I’m helping companies like these create community.
oh, hey! I’m Jillian.
I’m a professional community builder, facilitator and author of Unlonely Planet.
I’m most known for being the founder of The Joy List, a weekly newsletter on a mission to make the world less lonely. I’ve been sending it out every Monday morning for almost four years in New York City. The Joy List is recommended by Esther Perel, Priya Parker, the Creative Mornings team, and more.
I also run 5 Weeks To Find Your People, a group for women who want a deeper relationship with themselves and others.
Overall, I’m passionate about creating spaces where people can drop their walls and be vulnerable. Nothing gets me fired up like facilitating an emotional journey, and I am actively seeking more opportunities to do that.
“Jillian represents and deeply understands community building in New York City and beyond. She embodies a voice of how a new generation gathers to share experiences, learn and grow.”
Some of my experiences with facilitation, both as a leader and attendee:
Running The Joy List Social, a monthly event where you can show up by yourself and leave with a new friend. Our New York City edition sells out, and is so popular that people started selling fake tickets. That’s how much folks are craving connection.
Founding and MC-ing Hustle Fest, a three-time conference for people who want to go from full-time to freelance
One of the first accepted and trained facilitators for The School of Life in America
Being on the organizing team for Groundshift, a weekend for folks in social justice to learn about each other’s work and explore ways to collaborate
Co-leading Balanced NYC, a weekly meditation and sharing circle with live music
Co-facilitating a local Woman Within circle
Attending Bridges and Boundaries, a three-day racial bias training
Participating in three weekend-long authentic relating immersions
Completing a weekend-long training for running a psychologically safe women’s circle
Organizing approximately 10,328 cuddle parties
““I am a fan of Jillian Richardson’s Joy List. She has bravely taken an individual pain— her own loneliness and search for meaningful community— and addressed it by generously including the rest of us in this journey as well. She’s done the same in Unlonely Planet, and we are all better off for her quest.””