Whether you’re brand new or already established in the tech world, being part of a group of like-minded people who share your professional interests can be a real bonus to your career (think networking and new skills) and a lot of fun!

I went to my first tech meetup just a few weeks after I started as a student at Skillcrush. I have to admit I was so nervous beforehand that I tried to read all of Why’s (Poignant) Guide to Ruby the week before! But, as soon as I met the first person at the event, I relaxed because I realized they were just like me—someone excited about tech and learning more about it.

One of my instructors here at Skillcrush recommended that meetup to me. But how can you find organizations and meetups similar to this? We’ve put together this list of online and IRL tech get-togethers we think are worth checking out (with a particular focus on women and other under-represented groups in tech), plus some tips on how you can search for more.

In-Person Meetups

Let’s get real. IRL, that is. Physically going to an event might take a bit more effort, but meeting up in person can build powerful relationships and give you opportunities for activities that aren’t possible virtually.

A popular way to locate groups in your local area or places that you’re visiting is the website Meetup. You can look for events by group, date, topic, or location, and, with thousands of groups around the world using the platform, you’re sure to find a few to try. To get you started searching, Meetup has created some topic-specific collections and there are dozens of tech-related topics to choose from, like women in technology, internet professionals, and information technology just to name a few.

Or, take a look at some of these international, national, and area-specific groups organizing in-person meetups. Each offers a strong mission (quoted below), vibrant community, and plenty of chances to spend time with other techies like you.

• AnitaB.org
  At AnitaB.org, we envision a future where the people who imagine and build technology mirror the people and societies for whom they build it. We connect, inspire, and guide women in computing, and organizations that view technology innovation as a strategic imperative.

• Blacks In Technology
  Blacks In Technology is a global platform for black women and men in technology. We are “Stomping the Divide” by establishing standards for world-class technical excellence.

• Code for All
  Code for All is an international network of organizations supporting each other to empower citizens to meaningfully engage in the public sphere and have a positive impact on their communities.

• Girl Develop It
  Girl Develop It exists to provide affordable and judgment-free opportunities for women interested in learning web and software development.

• Ladies of Code
  We are an international community of professional women developers. Through our series of global meetups, scholarships, and conferences we support the technology leaders of today and tomorrow.

• mBolden
  We are mBolden, a global professional network dedicated to supporting, expanding, and elevating female leadership in digital industries.

• Moms in Tech
  Our mission is to support women in tech through all stages of motherhood.

• Out In Tech
  Out in Tech unites the LGBTQ+ tech community by creating opportunities for our 30,000 members to advance their careers, grow their networks, and leverage tech for social change.

• Techqueria
  Techqueria empowers Latinx professionals with the resources and support that they need to thrive and become leaders in the tech industry.

• Women Techmakers
  Google’s Women Techmakers program provides visibility, community, and resources for women in technology.

• Women Who Code
  We are dedicated to inspiring women to excel in technology careers.

• Write/Speak/Code
  Write/Speak/Code hosts an annual conference and meetup events designed to help you fully own your expertise through writing, speaking, and open source.

Online Groups

If you don’t live near a meetup you’d like to participate in or you just prefer virtual contact, you can still meet up online. Social media offers plenty of options for becoming part of a group that can help you grow your skills, experience, and connections. (And, besides doing the usual Google searches for your specific interests and affiliations, you can also find an online channel for most of the in-person meetups above.)

Facebook Groups

• Global Tech Women
  On a mission to create a global network of inspired, connected, and self-actualized women in tech.

• Latinxs In Tech
  Latinxs in Tech+Startups US and Intl: Introduce yourself! Let’s talk opportunities, pain points, strategies, connections, mentors, funding sources and growth in the ICT sector.

• Tech Ladies
  Tech Ladies is more than just this Facebook group, we’re a community that connects you to the best opportunities in tech. (Join for free here.)

• Underrepresented in Tech
  This group has a goal of bringing those of us who come from diverse / different backgrounds, experiences, shapes, sizes, colors, abilities, and gender identities together to share job opportunities and thoughtful discussion in the tech world.

• Women In Tech
  Women in Tech empowers women to support and inspire one another to show that it is possible to achieve any dream we have.

• Women Know Tech
  I created this group to have a community where women can discuss and help each other! We are not many, so let’s help each other! Feel free to invite your friends who are studying, pursuing careers in technology, learning to code, etc.

LinkedIn Groups

• Promoting Women in IT
  This is a group for people in IT to discuss trends, share stories, and talk about gender diversity in IT!

• Women in Science, Engineering, & Technology
  Meet with other Women in Science, Engineering, Technology, or the Built Environment. For women looking for work, returning to work after a career break, or wanting to progress in their career.

• Women In Technology International (WITI)
  WITI is the premiere global organization empowering women in business and technology to achieve unimagined possibilities.

Slack Communities

• Black Professionals in Tech Network
  Black Professionals in Tech Network (BPTN) bridges the talent gap in the tech industry by providing Black technical and business professionals with access to senior executive sponsorship, skill development, and a strong peer network to support their career growth.

• LGBTQ in Technology
  The LGBTQ in Technology Slack is a space for LGBTQ people in technology to chat and support each other. We strive to keep it safe, positive, and confidential.

• We Build Black
  We are Black technologists educating and empowering the Black community to achieve socio-economic change.

• Women in Technology
  Our group is a safe, confidential space for women who work in technology to chat and support each other.

• Womxn In Tech
  Women in Technology is open to any female/female-identifying person who works in the tech sector. We are developers, marketers, product specialists, strategists, content curators, and more.

Twitter Chats

• #CodeNewbie
  Most supportive community of programmers and people learning to code.

• #WomenInTechChat
  An initiative intended to inspire, share content, and chat