July 2008 Archives
The Saguaro Seminar, a program at the Harvard Kennedy School, posted some interesting facts about the power of meeting up. Research shows that joining a club can improve your life expectancy as dramatically as quitting smoking.
"Joining and participating in one group cuts your odds of dying over the next year in half. Joining two groups cuts it by three quarters."
Read the whole list here.
"Joining and participating in one group cuts your odds of dying over the next year in half. Joining two groups cuts it by three quarters."
Read the whole list here.
By Karina on 07/31/08 7:40 PM
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This week we're visiting the Mile High City to level with a women who embodies Aretha's powerful lyric, "The Sisters are doin' it for themselves!"
Within a few short months her informative "Workshop for Women" presentations have empowered many women (and truth be told, a few guys) with a working knowledge of the tool box -- and has really taken off in the Denver area.
I'm proud to introduce you to our Meetup Organizer of the Week, Judy Browne and her Meetup, Do-It-Yourself - Denver.
Thanks, Judy!
Please explain the concept behind Workshop for Women.
At Workshop for Women we teach fun, hands-on classes in basic home improvement skills especially designed for women. The environment in meant to appeal to women by offering small class sizes with a safe and comfortable work area. The name of the corresponding Meetup is Do-It-Yourself Denver.
Is this group your own idea or part of a larger network?
My Meetup group Do-It-Yourself Denver was my own idea and it met one of my goals as a small business owner to create a place for both women and men who are interested in taking on home improvement projects, share ideas, give advice and offer help to each other.
How has your involvement with Meetup enhanced your facilitation of the group?
Meetup saves me so much time on follow-up, organization and having a common online site for my members to get information. Over half of my members found the group by searching the Meetup website.
Is the group strictly for women or can men join in?
The group is for both men and women, although our membership right now is mostly female. We'd love to have a few more guys join the group.
Do you have a favorite "Meetup Moment" you could share with us?
I think it was how quickly the membership grew and the feedback after my first meeting. I was so excited to learn that my group filled a need and the format was successful.
As a successful Organizer, what three tips would you give to a new or struggling person trying to get their Meetup off the ground?
1. Location, location, location! It should be easily accessible and consistent.
2. Provide a good value to the members. I have a speaker at each meeting about a relevant topic. I surveyed the members for topic ideas and then found someone to fill that role. This has been a wonderful networking opportunity for me and my business.
3. Be consistent with time, location and format so that members know what to expect.
What are your hopes for the future of Workshop for Women and Do-it-Yourself Denver?
My hopes for my business are for it to continue to grow and reach more people. My hopes for the Meetup group are the same. I enjoy meeting like-minded people and offering a place for them to meet and support each other.
Within a few short months her informative "Workshop for Women" presentations have empowered many women (and truth be told, a few guys) with a working knowledge of the tool box -- and has really taken off in the Denver area.
I'm proud to introduce you to our Meetup Organizer of the Week, Judy Browne and her Meetup, Do-It-Yourself - Denver.
Thanks, Judy!
At Workshop for Women we teach fun, hands-on classes in basic home improvement skills especially designed for women. The environment in meant to appeal to women by offering small class sizes with a safe and comfortable work area. The name of the corresponding Meetup is Do-It-Yourself Denver.
Is this group your own idea or part of a larger network?
My Meetup group Do-It-Yourself Denver was my own idea and it met one of my goals as a small business owner to create a place for both women and men who are interested in taking on home improvement projects, share ideas, give advice and offer help to each other.
How has your involvement with Meetup enhanced your facilitation of the group?
Meetup saves me so much time on follow-up, organization and having a common online site for my members to get information. Over half of my members found the group by searching the Meetup website.
Is the group strictly for women or can men join in?
The group is for both men and women, although our membership right now is mostly female. We'd love to have a few more guys join the group.
Do you have a favorite "Meetup Moment" you could share with us?
I think it was how quickly the membership grew and the feedback after my first meeting. I was so excited to learn that my group filled a need and the format was successful.
As a successful Organizer, what three tips would you give to a new or struggling person trying to get their Meetup off the ground?
1. Location, location, location! It should be easily accessible and consistent.
2. Provide a good value to the members. I have a speaker at each meeting about a relevant topic. I surveyed the members for topic ideas and then found someone to fill that role. This has been a wonderful networking opportunity for me and my business.
3. Be consistent with time, location and format so that members know what to expect.
What are your hopes for the future of Workshop for Women and Do-it-Yourself Denver?
My hopes for my business are for it to continue to grow and reach more people. My hopes for the Meetup group are the same. I enjoy meeting like-minded people and offering a place for them to meet and support each other.
By Angela Groninger on 07/30/08 10:28 AM
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We've had an exciting week here at HQ! Here's a recap of whats been going on within our walls as well as a round-up of great Meetups in the news.
From Union Square Ventures Blog:
Meetup -- The Original Web Meets World Company
"We are thrilled to be an investor in a company that has been organized since its inception around the key insight that we believe will drive the next several years of innovation on the web - the need to solve real problems in the real world for real people."
_____________________________________________________________________________
From The Washington Post:
Social Network Meetup Gets Funding From USV
by Rafat Ali - July 23, 2008
"Meetup, one of the original social network/event organizing sites, has received new funding from Union Square Ventures."
