If you build it, they will come: KC’s young adults are stepping up as community leaders

Kansas City, Mo. — Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., a vibrant collective of young adults gathers at Lululemon on the Country Club Plaza, forming the Kansas Run Club. As the sun begins to set, the line of enthusiastic runners stretches for blocks, tracing the picturesque paths along Brush Creek while winding around the Nelson-Atkins Museum. The sight alone is enough to draw one in, but what lies at the heart of this phenomenon is something deeper: community.

Community Over Competition

The club’s founder, Jacob Bentzinger, initiated this social run in April 2023 out of a simple desire—**“I was tired of running alone.”** Starting with friends, Jacob harnessed the power of social media to expand the circle, unwittingly creating a space that echoes the need for connection among young adults. “Over time, we’ve realized that this friendship is contagious,” he shared, pointing to the throng of runners, each participating not just to exercise but to forge friendships.

Facing Loneliness Through Connection

In June, the club’s success prompted a round-table discussion featuring four local young adults. They gather weekly not only to run but also to explore the dynamics of friendship in the digital age. Each shared personal insights about their struggles with loneliness in their early 20s and expressed a collective wish to create welcoming spaces for others.

Mary, Lakyn, Madi, and Amanda: The Architects of Community

Mary Payne, 27, a fitness enthusiast, initially joined KRC in its early days after Jacob reached out through Instagram. “I wanted to help him create something special,” she recalled. Lakyn Boltz, 28, found her footing after joining Mary in the fall of 2023, overcoming her belief that running was a punishment. Now, she’s training for a marathon, fueled by the motivation of her newfound community.

The Impact of Social Media

As the club welcomed an impressive 200-300 participants each week, social media emerged as an instrumental tool for growth. A simple group photo can effortlessly circulate among members, extending the club’s reach. Madi Lamb, 28, echoed this sentiment, noting how social media lessens the intimidation factor, creating a sense of familiarity essential for newcomers.

Creating a ‘Third Place’

The concept of a “third place,” a communal area outside of home and work, was emphasized as vital in nurturing adult friendships. Jacob articulated this sentiment beautifully: **“What this culture misses most in the young adult community is a place called the ‘third space.’”** In an era when friendships often stall after school, KRC, along with other local initiatives, fills that void.

Innovative Spaces for Gathering

Take Amanda Blancarte’s Third Place Lounge, which stands as a testament to the community’s evolving needs. Opened in early 2024, it aims to be a hangout space focused on connection without the pressure of alcohol. “We create an environment where people can come together and enjoy each other’s company,” Amanda explained, highlighting recent successes like their “Sip and Stitch” event.

Inclusivity and Engagement

The leaders of these clubs prioritize inclusivity through thoughtful engagement strategies. New members of KRC receive personal welcomes, while Qtr Life events encourage attendees to show up ready to meet others. By fostering environments that value genuine interactions, these young leaders are shaping a brighter future for socializing among their peers.

A New Narrative for Going Out

As discussions unfolded, it became evident that the traditional understanding of “going out” often revolves around alcohol and loud settings. Participants criticized this notion and expressed the need for spaces that welcome all preferences. “It’s about creating an atmosphere where drinking isn’t the only option,” Amanda noted, reiterating that community can exist in many forms.

Moving Forward Together

Despite the comforts of social media, the real challenge often lies in stepping out of one’s comfort zone and fostering new connections. “We all have our home and our job, but there’s this middle ground that has always been absent,” Madi concluded, highlighting the importance of **“permission”** to socialize beyond digital confines.

With a vibrant culture being built by Kansas City’s young adults, the power of intentional connection in creating supportive communities shines through. As Amanda and the others put it, **“If you want to go fast, go by yourself. If you want to go far, go together.”** Kansas City is not just seeing the resurgence of community ties; it’s witnessing its young adults step up as leaders in reshaping how friendships are forged and maintained.