About Cluster
How to start a Cluster at 9Zero
Why Start a Cluster?
Climate work is broad. Clusters help members find their people and build meaningful professional connections. Whether you’re into data science, microgrids, policy, or algae, there’s room for your niche!
9Zero’s most powerful communities lead themselves. We’d like to empower you to **spearhead a cluster within the climate community**. This can take many forms, but mostly we want people, including you, to feel like they have a space to talk about their interests and learn something new.
- More on why we want to do this:
Our goal is to build spaces where members don’t rely on us to thrive - but choose to stay because of the community they’ve found. When someone finds true professional connection and purpose at 9Zero, it transforms their experience into something lasting and meaningful.
Climate jobs are broad! Often too broad to find something meaningful to chat with someone about. So let’s make it easier for 9Zero members to find their people and have a curated space to catch up, exchange ideas, and help tackle the climate crisis.
What’s a cluster?
Examples:
Data Science
Energy Generation
Software
Microgrids
Batteries
TL;DR
Here’s our ask
You become our go-to person for your sub-sector.
This means:
1. You organize 1+ meetup every month - here is the Event Request Form.
You help us fill the room with new potential and existing 9Zero members! More info below.
2. You are active on a weekly basis in the slack channel we’ll create for your sub-sector:
- Tell me more about Slack engagement
- You introduce your new Cluster members to your slack channel
- “hey welcome to Mary! She just joined 9Zero and has been in energy for 15+ years, most recently at NRDC working on US policy. Everyone say hi!”
- You react and engage with people
- You post about news / newsletters / events in the bay / conferences you’re going to
- You respond to private dm’s from folks in your sub sector
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Step-by-Step: Start Your Cluster
1. Touch base with Daphne
Set up a quick chat: Book time here
2. Choose Your Sub-sector + Name It
Pick your theme (e.g., Batteries, Circular Fashion, Software for Climate) and give it a catchy name.
3. Organize Your First Cluster Meetup
Work with Daphne to pick a date and build a Luma page for your event.
Use this event request form to get started!
Have a second date tentatively blocked too!
4. Invite People + Spread the Word
Publicize to your network, invite 9Zero members, and we’ll support with LinkedIn shoutouts and event promotion.
5. Host the Meetup!
- Required: Come with an agenda, questions to ask the group.
- Recommended: Sending a pre-meetup survey, inviting a speaker.
ps: Drinks provided, and support along the way!
6. Create a Slack Channel
After the meetup, Daphné will help create a dedicated Slack channel for your cluster.
👉 We ask that you:
- Welcome newcomers
- Share news + events
- Spark discussion
- Stay in touch between meetups
Daphné will continuously add new members as they join the community
7. Organize Your Next Meetup
Keep the momentum! Plan your second event, promote it in slack.
Daphné will re-invite people from the last meetup.
8. Keep It Going!
This is your space to shape. Try new formats. Add co-leaders. Share wins. Buddy newcomers. Grow your climate group.
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Meetup Ideas
- [Sub-sector] Meetup: Casual hang with light snacks and conversation
- [Sub-sector] Sector Insight: Panel with 2–3 experts and group discussion
- Lunch & Learn: Quick, informal talks during lunch hour
- Creative Formats: Brewery hangouts, conference field trips, board game night—go wild!
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Your Role as a Sub-Group Lead
- Host at least one meetup per quarter
- Stay active in Slack (1x/week is perfect!)
- Engage: welcome new members, post cool stuff, and connect people
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What You Get
- Free 9Zero event space
- Promo on our LinkedIn + channels
- A role in shaping the 9Zero ecosystem
- A private Slack with other sub-group leaders
- New friends + collaborators in climate!
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Ideas!
- 👯♀️ Find a co-leader
- Start a buddy system - new member matches with a current member
- Bring in outside speakers
- Post on LinkedIn (we’ll boost you!)
- Share monthly prompts in Slack:
- “What problem are you solving this month?”
- “Drop a recent win”
- “What tool do you love right now?”
- “Who inspires you in climate and why?”
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Ready to Start?
- Brainstorm a name + date
- Chat with Daphne: Calendly
- Fill out the Event Request Form