______________________________________________________________________________
From Digital Media Wire:
by Mark Hefflinger - July 23, 2008
Meetup Gets Investment for Grassroots Organizing Service
"Meetup, an online social network that helps grassroots groups organize and create real-world events, announced on Wednesday that it has received an investment from Union Square Ventures."
_____________________________________________________________________________
From The News Observer:
Helping Out - Mega-Meetup Luau is on for Saturday
"Are you ready to hula? All Around Events.com is hosting the Triangle Mega-Meetup and Luau at Buckhead's Saloon."
______________________________________________________________________________
From S.F. Weekly :
Funky Obama: "Yes We Can" Tour Hits the Independent
Alex Brant-Zawadzki - July 25, 2008
From Union Square Ventures Blog:
Meetup -- The Original Web Meets World Company
"We are thrilled to be an investor in a company that has been organized since its inception around the key insight that we believe will drive the next several years of innovation on the web - the need to solve real problems in the real world for real people."
_____________________________________________________________________________
From The Washington Post:
Social Network Meetup Gets Funding From USV
by Rafat Ali - July 23, 2008
"Meetup, one of the original social network/event organizing sites, has received new funding from Union Square Ventures."
______________________________________________________________________________
From Digital Media Wire:
by Mark Hefflinger - July 23, 2008
Meetup Gets Investment for Grassroots Organizing Service
"Meetup, an online social network that helps grassroots groups organize and create real-world events, announced on Wednesday that it has received an investment from Union Square Ventures."
_____________________________________________________________________________
From The News Observer:
Helping Out - Mega-Meetup Luau is on for Saturday
"Are you ready to hula? All Around Events.com is hosting the Triangle Mega-Meetup and Luau at Buckhead's Saloon."
______________________________________________________________________________
From S.F. Weekly :
Funky Obama: "Yes We Can" Tour Hits the Independent
Alex Brant-Zawadzki - July 25, 2008
"Thursday night was a wonderful night to support Barack Obama. First, the San Francisco for Obama Meetup.com group held a get-together at Crossroads.Then, for the less-coffee-more-dancing set, the Afrofunk Festival came to town, complete with the "Yes We Can" pro-Obama tour."
______________________________________________________________________________
By Angela Groninger on 07/25/08 4:30 PM
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Fellow Meetup Organizers,
Good news: Today we welcome Union Square Ventures to the Meetup family.
USV is a small investment firm with a big reputation these days. They're investing money and time into Meetup to help make the dream of "a Meetup Everywhere about Most Everything" a reality ("a MEME", as we say).
I'm proud to report that Meetup HQ recently had our first almost-profitable (a.k.a. self-sustaining) month, mostly thanks to you pitching-in with Organizer fees.
So why take an investment? Because the world needs more Meetups -- and more powerful Meetups. We're at-risk of living in front of screens, endlessly Twittering and not forming powerful local community groups. There's endless possibilities to make Meetup better able to help people self-organize powerful local groups! With a shaky economy, it's best to secure and strengthen Meetup for the future with an investor.
Why USV?
1. They're good people. USV was started just a few years ago by 2 guys, Brad & Fred. We've known Brad & Fred for many years. I met Brad 13 years ago, when I was 23 and had just started a company and didn't understand anything about investors. Brad contacted me out of the blue, we met for coffee, and although he didn't invest in that company, we stayed in touch. Brad's a member of the Meetup I Organize (the NY Tech Meetup) and he now joins Meetup's Board of Directors. (Andrew & Albert at USV are fantastic, too.)
2. They keep good company. No investor has a better portfolio of startups that could give people enormous power in the future. There's a revolutionary DIY spirit in there. Meetup is about DIO (Do It Ourselves), so there's no better investor for Meetup right now than USV.
3. They're local. Meetup's other major investors DFJ, Omidyar Network, and eBay are based in Silicon Valley. Meetup HQ is in NYC. They're all incredibly helpful, but as you know, we believe in the power of face-to-face. Being local means more frequent face-to-face help.
4. They understand platforms and have cred amongst the internet developer-types who pay attention to them... and we want those people to know about our new API!
5. They understand the potential for Meetups. This is important because it's like they're investing in your Meetup Group! You won't feel it right away, but the USV investment will help you make stronger Meetup communities in the future. We'll hire more people to make Meetup easier, more powerful, more global... Welcome so you hopefully can have better Meetups, more flexibility, and a stronger community; And if you want it, maybe you'll get advice from other Organizers, build a real organization, attract more members, attract sponsors, manage your Meetup's money. Maybe you'll make a living from serving your community as a Meetup Organizer. Nothing's more powerful than people self-organizing.
Welcome USV! (See their announcement here.)
Good news: Today we welcome Union Square Ventures to the Meetup family.
USV is a small investment firm with a big reputation these days. They're investing money and time into Meetup to help make the dream of "a Meetup Everywhere about Most Everything" a reality ("a MEME", as we say).
I'm proud to report that Meetup HQ recently had our first almost-profitable (a.k.a. self-sustaining) month, mostly thanks to you pitching-in with Organizer fees.
So why take an investment? Because the world needs more Meetups -- and more powerful Meetups. We're at-risk of living in front of screens, endlessly Twittering and not forming powerful local community groups. There's endless possibilities to make Meetup better able to help people self-organize powerful local groups! With a shaky economy, it's best to secure and strengthen Meetup for the future with an investor.
