Gaming With a Purpose: How To Serve Your Community Through Gaming

Many board gamers will say that gaming has increased their quality of life.

- Natalie Rodriguez

Whether it's opportunities to make new friends and strengthen current relationships, learning critical and strategic thinking skills, or exposure to art, science, and history, board games bring more than just fun and laughter to the table.

Through events big and small, some gamers use their love of board games as a catalyst to improve the quality of life for others throughout their community. While the possibilities are endless for how gamers can affect change in their communities via gaming, here are a few ideas to consider. Those not interested in organizing community events may find ways to participate through social media, Discord, online group event platforms such as Meetup, or by asking their local game store.

Find Meet-ups and Gaming Groups

Just getting out of the house can improve one's mental health. Routine events create a sense of community among frequent attendees to meet-ups. Neurodivergent (ND) players may want to look for smaller events, attend events that specifically welcome ND participants, or contact the organizer before attending to learn more about the group. The Herefordshire (U.K.) Board Gamers website, HerefordshireBoardGamers.co.uk, has informative articles on organizing game nights that are inclusive and supportive of emotional and mental well-being as well as neurodiversity.

Starting a meet-up can be easy. The authors at Mykindof Meeple.com have published an informative online guide for starting and growing a board gaming group or club. Some of their tips are included to the right.

Tips for starting a game group or club: