We’re Kate and Annelise, co-founders of VOL, and we’re ridiculously excited to have you here. You might be wondering, "What exactly is VOL, and who are these people I’ve never met?" So, let us introduce ourselves! We came up with this crazy idea, and together we’re bringing it to life.

 

Our 20s have been shaped by a global pandemic and watching many of our peers do exactly what’s expected of them. It left us wondering: why aren’t more people permitting themselves to dream?  We get it—there are a million reasons why—but here’s the thing: dreaming is free, failure is part of the process, and finding a community where you can experiment without fear of judgment? That’s game-changing.

 

After moving back to LA, we craved real connection. We went to a ton of "community" events, but here’s the catch—they were all designed for people to hang out with their existing friends, not to meet new ones. That’s where VOL comes in. We’re building something different: a communal gathering place for dreamers, doers, and people who want more than just surface-level connection. VOL is for those of us who crave more, and our mission is to provide affordable, equitable spaces—both online and in person—for LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and women who deserve a place where they can just be.

 

Don’t get us wrong, we’re terrified. We could totally fall flat on our faces and fail, but if we keep experimenting, there’s a real shot this could work. And if you’re still reading this, I think you might believe in it too. VOL isn’t just our vision—it’s yours now, too.

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