Finding Your People: Building Community on Campus

Starting or growing a Plant Futures chapter can feel like a lot—especially when you’re stuck dealing with registration forms, emails,
and campus red tape.

But here’s the thing: that stuff isn’t what really matters. The heart of Plant Futures is community, and that starts with finding your people.

We’ve seen it time and again with chapters across the country. When students focus on building relationships, the rest falls into place. So, let’s skip the stress and get back to what makes this work meaningful: connection, collaboration, and good energy. Here are a few ways to focus on building a community that feels exciting and real:

1. Start with Shared Values
Who else on your campus cares about food systems, sustainability, or climate action? Start by talking to people who are already passionate about making a difference. You don’t need to know them yet—these connections often happen in unexpected places, like a random class project, a campus sustainability event, or even over a dining hall lunch.

2. Host Low-Stakes Hangouts
Start with something simple. Host a casual meetup, like a plant-forward potluck, a coffee chat, or even a study group. These kinds of gatherings make space for conversations that don’t feel forced. It’s less about what’s “official” and more about what brings people together.

3. Collaborate Across Interests
Plant Futures is all about bridging disciplines. Reach out to people studying business, public health, urban planning, or even engineering. The most impactful ideas come from connecting with students who think differently from you but share a passion for solutions.

4. Focus on Energy, Not Perfection
Waiting for official registration to come through? Don’t let that stop you from building momentum. Some of the best chapters started with something as small as a group chat or an impromptu event. Focus on small wins, like inviting a few friends to watch a food documentary or hosting a brainstorming session over snacks. Building a chapter isn’t about being perfect—it’s about creating momentum and excitement that will keep people coming back.

5. Celebrate Every Step
Whether you’re hosting your first event or simply finding a couple of students who share your passion, those moments matter. They’re what make this work feel fun and rewarding. Don’t brush off the little wins—they’re proof that you’re building something special.

It’s not about being “official.” It’s about finding the energy and people that make this work meaningful.

And here’s the thing: if you’re not having fun, and you’re not connecting with people who get you excited, you’re probably not building the right things.

The real magic happens when you focus on relationships, not red tape.

Start with what feels joyful. The paperwork can wait.