Why USV?
1. They're good people. USV was started just a few years ago by 2 guys, Brad & Fred. We've known Brad & Fred for many years. I met Brad 13 years ago, when I was 23 and had just started a company and didn't understand anything about investors. Brad contacted me out of the blue, we met for coffee, and although he didn't invest in that company, we stayed in touch. Brad's a member of the Meetup I Organize (the NY Tech Meetup) and he now joins Meetup's Board of Directors. (Andrew & Albert at USV are fantastic, too.)
2. They keep good company. No investor has a better portfolio of startups that could give people enormous power in the future. There's a revolutionary DIY spirit in there. Meetup is about DIO (Do It Ourselves), so there's no better investor for Meetup right now than USV.
3. They're local. Meetup's other major investors DFJ, Omidyar Network, and eBay are based in Silicon Valley. Meetup HQ is in NYC. They're all incredibly helpful, but as you know, we believe in the power of face-to-face. Being local means more frequent face-to-face help.
4. They understand platforms and have cred amongst the internet developer-types who pay attention to them... and we want those people to know about our new API!
5. They understand the potential for Meetups. This is important because it's like they're investing in your Meetup Group! You won't feel it right away, but the USV investment will help you make stronger Meetup communities in the future. We'll hire more people to make Meetup easier, more powerful, more global... Welcome so you hopefully can have better Meetups, more flexibility, and a stronger community; And if you want it, maybe you'll get advice from other Organizers, build a real organization, attract more members, attract sponsors, manage your Meetup's money. Maybe you'll make a living from serving your community as a Meetup Organizer. Nothing's more powerful than people self-organizing.
Welcome USV! (See their announcement here.)
By Scott Heiferman on 07/23/08 10:40 AM
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Ahoy! Follow me to the beautiful and historic Puget Sound. This week we're in Washington State to spin a yarn or two on the briny blue with our Meetup Organizer of the Week, Ken Vadnais and The Puget Sound Sailing Group!
This "seasoned salty cruiser" is second to none when it comes to providing memorable Meetups for his gang!
With events scheduled almost daily, Ken's crew takes ownership of specific responsibilities tailored to their specific talents all of which promotes the group's success. He's an awesome Cap with lots to share. Fair Winds and Following Seas to you all~
I joined Meetup and was hooked hard. Meetup has made a huge impact on the lives of so many people, and is truly one of my better finds :) Thank you! - Ken Vadnais
When did your interest in sailing begin?
My father had a dream of building a boat and cruising the seas. While building the boat, my brother and I were immersed in sailing and the sailing community. It wasn't very long before I developed a passion for the wind and water that carried through to PSSG.
Do you own your own vessel? Tell us about her -- is she yar?
Aye, I owns me own boat and she be mighty yar!....arrrh! :-) She is a 24' Laguna, which is a weekender sailboat. Two to three people could comfortably spend a long weekend on her.
She goes by the name "P.O.S.H." and as much as I like the Spice Girls, the name has nothing to do with Posh Spice! "P.O.S.H." came from early cruises where the best ship accommodations were kept on opposite sides of the sun. So, those passengers tickets were stamped "P.O.S.H." (Port Out, Starboard Home).
How did you find out about Meetup.com?
I was looking for group motorcycle rides in Everett, Washington. I searched live.com and Meetup was the first hit. I joined Meetup and was hooked hard. Meetup has made a huge impact of the lives of so many people, its truly one of my better finds. Thank you!
You have an event almost everyday. Do you handle all of the scheduling and research yourself?
We have organizers and boat owners who've done a great job putting events on the calendar. Each organizer has their areas of ownership and all of us overlap the common tasks. Ken Worthing and I work with the boat owners to get sailing opportunities on the calendar. Jake Rhodes organizes and attends our core monthly events, and he and I work on education for the group. I tend to focus on balancing the calendar, filling in any gaps as needed, maintaining business relationships and we all work member issues.
What is the best part of sailing with a group of dedicated, like-minded members?
It's amazing. I'm not just saying that. Many of the members are probably getting tired of me saying this, but sailing seems to bring out the best people and the best in people. We all vary in skills and experience level, from the seasoned salty cruiser to "never been on the water" and we always have the greatest times.
Do you have a favorite "Meetup Moment"?
"A" favorite moment? Wow. I have so many favorite moments. A new type of event we started this year is weekend cruises put on by the boat owners in the group. On these cruises we visit all the beautiful little anchorages and marinas in the area for an overnight stay.
I think my favorite one was the three-day/two-night Memorial Day weekend sail from Seattle to Port of Poulsbo and Port of Brownsville. The whole trip was amazing. Three boats sailing together and experiencing places we've never been. Anchoring, campfires, BBQing, friendly towns people, and of course, guitar by Mike Bucy. Truly one of the better times I've had.
What's on the horizon for the Puget Sound Sailing Group?
We're just getting started! I think we have a good model, but are always adapting and improving. Our goal is to post more events and provide different types of opportunities to get members on the water!
With events scheduled almost daily, Ken's crew takes ownership of specific responsibilities tailored to their specific talents all of which promotes the group's success. He's an awesome Cap with lots to share. Fair Winds and Following Seas to you all~
When did your interest in sailing begin?
