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As we step into 2025, Crescent Creatives is more committed than ever to growing a vibrant, inclusive design community.
2024 was an incredible year for the community where we forged meaningful connections and hosted amazing events. (Check out our recap post here!)
Our mission has always been about creating a space where designers can connect, grow, and thrive—not just chasing numbers so we can put the communities best interest at heart.
This year, we're inviting you to step in, take the lead, and help shape our community's future. Together, we can build something even more special.
Our focus for 2025 is inspired by our core values: Community & Belonging, Ihsan (Excellence), Growth & Support, and Inclusivity.
Belonging to a community can significantly improve motivation, creativity, and overall well-being and we saw that in 2024 (Walton & Cohen, 2011; Haslam et al., 2009).
I’ve outlined the community focus for 2025, the objectives are flexible and can evolve throughout the year and ways you can get involved to help out!
2025 Focus:
Objective 1: Cultivate a Connected and Inclusive Community
Key Results:
Launch and publish a monthly community newsletter by April 2025.
Boost engagement in WhatsApp and social media groups through regular discussions and content sharing.
Host at least six inclusive design events (both in-person and virtual) by the end of 2025.
How You Can Get Involved:
Host Your Own Events: Use your office space or online platforms to organise your own style event, from design critiques, workshops, or even a VR event.
Create Content: Contribute to newsletters, social media posts, and community storytelling.
Spark and manage Conversations: Help keep our online spaces active, welcoming, and engaging, start conversations on WhatsApp.
Objective 2: Empower Volunteers to Lead and Thrive
Key Results:
Launch a streamlined volunteer onboarding process by June 2025.
Transition 75% of community programs to be volunteer-led by the end of 2025.
Roll out volunteer recognition programs to celebrate contributions by mid-2025.
How You Can Get Involved:
Lead Volunteer Programs: Support onboarding and guide new volunteers.
Organise Events: Take the lead on community events, from design critiques to social gatherings.
Recognise Contributions: Help design creative ways to celebrate and reward volunteers.
Studies show that recognition and ownership increase volunteer retention and satisfaction (Clary et al., 1998).
Objective 3: Advance Professional Growth and Career Development
Key Results:
Launch a mentorship program with at least 20 mentor-mentee pairs by June 2025.
Develop a educational programs for underrepresented designers by September 2025.
Launch a job board or channel featuring at least 50 design job opportunities by December 2025.
How You Can Get Involved:
Be a Mentor: Offer guidance and support to junior designers.
Run Programs: Help organise mentorship pairings, workshops, and learning initiatives.
Build Partnerships: Connect with companies and recruiters to share job opportunities with our community.
Research shows that mentorship programs significantly boost career advancement and skill development (Allen et al., 2004). Let’s create pathways for everyone to succeed.
I’ve learned so much by helping build this community and running events—it’s a skill that’s been invaluable in my career, especially during my time at Meta. Research highlights how participating in leadership and volunteer opportunities fosters personal and professional growth (Komives et al., 2005).
This year, we want YOU to help make Crescent Creatives even better. Whether you're ready to lead a new project, support ongoing initiatives, or pitch a fresh idea, there’s space for you here. Your creativity and energy are what make this community thrive.
Got an idea? Want to get involved? Let’s make it happen—together.
Email me at furquan101@gmail.com or message me on WhatsApp.
References:
Allen, T. D., Eby, L. T., Poteet, M. L., Lentz, E., & Lima, L. (2004). Career benefits associated with mentoring for protégés: A meta-analysis. Journal of Applied Psychology, 89(1), 127-136.
Clary, E. G., Snyder, M., & Stukas, A. A. (1998). Volunteers' motivations: Findings from a national survey. Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, 27(4), 485-505.
Haslam, S. A., Jetten, J., Postmes, T., & Haslam, C. (2009). Social identity, health and well-being: An emerging agenda for applied psychology. Applied Psychology, 58(1), 1-23.
Komives, S. R., Owen, J. E., Longerbeam, S. D., Mainella, F. C., & Osteen, L. (2005). Developing a leadership identity: A grounded theory. Journal of College Student Development, 46(6), 593-611.
Walton, G. M., & Cohen, G. L. (2011). A brief social-belonging intervention improves academic and health outcomes of minority students. Science, 331(6023), 1447-1451.
