How to Start a Local Puzzle Group: Jigsaw Puzzle Players

How close is your nearest local puzzle group?

If you are like me, I don’t have an official puzzle group I have joined, it’s a bunch of friends. However, I wanted to change this a couple years ago and decided to see if it was possible to create a local jigsaw puzzle group.

Start a Local Puzzle Group

Are you a jigsaw puzzle enthusiast who dreams of connecting with like-minded individuals in your community? Starting a local puzzle group is a fantastic way to share your passion. Plus I’ve found that you make new friends and challenge your mind in a fun and collaborative environment. Yes, there is work involved too. A good jigsaw puzzle group has plenty of responsibility. Yet, it’s worth it!

Whether you’re in a bustling city or a quiet town, you can find fellow puzzle lovers eager to join in on the fun. Like a horn in the night, once people hear there are puzzle groups they can join, they will come calling!

Why Start a Puzzle Group?

Before diving into the how-to, let’s explore the why of starting a group. I’ve had to really think about why I would start a local puzzle group. Here are a few compelling reasons I’ve considered to start a local puzzle group:

• Social Connection: Puzzles are a great way to bring people together. They provide a relaxed setting where you can chat, laugh, and bond over a shared interest. I want to talk to puzzle people too!
• Mental Stimulation: Puzzling is excellent for keeping your brain sharp. Working on puzzles with others can introduce new techniques and strategies, enhancing your skills. I’ve found that getting involved in a puzzle group really brought some great brain moments!
• Community Building: Creating a puzzle group can help build a sense of community, offering a regular gathering point for people to connect and engage. Not only do you have puzzle enthusiasts, you impact the youth in your community and you share a hobby you love.

A Name for Your Local Puzzle Group

If you’re thinking about a puzzle group, you need to think about a name. It’s important that it offers a fun look into what you feel your group portrays. Making it personal is very important. If you’re still not sure, as you set up the group, consider using a local landmark, a city name or a geographic remembrance. Of course you can change it later on, but having a name will help you set up your group and explain it to others.

Step 1: Define Your Puzzle Group Vision

The first step in starting a puzzle group is to define what you want it to look like. When I started I wanted to have a place where EVERYONE could come and participate in jigsaw puzzles. This has actually changed over the past few years. Today, if asked, I want people who love puzzles to join us playing and learning about the puzzles as we go.

What I didn’t know until I started my puzzle group is you need to think about the logistics of starting a group. Consider what you’d like to run:

• Group Size: Do you envision a small, intimate group of puzzle enthusiasts or a larger gathering of puzzle people? Smaller groups might offer a more personal experience, while larger groups can bring more diverse perspectives and techniques. It’s your choice!
• Meeting Frequency: How often do you want to meet? Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly? Consistency is key to keeping members engaged. I’ve settled on a monthly meeting and if I want to get together with certain members, I have coffee nights.
• Location: Where will you meet? Options include community centers, libraries, cafes, or even rotating between members’ homes. I definitely discourage you to meet at homes. It gets complicated fast and it’s not comfortable to strangers new to the puzzle club.
• Puzzle Types: Will you focus solely on jigsaw puzzles, or include other types like crosswords, Sudoku, or logic puzzles? I’ve only focused on jigsaw puzzles and it’s worked out fabulous!

Step 2: Spread the Word

Once you have a clear vision, it’s time to find your fellow puzzle enthusiasts. Around my home I’ve found there are wonderful ways to get out the word! Here are some effective ways to spread the word:

• Social Media: Create a Facebook group or event, post on local community pages, or use platforms like Craigslist events to reach potential members. I’ve even placed it online at the chamber of commerce meetings in my area.
• Flyers and Posters: Design eye-catching flyers and posters to place in local libraries, cafes, community centers, and bulletin boards. Don’t forget the senior center, the church bulletin board and even the school board.
• Word of Mouth: Tell friends, family, and colleagues about your group. They might know someone who would be interested. And make sure everyone knows there will be refreshments.
• Local Media: Contact local newspapers, radio stations, or blogs to see if they would be interested in featuring your group. Even if you have a small announcement in the calendar, it will have people thinking about your puzzle group.

Step 3: Plan Your First Meeting

Planning your first meeting is crucial to setting the tone for your local puzzle group. Things always change as your puzzle group gets going. However, I’ve noticed from personal experience, you need to know what you want out of your group AND your members need to know how they need to act to be part of your group. Here’s a checklist to help you prepare:

• Select a Venue: Choose a comfortable, accessible location with enough space for your group to spread out and work on puzzles. At the beginning, you might move around. Don’t worry. Growing pains will end about 6 months into your new group!
• Gather Supplies: Ensure you have enough puzzles, tables, and chairs. You might also want to provide snacks and drinks to create a welcoming atmosphere. Keep things light and friendly. Even music might help set the tone.
• Create an Agenda: Plan a simple agenda for the meeting. Include time for introductions, discussing the group’s goals, and, of course, working on puzzles. Don’t forget time to talk after the meeting too!
• Prepare a Welcome Kit: Consider putting together a welcome kit for new members. Include a information about the puzzle group, a schedule of upcoming meetings, and contact information. If you’re thinking you need help, share volunteer positions you’d like filled.

