Frequently Asked Questions

Moai is a Japanese term that means: coming together for a shared purpose. In Okinawa, traditionally, children were placed in a Moai at the age of five. This longstanding tradition from Okinawa, Japan, is believed to foster social wellbeing—a factor researchers suggest contributes to the region’s unusually high population of centenarians (individuals living to 100 and beyond)." 

A Modern Moai is a group of people (friends, acquaintances, neighbours, colleagues, etc.) who intentionally meet on a regular basis (in person whenever possible) to cultivate meaningful connection. The key is meeting regularly. This commitment is what deepens the connection creates a sense of belonging and nurtures the friendship.  

It is so easy to neglect connection. There are so many other priorities drawing on our time and attention that often nurturing our friendships falls to the bottom of our priority list. Have you ever tried to schedule a coffee date with a friend and found that it took 3-4 weeks to find a date that worked, only to have something come up and it gets postponed? This is normal. But it doesn’t have to be. A Moai pulls people together at a committed time every month. It becomes something you don’t want to miss because it adds so much value to your life that you’ll do everything in your power to attend. It’s one of those things that you don’t realize is missing until it’s there! 

We recommend meeting at a coffee shop - this removes the burden of hosting and gets you out in your community as well as supporting a local business. A park or other public place may also work for you. 

Consider inviting people you are close to that you wish you saw more often. Friends you have fallen out of touch with; colleagues you admire. If you are new to a community, it could be people that you would like to get to know better.  

Yes! A work Moai is a great way to get to know others, learn more about different areas of your organization and deepen friendships with people at work.

In our experience the sweet spot is between three to four people. Any larger than this and it gets hard to schedule and makes it difficult for everyone to have time to share. 

The principles of Modern Moai include empowerment of individuals to take the courage to create their own meaningful connections. However, we provide support and resources to help you develop skills, courage, vulnerability and resilience to create a Moai that works for you. You will love the feeling of ownership and commitment that comes from the creation and sustainment of your own Moai! 

So, no we don’t match singles or help put together Moai. However, we can provide you with the tools to create your own. Check out the Resources.

 Yes a Moai can take place virtually however we strongly encourage Moai to meet in person. There is a different energy and focus, and communication is more fluid when interacting with others face-to-face. Also many of us already spend enough time online! 

It's free to join and create a Moai.

We recommend keeping your Moai focused on a simple gathering with no distractions, so the connection and conversation is central and the key focus of the gathering. 

Modern Moai is all about inclusivity! All people, all identities. Modern Moai provides all people with the opportunity to connect, deepen bonds and nurture friendships beyond small talk and status updates.