Founded in Austin, Texas

A vibrant community, moving upward together.

The Upward Society brings together exceptional people navigating change in their personal relationships to move upward and beyond, together.

50
founding spots left
40+
events a year
100%
Authentic fun
The Austin, Texas skyline along Lady Bird Lake at dusk A group of friends laughing together outdoors A crowd gathered outdoors under string lights at an evening social
The question we exist to answer

"What the F do I do now?"

That's the question. We're the answer: a community, a calendar full of things to do, and a shortcut to the people and resources that make the next chapter easier.

What we value

Six things every Upward Society experience is built around

Change in a personal relationship can scatter a whole community. These are the things we rebuild, on purpose, together.

Personal Growth

Space and support to move through change and come out the other side stronger.

Meaningful Friendships

Real relationships with people who understand exactly where you are.

Resources & Opportunities

Direct connections to the professionals and people who can actually help.

Incredible Experiences

Unforgettable moments in Austin and beyond, curated for this community.

Child-Friendly Connections

Events built for the whole family, so kids get a community too.

Adult-Only Opportunities

Grown-up spaces too: nights and trips that are just for you.

On the calendar

Upcoming events in Austin

Tickets and RSVPs happen on Posh. Tap through to save your spot. New events are added every week.

Get support

Trusted resources, vetted for you

We've screened local professionals so you don't have to start from a blank search bar during an already hard time.

Two members talking during a one-on-one support conversation

Vetted Professionals

Every resource is carefully reviewed for quality and compassion.

Local & Accessible

Find trusted help in your community and online.

Save Time & Energy

Skip the search and connect with the right support faster.

You're Not Alone

Uplifting resources for every step of the journey.

"Beyond Austin" trips are curated in two tracks: adults-only escapes, and family trips built for you and your kiddos.
BESPOKE TRAVEL, PLANNED FOR YOU
Beyond your hometown

Incredible experiences, in Austin and beyond

Local events are just the start. We plan bespoke group travel a few times a year: long weekends, retreats, and trips designed around this community, not a generic tour group.

Choose your track: adults-only trips built for rest and connection, or family-friendly trips designed so you and your kids can travel with people who get your life right now.

The Upward app

Your community, in your pocket

Every member gets access to our app, built to make finding your people, and the support you need, effortless.

Shared-Interest Matching

Find members nearby who share your interests, from hiking to happy hour to book club.

Proximity-Based Connections

See who's close by, so grabbing coffee or a walk is one message away.

Child & Pet Care, Community-Sourced

Find and offer trusted babysitting and pet-sitting within the community itself.

These are on the roadmap. This section describes where the app is headed, not a Phase 1 feature. See Phase 2/3 in our build plan.

Our story

Founded in Austin, TX by Katy Genden & Carolyn Betts

The Upward Society started with a simple observation: navigating change in a personal relationship shouldn't mean losing your community. So we built the one we wished existed.

KG

Katy Genden

Co-Founder

[Katy's bio: her background, what led her to co-found The Upward Society, and what she's most excited to build. Drafting this one yourself. Drop it in here.]

CB

Carolyn Betts

Co-Founder

[Carolyn's bio: her background, what led her to co-found The Upward Society, and what she's most excited to build. Send me a few details and I'll draft this one.]

From the community

People rebuilding, out loud

Membership

Founding member pricing, for the first 50 only

Every event, the full app, and all our resource connections are included at every tier.

Member
$100/mo
or $1,000/year flat
  • Open enrollment, with no slot limit
  • Full access to events, app & resources
  • Ongoing membership, auto-renews
  • Trip announcements & RSVP access