There are several things that I can point to that have led to Time Travelers Costume Guild's success, so far. We still have a lot of work to do and fun to make!I especially want to thank past ICG president, Phillip Gust who has been really helpful to our branch in getting started, and ICG's Non-profit GEL program.　1. I have been participating in costumed events including Ren Faires, Sci Fi and Anime Conventions to Burning Man for over 15 years. Herding cats and leading costume panels and DIYs. I know a lot of people, and when I started this group three years ago, many were on already board.2. Portland,Oregon is town full of creative people who enjoy being weird. The shear number of things happening in competition with our events can also be a problem though.We make an effort not to schedule on top of other related community events.　3. I have marketing and event promotion planning experience from real life which I can apply to this group.4.　 Our group is about events/activities, not meetings. We have a monthly business meeting and our Annual Member Meet & Greet- everything else is an activity. We plan events 6 weeks to 3-6 months ahead of time- people need time to get an outfit together! We also chose a theme last year for our events and supported our members' creating costuming for the theme through workshops. Last year's theme was the 1920's.　We held multiple themed events (some fancy, some casual) so they could wear those outfits again.　5. We hold a monthly, consistent sewing/crafting meet up that is free and open to the public. I have been holding our "Salon and Stitch & Bitch" on each second Sunday at a local fabric store (that gives us free space) for three years.- a full year before we had enough people to become a non-profit 501c3 through ICG's GEL program (This is our second year as ICG GEL members). I highly recommend joining the ICG GEL by the way. Free or reduced priced venues are just one of the benefits when you are a non-profit!6.　TTCG has a costume admired, but not required policy. We try to lead by example. Our events are open to the public. Maybe someone new wears a "Halloween" costume the first time they come to an event- but they see beautiful costumes, have a good time because our members are friendly, and then want to join our group and improve their look. Simply be friendly and welcoming. NO stitch counting! We have both historical costumers and those who thrift shop and use glue guns in our membership. The perception 　that "serious" costumers are ALL mean and snooty is probably the biggest hurdle we have to over come.7. Build community by being open to diversity, multi- generational and inclusive. Our oldest member is in their 70's and our youngest in their 20's. We have board members that range in age from 28-70. 　We openly welcome gay and trans people and disabled people and have a non-discrimination/non-harrassment policy.　　We would like more "cosplayers" and younger people to join us and are doing outreach through comic cons and anime cons. (I don't plan to be President forever- we need fresh meat! LOL)　Currently we have about 65 paid members (We have some peeps that need to renew!). Our roster has topped 80.　8. Strong Social Media Presence- Yep, 　Facebook is where the people are (at least for now). Create events on Facebook and invite people to your events!　Feel free to join us on Facebook, and invite me to your group: