Strangers find a connection at weekly Dallas meetup
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Walk & Talk Social has grown from a weekly gathering of a few people to over 100. Photo: Courtesy of Corey Johnson/Walk & Talk Social
Every Friday, dozens of North Texans head to the Katy Trail in hopes of making a new friend. There are no age or demographic requirements other than a willingness to walk the trail with a stranger.
Why it matters: Walk & Talk Social founder Kevin Vasquez says the group is his solution to the isolation that many North Texans feel, whether they are longtime residents or new arrivals.
The intrigue: Vasquez launched the group in February to solve a challenge he faced as someone who delayed college after high school and didn't have many friends growing up.
- "Those barriers that people have in their mind, we're taking them down because they're forcing themselves to be out of their comfort zone to meet people and ultimately find happiness in doing that," Vasquez tells Axios.
How it works: As people arrive, Vasquez and other volunteers pair them with someone to walk the Katy Trail. The ages vary, from baby boomers to Gen Zers.
- The low-tech approach is deliberate. "The whole point of this event is to be off of our phones," Vasquez says.
- Last Friday, around 160 people walked for about 20 minutes before being paired with a new person for the walk back to the meeting spot. People often make plans to hang out afterward.
Worthy of your time: The next Walk & Talk Social is at 7pm Friday.
- Participants can pick from four outfit colors to indicate the type of connection they are trying to make. Vasquez is recruiting volunteers for the socials.
Zoom out: Vasquez hopes to open a media company or a social networking space that hosts daily events like Lotería or craft classes.
The bottom line: "I often tell people that you're not just here to make a friend, but you're also here to be a friend," he says.
- "If you want to be a friend and make friends out here, start listening more. Start actually paying attention to what people are saying."