Obama on Community

by Scott

Meetup HQ doesn't endorse any candidate, party, or politics (we're just vital plumbing for society), but here''s inspiration for Meetup Organizers in Barack Obama's book:

 "Each day, it seems, thousands of Americans are going about their daily rounds--dropping off the kids at school, driving to the office, flying to a business meeting, shopping at the mall, trying to stay on their diets--and coming to the realization that something is missing. They are deciding that their work, their possessions, their diversions, their sheer busyness are not enough. They want a sense of purpose, a narrative arc to their lives, something that will relieve a chronic loneliness or lift them above the exhausting, relentless toll of daily life"

Meetups address people's very specific needs (such as to learn a language, to get fit, or to succeed at business), but they also address this need that Obama writes about. People sometimes walk-on-air after a Meetup because they feel welcomed and part of a community. People also feel an incredible sense of purpose when a Meetup Group gels and realizes its unique mission.

By the way, there's Obama Meetup Groups around the U.S. -- and a few in other countries, too.

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Comments

[Corris]

Hey Scott! Thanks for sharing this great info. I've hosted a few Meetup groups (from dogs to soapmaking) and I always find that people are looking for the same thing -- friendship, unity, and the ability to have fun with like-minded people. Meetup is a great way to do that and I'm thankful this site exists for all of us. One of the perks of Meetup is that I've been blessed to meet people from all walks of life, some I'd probably would never have known without the benefit of Meetup. Stay passionate about what you do Scott! It's working!

[Rick Wagner]

Hiya Scott... when you talk to the powers that be, you might want to also suggest a method that would allows us to have our own Blog in our groups. This would allow us to have a "Waht's New" or Thoughs and comments" section where organizers can post messages about things they're working on and the other visitors can comment further instead of just having to rely on the message boards.

Sort of like "Today's Summary" or "The feedback and fresh thoughts about this club.."

The best part of having a blog system like this is the ability to have a portion of the main meetup group page display this giving new people the ability to get more of an idea as to whether the group can benefit them before they join it.

Just a thought, that's all.. no biggie..

[Jim Brislin]

Hi Scott,

"Meetup HQ doesn't endorse any candidate, party, or politics (we're just vital plumbing for society), but here''s inspiration for Meetup Organizers in Barack Obama's book:"

You say your not Political but All I see is Obama your talking about. Why don't you put Up Ron Paul and talk about his book? It's only right if you talk about ONE candidate you talk about All candidates. I know you don't want people to get the wrong idea and think your bias! Also there are more Ron Paul meetups then any other Candidate. I hope this was just an oversight on your part.

Jim Brislin

[Darrin]

I'm excited about that Meetup API feature. If I could use the API to edit attendance from my mobile phone (via some neat .Net application) we could eliminate a lot of secondary work. Not only that, but it would allow me to adapt Meetup.com to best work with my mobile phone. Imagine - having all of the details of your meetup, including an up-to-the-minute list of everyone that RSVP'd right when the meeting starts. No more printouts. Edit attendance as it happens. Be able to read/respond on the message board from anywhere. etc.

[Melanie]

Hey Scott! Thanks for sharing this great info. There are more Ron Paul meetups then any other Candidate. Melanie - www.slotstop.com/