MEET
MATTER
MEET
It takes a little bravery to show up, but that first hello can lead to friendships that last a lifetime.
MAKE
MATTER
MEET
Making with your hands, or through honest conversation, opens the door to creativity, connection, and joy.
MATTER
MATTER
MATTER
When people feel included and valued, they start to believe their presence truly matters, because it does.
Meet. Make. Matter.
Meet Tanja Childers
Tanja is a lifelong club starter and the founder of Meet. Make. Matter. a movement to rebuild community through clubs, workshops, and intergenerational connection. As a corporate educator, small business development consultant, and proprietor of Ten Four Goods, for over 12 years, she has a wealth of experience as an artistic maker. She seamlessly blends business strategy with soul to give you a simple action plan.
Speaking Engagements
While algorithms try to predict our next click, real-life clubs have always delivered something better: identity and community.
With humor, heart, and a background in both grassroots organizing and corporate leadership, Tanja makes the case that community isn’t a product; it’s a practice. And it’s one we urgently need to remember how to do.
From banned book clubs and car coffee chats to civic causes and walking groups, this talk invites you to stop waiting for community to be delivered, and instead to build it with your own hands.
Speaking Topics
- Clubs as the Original Social Algorithm
- The Courage to Start Something Where Nothing Exists
- Intergenerational Creativity in a Digital World
- What Quilt Guilds, Hobby Groups & Walking Clubs Teach Us About Civic Repair
- The Quiet Death of Community Clubs and How We Save Them
- Desperately Seeking a Friend: Ideas, Inspiration, and Steps for Meaningful Connection
Ideal For
- TED/TEDx Stages
- Library & civic leadership groups
- Corporate Retreats/Training
- Chambers' of Commerce
- School Districts
- Organizers & city innovators
- Craft, hobby & intergenerational spaces
- Events focused on belonging, wellness & resilience
- TV, Radio, Podcast, YouTube videos
The Meet. Make. Matter. Podcast
The Meet. Make. Matter. podcast explores the surprising power of niche clubs to transform lives and reverse solitude. From robotics clubs to adoptive parent meet-ups, Tanja has taught thousands to lead, host, and belong more bravely. Whether speaking on stage or around a kitchen table, she helps audiences reconnect with others, with purpose, and with the courage to start something real.
Join the Podcast
Ready to make a difference?
Let's explore how your club can shine on the Meet. Make. Matter. podcast!
Share with our audience what you started, whether it's a woodcrafters club, gardening group, or any creative community, we want to hear from you! Share your journey, insights, and the impact your club has had in your community. Together, let's inspire others to create meaningful connections through hands-on activities and shared passions.
Booking slots available now! Don't miss your chance to be featured. Reach out today and let's start a conversation about your club's story.
Contact Us
We would love to hear from you!
Want to be a guest on the podcast?
We’re always on the lookout for inspiring voices and real-life stories.
Interested in booking Tanja for your event, retreat, or conference?
She speaks on the power of in-person community in a digital world, starting clubs that stick, creative aging, and how to craft connection.
General Questions?
Crafting new club curriculum? Wondering how to build a friendship circle from scratch? We’re happy to help.
Meet. Make. Matter.
Instagram @meetmakematter Living on the California Central Coast Available EVERYWHERE!