My father had a dream of building a boat and cruising the seas. While building the boat, my brother and I were immersed in sailing and the sailing community. It wasn't very long before I developed a passion for the wind and water that carried through to PSSG.
Do you own your own vessel? Tell us about her -- is she yar?
Aye, I owns me own boat and she be mighty yar!....arrrh! :-) She is a 24' Laguna, which is a weekender sailboat. Two to three people could comfortably spend a long weekend on her.
She goes by the name "P.O.S.H." and as much as I like the Spice Girls, the name has nothing to do with Posh Spice! "P.O.S.H." came from early cruises where the best ship accommodations were kept on opposite sides of the sun. So, those passengers tickets were stamped "P.O.S.H." (Port Out, Starboard Home).
How did you find out about Meetup.com?
I was looking for group motorcycle rides in Everett, Washington. I searched live.com and Meetup was the first hit. I joined Meetup and was hooked hard. Meetup has made a huge impact of the lives of so many people, its truly one of my better finds. Thank you!
You have an event almost everyday. Do you handle all of the scheduling and research yourself?
We have organizers and boat owners who've done a great job putting events on the calendar. Each organizer has their areas of ownership and all of us overlap the common tasks. Ken Worthing and I work with the boat owners to get sailing opportunities on the calendar. Jake Rhodes organizes and attends our core monthly events, and he and I work on education for the group. I tend to focus on balancing the calendar, filling in any gaps as needed, maintaining business relationships and we all work member issues.
What is the best part of sailing with a group of dedicated, like-minded members?
It's amazing. I'm not just saying that. Many of the members are probably getting tired of me saying this, but sailing seems to bring out the best people and the best in people. We all vary in skills and experience level, from the seasoned salty cruiser to "never been on the water" and we always have the greatest times.
Do you have a favorite "Meetup Moment"?
"A" favorite moment? Wow. I have so many favorite moments. A new type of event we started this year is weekend cruises put on by the boat owners in the group. On these cruises we visit all the beautiful little anchorages and marinas in the area for an overnight stay.
I think my favorite one was the three-day/two-night Memorial Day weekend sail from Seattle to Port of Poulsbo and Port of Brownsville. The whole trip was amazing. Three boats sailing together and experiencing places we've never been. Anchoring, campfires, BBQing, friendly towns people, and of course, guitar by Mike Bucy. Truly one of the better times I've had.
What's on the horizon for the Puget Sound Sailing Group?
We're just getting started! I think we have a good model, but are always adapting and improving. Our goal is to post more events and provide different types of opportunities to get members on the water!
By Angela Groninger on 07/23/08 9:03 AM
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Group offers chance for mothers to mingle with others in similar situations in Nanaimo
Krista Clarke, Daily News
July 18, 2008
"Behind closed doors, moms can start to feel depressed from the isolation of spending all day talking to themselves and entertaining a baby for hours on end.
For those reasons alone, Melissa Cristobal, 26, started up the Nanaimo Moms Meetup Group to create a close-knit community for mothers and their children."
"There were lots of mothers who wanted a group like this, they just needed someone to start it up," said Cristobal.
By Angela Groninger on 07/21/08 11:13 AM
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We're crossing 30 million Meetup RSVPs soon! See the counter on the home page.
By Scott Heiferman on 07/16/08 7:03 PM
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"Meetup is a way of life in Raleigh!" Jean, Organizer of Coffee and Contacts Brier Creek: Power Networking for Women said, and she was right. Around 50 organizers and assistant organizers showed up at Tir Na Nog for our first stop on the North Carolina leg of the Meetup Tour last month. They exchanged lots of ideas for how to make their Meetups better and we got a lot of useful feedback and ideas on how we can help them too.
Dean Logan, Organizer of the Raleigh-Durham Singles Meetup, rose to take on the Great Raleigh Meetups Challenge. He will use $500 from Meetup HQ as seed money for a local campaign to help all Raleigh area Meetups grow. From what we've seen he is cooking up something pretty cool (stay tuned).
Afterwards, Dean demonstrated his social organizing skills and showed us around downtown Raleigh and hung out with us the entire night! We had such a great time. Thanks Dean!
The next day, after an amazing breakfast at Elmo's and some sight-seeing, we headed on over to our next event at the Blue Coffee Café in downtown Durham. We had a great discussion with a small group of Organizers. We met again with Chris, the organizer of the Raleigh-Durham Organizer Meetup, and other organizers who shared ideas on how to grow their groups, how to get feedback from members and what to do when their groups start to get too big (they suggested splitting into 2 groups).
Allison, Organizer of the Durham Wine Meetup Group and the The Durham Epicurean Cooking Meetup Group decided to take the $500 Meetup Challenge on behalf of the Meetups in Durham.
Afterwards, we walked around in our red Meetup shirts and were surprised at how often we were approached by folks asking us which Meetup group we were a part of. Seems like everyone there is in a Meetup or knows someone who is. We walked around the American Tobacco District, took in a Durham Bulls game (that was great but they lost) and people found us in our red shirts and shared how much they loved Meetup.
