“The journey is not so much about how many people respond. You can just impact one person and they can impact you back.” - Bruce Muchelule
When Bruce became a dad, he wasn’t quite sure how to know if he was doing things right. He reached out on Twitter to see if there were any support groups or places for dads to find peer mentorship. He couldn’t find one, but he did receive DMs from many fathers looking for a community like Bruce.
DADing Different began as a space for young and first-time dads to exchange notes, share experiences, and support each other on their journeys. Bruce has found vulnerability to be key to meaningful sharing, and he designs the community to encourage that. Too many structures and processes can be off putting for a community. Bruce opts instead for serendipity and asynchronicity in a WhatsApp group.
We talked with Bruce about creating a space that is “member-led” not “leader-led” and opting for a small group of engaged, eager members.
Highlights, inspiration, & key learnings:
- You can’t fake the funk. How Bruce started DAD-ing Different.
- Peer-mentorship. A space to learn together.
- Watering hole. WhatsApp as a home for conversation and a place to connect 1:1 with other dads.
- Getting started. Building confidence at the outset of organizing.
👋🏻Say hi to Bruce and learn more about DADing Different.
✨Say hi to Whitney, “Get Together” correspondent.
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