How to Build Community from Scratch: Tips for Latino Leaders

By The Time Is YA Network-Community tips for Latino Leaders

Some of us grow up surrounded by community—loud, joyful, messy, powerful. Others have to create it from scratch.

If you’re the one who always raises your hand, helps organize the meeting, checks in on people, or gathers others to share space, this post is for you. You don’t need to be famous, rich, or loud to lead. You just need intention, heart, and a little bit of courage.

Here are some tips to help you build the community you’ve been craving — even if you’re starting from cero.

Marisela Barbosa, The Time Is Ya Founder at MTC-ABAG community engagement workshop 2024

1. Start small. Like... really small.

Your first "community" might just be you and one friend. Or two neighbors. Or your cousin and their comadre. Don’t wait for 50 people to show up. Start with 2. That’s enough to build something real.

Text someone: “I’ve been thinking… do you want to meet up and talk about this idea?”

2. Be clear about your “why”

People won’t show up just for flyers. They show up for purpose. What do you believe in? What needs to change? What are you building?

If you can say it in one sentence, it will move hearts.

“I just want us to have a safe space where we feel seen.” “We need to talk about mental health without shame.” “We need more Latinas leading.”

3. Use what you already have

Don’t wait for a budget or a fancy website. Use tu sala, the local park, your WhatsApp group, or even your garage. We come from resourceful people. Use that superpower.

Sometimes the most powerful movements start around a kitchen table with cafecito and honest conversation.

4. Make people feel seen — not just invited

It’s not just about calling people to the meeting. It’s about remembering their name. Asking how their kids are doing. Listening.

Community grows where people feel recognized, not just “included.”

5. Stay consistent, even when it’s quiet.

You might plan an event and only 3 people come. That’s okay. Keep showing up. Keep reaching out. Keep believing. Consistency is how trust is built. And trust is the soil of all community work.

6. Honor your roots, but build your own path

You don’t have to do it the way your parents did. Or your church. Or your favorite influencer. Your voice matters. Your vision counts.

Bring your cultura, your language, your rhythm. Create a space where Spanglish is welcome, where food is shared, where people feel home.

7. Let it be imperfect — but real

Don’t wait until everything is polished. Start with what’s true. People connect to authenticity more than perfection. Share your story, your fears, your hopes. That’s what makes it powerful.

This is leadership.

It doesn’t always come with a title or a microphone. Sometimes, it looks like texting five friends. Sometimes, it looks like showing up, again and again. Sometimes, it looks like you — reading this — and knowing that the time is not tomorrow... the time is YA.

Want more tools and inspiration like this?

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