Ok, did I mention how good the food is in North Carolina? And how beautiful the Duke University campus is? Not only did my non-vegetarian compadres eat some fabulous BBQ, I didn't get left out of the action being the only vegetarian in my group. The Refectory Cafe at Duke's divinity school has some fantastic vegetarian and vegan food!
At the end of it all, we were sorry to leave North Carolina and we really liked meeting everyone, walking around and enjoying both Raleigh and Durham! Andres and I want to open up an office down there (especially when the next NYC winter hits).
Dean Logan, Organizer of the Raleigh-Durham Singles Meetup, rose to take on the Great Raleigh Meetups Challenge. He will use $500 from Meetup HQ as seed money for a local campaign to help all Raleigh area Meetups grow. From what we've seen he is cooking up something pretty cool (stay tuned). Afterwards, Dean demonstrated his social organizing skills and showed us around downtown Raleigh and hung out with us the entire night! We had such a great time. Thanks Dean!
The next day, after an amazing breakfast at Elmo's and some sight-seeing, we headed on over to our next event at the Blue Coffee Café in downtown Durham. We had a great discussion with a small group of Organizers. We met again with Chris, the organizer of the Raleigh-Durham Organizer Meetup, and other organizers who shared ideas on how to grow their groups, how to get feedback from members and what to do when their groups start to get too big (they suggested splitting into 2 groups).
Allison, Organizer of the Durham Wine Meetup Group and the The Durham Epicurean Cooking Meetup Group decided to take the $500 Meetup Challenge on behalf of the Meetups in Durham.
Afterwards, we walked around in our red Meetup shirts and were surprised at how often we were approached by folks asking us which Meetup group we were a part of. Seems like everyone there is in a Meetup or knows someone who is. We walked around the American Tobacco District, took in a Durham Bulls game (that was great but they lost) and people found us in our red shirts and shared how much they loved Meetup.
Ok, did I mention how good the food is in North Carolina? And how beautiful the Duke University campus is? Not only did my non-vegetarian compadres eat some fabulous BBQ, I didn't get left out of the action being the only vegetarian in my group. The Refectory Cafe at Duke's divinity school has some fantastic vegetarian and vegan food!
At the end of it all, we were sorry to leave North Carolina and we really liked meeting everyone, walking around and enjoying both Raleigh and Durham! Andres and I want to open up an office down there (especially when the next NYC winter hits).
By Viviane on 07/16/08 12:41 PM
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Join us this week in Atlanta, Georgia to sit a spell with our Meetup Organizer of the Week, Tony Brown and his group, Creative Real Estate Investors Association.
I cannot describe the number of ways that Meetup has contributed to my success!
- Tony Brown
Tony started this group a few years back looking to network with like-minded real estate professionals. What he found in return is not only the opportunity to enhance the careers of many people starting out in the field, but to his surprise the enhancement and growth from this new Association has improved his own life and career three-fold.
Read on as Tony shares a few great tips for real estate investing in this down market as well as great suggestions to keep your Meetup groups running smoothly.
Thanks, Tony!
Please tell us a bit about Creative Real Estate Investors Association. Is it your own brainchild or is the Meetup part of a bigger group?
CreativeREIA originally began right here on Meetup.com as the Atlanta Real Estate Investing Meetup Group in April 2006. I started it as a way to network with other investors and real estate professionals. After the first few meetings, I noticed that people were hungry to learn about the specific tactics and techniques available in location, negotiating and structuring deals. So I stared teaching a different investment topic each month using examples of the past deals that I had done. Word spread around fast that for $10 you can learn and network for two hours on the latest investment strategies.
How long have you been interested in investment real estate properties?
I started investing in real estate by purchasing my first investment property in 2002. However, I remember being involved in real estate as early as age 12 when my grandmother would send me to collect rent for the tenants next door. We lived in a duplex so I learned pretty early that you can offset your own housing costs by having tenants pay your mortgage.
Would you say the recent slump in the housing market has helped or hindered your investing endeavors?
Today's market has taught me that you have to learn market cycles and adjust your strategy to the season. There area investment opportunities available to today that are potential goldmines for investors. Many investors don't see it that way because they're struck in how they did deals three years ago. The speculative days of buying a property and waiting for it to appreciate is pretty much non-existent. There are a record number of foreclosed homes on teh market today alson with a limited number of home buyers (due to the credit crunch). That combination makes it the perfect time to buy (at a discount) and sell the house to someone with limited credit (through owner financing). That is the strategy that I've been focusing on for the past year.
You have very specific membership guidelines set out on your very nicely arranged About Page. How have these guidelines helped you organize the group successfully and would you suggest this practice to other organizers?
It's been a work-in-progress, but it shows that we operate on some level of integrity. I think that most groups will benefit from having a set of Do's and Don'ts that everyone should abide by. It doesn't have to be anything formal such as bylaws, but if you start with something small in the beginning then it will be easier to amend as your group grows.
Has your association with Meetup changed or enhanced your success and/or life in general?
I can not describe the number of ways that Meetup has contributed to my success. When I started the group, it was only my intention to network with other investors. I have since been able to meet and work with many great people that have helped in the areas of investing as well as career and personal development.
Do you feel your group promotes a sense of community, as far as returning members, networking, etc.