Step 4: Facilitate the Meeting

On the day of your first local puzzle group meeting, aim to create a friendly and inclusive environment. This will be a nervous experience. For all the meeting I’ve had with my group, the first one was the worst. I was uptight. Didn’t know how many people would arrive and I was unsure if I’d done everything I could to get people to come. What I would tell myself is relax. The people will come and whether you get 2 people or 50, it’s only going to grow from the first meeting.

Here are some tips:

• Arrive Early: Get to the venue early to set up and greet members as they arrive.
• Break the Ice: Start with a fun icebreaker activity to help members get to know each other.
• Explain the Group’s Purpose: Clearly explain the goals and vision for the group. Encourage members to share their own ideas and expectations.
• Encourage Participation: Make sure everyone feels included and has a chance to contribute. Rotate puzzles or work in small groups to keep things engaging.
• Gather Feedback: At the end of the meeting, ask for feedback on what went well and what could be improved. This will help you refine future meetings.

Step 5: Keep the Momentum Going

Once you have the first meeting done, you need to start planning for the next one. It’s time to build up your group. Maintaining enthusiasm and momentum is key to the longevity of your local puzzle group. Here are some strategies to keep members engaged:

• Regular Communication: Stay in touch with members between meetings through email, social media, or a group chat. Share puzzle tips, interesting articles, and updates on upcoming meetings.
• Variety of Activities: Keep meetings fresh and exciting by introducing new types of puzzles, hosting themed puzzle nights, or inviting guest speakers. What about speed puzzling or puzzle racing?
• Collaborative Projects: Work on larger puzzles that require teamwork, or start a puzzle exchange where members can trade puzzles.
• Celebrate Milestones: Celebrate achievements like completing a particularly challenging puzzle or reaching a membership milestone. This can help build a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie.

Step 6: Expand Your Reach of Puzzle Lovers

As your puzzle group grows, consider ways to expand your reach and impact. Unless you are looking for an intimate group, it’s important you focus on growing. This means you need to keep looking for opportunities and sharing puzzle information with your community.

• Partner with Local Businesses: Partner with local cafes, bookstores, or toy stores to host meetings or events. This can help attract new members and build community support.
• Host Public Events: Organize public puzzle events, such as puzzle marathons, competitions, or charity fundraisers. These events can draw attention to your group and engage a wider audience.
• Online Presence: Create a website or blog to share your group’s activities, showcase member achievements, and provide resources for other puzzle enthusiasts.
• Collaborate with Other Groups: Reach out to other local hobby groups or clubs for joint events. This can help cross-pollinate membership and bring fresh energy to your meetings.

Step 7: Embrace Inclusivity and Accessibility

A successful puzzle group is one that is welcoming and accessible to all. While I do believe that people always put their best foot forward, it’s important to consider that you outline exactly what this means for your group. That way, there are no misunderstandings and you can solidify doing your best.

Here’s how to ensure your group is inclusive:

• Diverse Puzzles: Offer a variety of puzzles that cater to different skill levels and interests. This ensures everyone can participate and enjoy the experience.
• Accessible Venue: Choose venues that are accessible to people with disabilities. Consider parking, entrance accessibility, and restrooms.
• Clear Communication: Use clear and inclusive language in your communications. Ensure all members are informed about meeting times, locations, and activities.
• Respectful Environment: Foster a respectful and supportive environment where all members feel valued and heard. Address any issues of exclusion or discrimination promptly.

Step 8: Keep Talking Puzzles

It’s important to keep your puzzle meetings going and keep talking about puzzles. Once you hit the 3 month mark you will start to see your local puzzle group growing. At the 6 month mark your local puzzle group will start to be seriously noticed in your community. At the year mark, the puzzle group will look different to you as more people will call it their group. People who are part of your group will start to suggest it’s part of their life too. This is the biggest compliment to any local puzzle group leader.

Start Your Local Puzzle Group Journey Today!

Starting a local puzzle group can be a rewarding experience that brings joy, connection, and mental stimulation to your life and the lives of others. Plus, it will be all about jigsaw puzzles! By following these steps, you can create a thriving community of puzzle enthusiasts in your area.

Remember, the key to a successful puzzle group is enthusiasm, inclusivity, and a shared love for the challenge and satisfaction that puzzles bring.

So why wait? Gather your favorite puzzles, spread the word, and embark on this exciting journey to connect with fellow puzzle lovers. Your local puzzle group awaits!