super-competitive, with exceptions to that called out clearly. If you ski (and if you have ever learned to ski, it comes back like riding a bike), their ski trips are awesome and cost less than going on your own while including a coach bus ride. Daytrips and also long weekend trips.

This is coming from someone doesn't enjoy a lot of social activity and needs a lot of alone time. The welcoming and accepting vibe was what made this work for me, and I connected with a handful of people with whom friendships blossomed outside of the sporting activities. Married one of them, actually.

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BeyoncePadThai23 t1_j46c04j wrote

For gardening, perhaps you can sign up for a community garden plot (might take time to get a plot, since there's a waiting list), or the Boston Area Gleaners (which also ticks the volunteering box for you)

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Harmony_w t1_j48r7wc wrote

If you are into leftist politics there is the Democratic Socialists of America's Cambridge chapter and Party for Socialism and Liberation.

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CaballoDePalo t1_j4l720g wrote

I think MeetUp.com is a good starter because it deals with your interested. When I first moved here, I joined a world music group and went to a couple of the outings that were scheduled. It was a good way to connect w/ people around a shared interest.

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