We respect ideals of our members and want to make sure that we offer a networking environment that influences members to return. Through the technology of teleseminars and webinars, we're able to overcome some of the geographic limitations we've experienced in the past. By incorporating the group as an Association, we now have better resources that help us with investor education and training activities.
Where do you see your group headed in the months and years to come?
Two years ago, I had no idea that we would be the second-largest Real Estate Investing group on Meetup.com with 750 members. It's easy to say that I'd love to see us grow to over 1,000 members. But more importantly, I'd like to make sure we're moving in a positive direction that helps our members learn and profit from the teachings and experiences of our group members.
I cannot describe the number of ways that Meetup has contributed to my success!
- Tony Brown
Tony started this group a few years back looking to network with like-minded real estate professionals. What he found in return is not only the opportunity to enhance the careers of many people starting out in the field, but to his surprise the enhancement and growth from this new Association has improved his own life and career three-fold.
Read on as Tony shares a few great tips for real estate investing in this down market as well as great suggestions to keep your Meetup groups running smoothly.
Thanks, Tony!
Please tell us a bit about Creative Real Estate Investors Association. Is it your own brainchild or is the Meetup part of a bigger group?
CreativeREIA originally began right here on Meetup.com as the Atlanta Real Estate Investing Meetup Group in April 2006. I started it as a way to network with other investors and real estate professionals. After the first few meetings, I noticed that people were hungry to learn about the specific tactics and techniques available in location, negotiating and structuring deals. So I stared teaching a different investment topic each month using examples of the past deals that I had done. Word spread around fast that for $10 you can learn and network for two hours on the latest investment strategies.
How long have you been interested in investment real estate properties?
I started investing in real estate by purchasing my first investment property in 2002. However, I remember being involved in real estate as early as age 12 when my grandmother would send me to collect rent for the tenants next door. We lived in a duplex so I learned pretty early that you can offset your own housing costs by having tenants pay your mortgage.
Would you say the recent slump in the housing market has helped or hindered your investing endeavors?
Today's market has taught me that you have to learn market cycles and adjust your strategy to the season. There area investment opportunities available to today that are potential goldmines for investors. Many investors don't see it that way because they're struck in how they did deals three years ago. The speculative days of buying a property and waiting for it to appreciate is pretty much non-existent. There are a record number of foreclosed homes on teh market today alson with a limited number of home buyers (due to the credit crunch). That combination makes it the perfect time to buy (at a discount) and sell the house to someone with limited credit (through owner financing). That is the strategy that I've been focusing on for the past year.
You have very specific membership guidelines set out on your very nicely arranged About Page. How have these guidelines helped you organize the group successfully and would you suggest this practice to other organizers?
It's been a work-in-progress, but it shows that we operate on some level of integrity. I think that most groups will benefit from having a set of Do's and Don'ts that everyone should abide by. It doesn't have to be anything formal such as bylaws, but if you start with something small in the beginning then it will be easier to amend as your group grows.
Has your association with Meetup changed or enhanced your success and/or life in general?
I can not describe the number of ways that Meetup has contributed to my success. When I started the group, it was only my intention to network with other investors. I have since been able to meet and work with many great people that have helped in the areas of investing as well as career and personal development.
Do you feel your group promotes a sense of community, as far as returning members, networking, etc.
We respect ideals of our members and want to make sure that we offer a networking environment that influences members to return. Through the technology of teleseminars and webinars, we're able to overcome some of the geographic limitations we've experienced in the past. By incorporating the group as an Association, we now have better resources that help us with investor education and training activities.
Where do you see your group headed in the months and years to come?
Two years ago, I had no idea that we would be the second-largest Real Estate Investing group on Meetup.com with 750 members. It's easy to say that I'd love to see us grow to over 1,000 members. But more importantly, I'd like to make sure we're moving in a positive direction that helps our members learn and profit from the teachings and experiences of our group members.
By Angela Groninger on 07/16/08 8:41 AM
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Meetup Group, Girls Just Wanna Have Funds recently caught the eye of MSNBC News. The group's Organizer, Ginger is also our Meetup Organizer of the Week. Well done ladies!
video courtesy of MSNBC News
By Angela Groninger on 07/13/08 8:11 PM
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Ted Koppel: "After the [China] earthquake... auto clubs got together... loaded up on food, medicine, clothing... government cracked down, why would they crack down? it's a wonderful thing, people sharing their bounty. THEY WERE A GROUP! The movement was expanding. It looked like it could become the basis for what? We're talking about a few dozen people, maybe a few hundred people"
Charlie Rose: "They fear people getting together in some kind of organization or quasi-organization that may have capacity to grow?"
Ted: "Absolutely"
(@~29:00):
By Scott Heiferman on 07/13/08 7:10 PM
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We've had lots of mentions in the press the past week or so. Here are a few goodies. When you have a moment check out what Organizers are up to everywhere!
From the SnoValley Star
A Motherly Kind of Connection
July 9, 2008
by Laura Geggel
"Martindale, a 2006 transplant from Sequim, said she was excited when she saw children playing all over the Ridge, but she found it difficult to actually meet families. 'No one seemed to talk to each other,' Martindale said. Martindale posted SnoValley Moms - which now has 167 members - on Meetup.com this past winter."
