Let’s go back to April of 2020. The early days of the pandemic when the world seemed to close in around us. The pandemic had left us isolated, uncertain, and craving connection. It was in this time that something beautiful was born: Virtual Coffee. I put out one, simple tweet: Is anyone interested in Virtual Coffee. And what started as one coffee turned into finding hope together in the one place we could safely gather: online. Virtual Coffee was built out of necessity but grown through compassion and shared experiences.

Who knew Virtual Coffee would still be here?

As Virtual Coffee approaches its fifth year, we're celebrating what makes this community truly special and taking this month to challenge you to spread the kindness to the communities you're in.

At the heart of Virtual Coffee's success is our commitment to authenticity and empathy. Virtual Coffee isn't just a space for transactions; it's a place for genuine relationships to flourish. Members don't just show up to take — they give, support, and celebrate one another. This relational approach, what we call the Virtual Coffee Effect, creates ripples of impact that extend far beyond virtual interactions.

Our "Coffee Table Approach," allows for intimacy, vulnerability, and mentorship, like conversations you would have with a friend around a coffee table. Every interaction is an opportunity for growth, connection, and inclusivity, ensuring that all voices are valued and heard.

In today's uncertain landscape, characterized by job losses, burnout, and isolation, our hope is that our community will continue to spread kindness and that you'll join us on this mission. Through shared stories and meaningful conversations, we can rewrite our narratives, finding purpose and support in challenging times.

As Virtual Coffee looks to the future, our mission remains clear: to deepen authentic connections and ensure that every member feels welcomed, valued, and supported. Success is not measured in numbers but in the positive impacts on each other's lives, creating ripples of kindness that extend far beyond the community's boundaries. But it doesn't have to stop with us. Join us in our monthly challenge to spread kindness in the tech community.

Let's all work to make tech a community that shows up, steps up, and grows together. This is the Virtual Coffee Effect — where every interaction is an opportunity for kindness, understanding, and belonging.

Here are some simple ways to spread kindness and show gratitude:

• Send a Thank You Note: Take a few moments to express appreciation to someone who has helped or supported you in the community. A heartfelt message can go a long way in brightening someone's day. Or used oss.love to send a card to someone in the open source community who has helped you.
• **Offer Support: Keep an eye out for members or people you know who may be struggling or in need of assistance. Reach out with words of encouragement, offer a listening ear, or provide practical help if you're able.
• **Acknowledge Contributions: Whether it's a small comment on a post or a shoutout during a community meeting, take the time to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of your fellow members. Recognizing their efforts fosters a culture of appreciation and validation.
• Practice Active Listening: When engaging in conversations or discussions within the community, practice active listening. Show genuine interest in others' perspectives, ask clarifying questions, and validate their experiences. This demonstrates respect and empathy.
• Random Acts of Kindness: Surprise a someone with a random act of kindness, such as sharing a helpful resource, offering to collaborate on a project, or simply sending a positive message to brighten their day.
• Participate in Community Events: Show your support for community initiatives, events, and projects by actively participating and contributing your time and expertise. Your involvement strengthens the sense of belonging and unity within the community.
• Spread Positivity: Be intentional about spreading positivity within the community. Share uplifting stories, words of encouragement, or inspirational quotes to inspire others and create a culture of optimism and kindness.

Let us know if you have more ideas about how to spread kindness in the community!