From The Gaston Gazette
Moms Original Purpose
July 2, 2008
by Bernie Petit
"'OH MY GOSH!!!' one poster recently wrote on the message board for Mom's Original Purpose, a local stay-at-home moms group. 'JOSEPH PEED IN THE POTTY TODAY!!! YEAH!!! FIRST TIME!'"
From The Sacramento Bee
Gather and Go
July 3, 2008
by Leigh Grogan
"Meetup groups help recreationists get outdoors in a social setting"
By Angela Groninger on 07/10/08 3:21 PM
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Meetup organizers do a pretty heroic job of building and running community. Members of Meetup Groups do a brave thing. They get out of their house, travel to their Meetup, meet real people face-to-face, build relationships and get what they need and want from their Meetup Group.
Frankly, starting and joining a virtual group is easy by comparison.
People can be inspirational, fun, informative, empathetic, sympathetic, give support and be there for you. But they can also be complex, sometimes difficult and demanding. Meeting face-to-face you can engage with all of these characteristics. Online, you can avoid them. Our view is that offline may take more investment of time and emotion from members and organizers. But it will yield proportionate results.
In New York Times Op Ed, Alice Mathias goes a little further:
"Facebook purports to be a place for human connectivity, but it's made us more wary of real human confrontation...dwelling online is a cowardly and utterly enjoyable alternative to real interaction".
Here are two comments from people who got out of the home, took the risk and got the reward that real human contact can give:
"A great way to share resources about our children with Asperger's...also wonderful therapy for parents who deal with these issues each day"
—North Texas parents dealing with Asperger's Syndrome group
"Super motivating people at all levels of running!"
—The Brooklyn Running Meetup Group.
By Douglas Atkin on 07/09/08 2:43 PM
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This week we're in the Capitol City with a super Organizer who has taken her personal financial debacle and turned it into a thriving network of women on the path of positive cash-flow.
Her Meetup has garnered national media attention over its four years on Meetup.com along with her companion blog, Girls Just Wanna Have Funds.
Without further ado, its my pleasure to introduce you to our Meetup Organizer of the Week for July 9, 2008, Ginger and her Meetup group, Girls Just Wanna Have Funds
"I want women to know that they can indeed be in control of their money and know that it just shouldn't be left up to Prince Charming to come in and save the day. We are here to break financial ceilings, and we're doing it one stiletto at a time!"
- Ginger Borgella
Thanks, Ginger!
I love the honesty and flat-out candid analysis of your life on your blog, "Girls Just Wanna Have Funds". Which came first, the blog or the Meetup?
Thank you! :-) I love the honesty of our members and we encourage that because it removes the shame and secrecy behind our individual financial situations. The blog came before the Meetup. GirlsJustWannaHaveFunds.com existed before the Meetup site. I figured that it would be great to be able to connect with other women who wanted to take control of their money, but maybe weren't certain just how to do that. I've been a member of Meetup now for about 4 years and so it was the natural choice for a group like ours.
Has your Meetup group helped solidify the sense of community you sought during your odyssey for financial solvency?
Yes, indeed it has! I've been able to connect with women of all walks of life through this Meetup. We are really supportive of one another and keep each other accountable while teaching each other how to save money, especially now. We've shared information on coupon books, how to keep the electric bill down, debt reduction strategies, debt reduction/budgeting spreadsheets etc etc. I'm especially happy that every woman in our group is an expert on something they've done with regards to their money and in having Meetup.com as a platform we're able to share and support in different areas.
"Girls Just Wanna Have Funds" has received a fair amount of national media exposure (WSJ, GMA and NBC Nightly News) how did this come about and what kind of results have you seen in the membership or interest in your blog/Meetup.
We've also been featured on the Weekend Today Show and Fox News DC- WTTG! With the last airing we had a surge in membership on Meetup.com and I have received quite a bit of reader mail from other women all over the country in the same position as we are here in DC. So the national exposure has been helpful and overwhelming at times because now more than ever I realize that this isn't just about our group here in DC, but there are women all over our country that want help with their finances but don't know where to start. While I am not a financial adviser and in debt myself I want to be able to share resources because we are all on the same journey. So the results have been nothing but positive and I welcome the possibility of expanding to different areas as we move forward.
As a successful Organizer, what three tips would you suggest to a new or struggling Organizer?
1. Connect with your members via email, message board or better yet, an off topic happy hour. People want to know that their leader is just like them and here's a secret, they want to be just like you-but want to know that you're just like them. So being aloof and distant doesn't work if you're in the business of being a Meetup Organizer, you have to be able to connect with your members and be truly invested in their success.
2. Invest in your members. Take the time to respond to their emails and give helpful and useful information when possible. You don't have to be an expert on your topic or Meetup purpose but I believe that when you invest in others, they will invest in you as well. People can tell the difference between an organizer who is there and one who is involved.
3. Last but not least-get in tune with the direction of where your members want to go. We have varied needs in our Meetup and I am working to address those interested in not only debt reduction, but saving, investing, frugality, stocks/mutual funds, retirement and homeownership. I make sure to listen to their concerns because after all they drive the success of the Meetup and without them this Meetup wouldn't be as successful as it has been. So if they say jump, I'll probably say "when and where?!" LOL!
How do you find the topics and speakers for your extremely well-attended events?
Well our membership is pretty vocal with me around what they'd like to see and again they say jump I ask "when and where!?' So if they want a topic on retirement planning I start planning Meetups around that. If there's a need for saving money and investing then we plan Meetups around those topics as well. I'm pretty in tuned with their needs as a whole so I wouldn't plan a Meetup around real estate investing when most members are struggling with crippling student loan debt or needing to learn how to create a budget. Baby steps!!! This is more about them than it is about me.
Thus far we have been fortunate to have Velma Colfack be our speaker on a wide variety of topics and that has worked well. As we move forward I will be asking members who are experts in certain areas for example, Coupon Queens, Saving Divas etc etc present at a Meetup sharing their tips and advice in this area.
Through this entire experience, what changes or enhancements have you noticed as a result in yourself?
I am working to remain cognizant around my financial situation because I have a rather large group to keep me accountable. I'm not some personal finance guru touting a new book, but I'm just like my Meetup members so I try to be as good with my money as I implore them to be daily. I also want to share every piece of good information I get because my motto is "Each One Teach One" and if I have it then I want you to have it as well. So if I know something would be helpful then I'm more than willing to share that with the group.
What are your hopes for the future of "Girls Just Wanna Have Funds"?
Oh wow, huge! I can't share everything in the works just yet but ultimately, my goal is to end up one day on the same stage as Oprah, Tyra Banks and Suze Orman along with the backing of a prominent financial planning organization who'd donate their services to Meetup groups via a Certified Financial Planner in every state while a national bank gives our members a savings rate of 5-6% or more for at least 1-2 years. So, not much! :-)
I want women to know that they can indeed be in control of their money and know that it just shouldn't be left up to prince charming to come in and save the day. We are here to break financial ceilings, and we're doing it one stiletto at a time!
Her Meetup has garnered national media attention over its four years on Meetup.com along with her companion blog, Girls Just Wanna Have Funds.
Without further ado, its my pleasure to introduce you to our Meetup Organizer of the Week for July 9, 2008, Ginger and her Meetup group, Girls Just Wanna Have Funds
"I want women to know that they can indeed be in control of their money and know that it just shouldn't be left up to Prince Charming to come in and save the day. We are here to break financial ceilings, and we're doing it one stiletto at a time!"
- Ginger Borgella
Thanks, Ginger!
I love the honesty and flat-out candid analysis of your life on your blog, "Girls Just Wanna Have Funds". Which came first, the blog or the Meetup?
Thank you! :-) I love the honesty of our members and we encourage that because it removes the shame and secrecy behind our individual financial situations. The blog came before the Meetup. GirlsJustWannaHaveFunds.com existed before the Meetup site. I figured that it would be great to be able to connect with other women who wanted to take control of their money, but maybe weren't certain just how to do that. I've been a member of Meetup now for about 4 years and so it was the natural choice for a group like ours.
Has your Meetup group helped solidify the sense of community you sought during your odyssey for financial solvency?
Yes, indeed it has! I've been able to connect with women of all walks of life through this Meetup. We are really supportive of one another and keep each other accountable while teaching each other how to save money, especially now. We've shared information on coupon books, how to keep the electric bill down, debt reduction strategies, debt reduction/budgeting spreadsheets etc etc. I'm especially happy that every woman in our group is an expert on something they've done with regards to their money and in having Meetup.com as a platform we're able to share and support in different areas.
"Girls Just Wanna Have Funds" has received a fair amount of national media exposure (WSJ, GMA and NBC Nightly News) how did this come about and what kind of results have you seen in the membership or interest in your blog/Meetup.
We've also been featured on the Weekend Today Show and Fox News DC- WTTG! With the last airing we had a surge in membership on Meetup.com and I have received quite a bit of reader mail from other women all over the country in the same position as we are here in DC. So the national exposure has been helpful and overwhelming at times because now more than ever I realize that this isn't just about our group here in DC, but there are women all over our country that want help with their finances but don't know where to start. While I am not a financial adviser and in debt myself I want to be able to share resources because we are all on the same journey. So the results have been nothing but positive and I welcome the possibility of expanding to different areas as we move forward.
As a successful Organizer, what three tips would you suggest to a new or struggling Organizer?
1. Connect with your members via email, message board or better yet, an off topic happy hour. People want to know that their leader is just like them and here's a secret, they want to be just like you-but want to know that you're just like them. So being aloof and distant doesn't work if you're in the business of being a Meetup Organizer, you have to be able to connect with your members and be truly invested in their success.
2. Invest in your members. Take the time to respond to their emails and give helpful and useful information when possible. You don't have to be an expert on your topic or Meetup purpose but I believe that when you invest in others, they will invest in you as well. People can tell the difference between an organizer who is there and one who is involved.
3. Last but not least-get in tune with the direction of where your members want to go. We have varied needs in our Meetup and I am working to address those interested in not only debt reduction, but saving, investing, frugality, stocks/mutual funds, retirement and homeownership. I make sure to listen to their concerns because after all they drive the success of the Meetup and without them this Meetup wouldn't be as successful as it has been. So if they say jump, I'll probably say "when and where?!" LOL!
How do you find the topics and speakers for your extremely well-attended events?
Well our membership is pretty vocal with me around what they'd like to see and again they say jump I ask "when and where!?' So if they want a topic on retirement planning I start planning Meetups around that. If there's a need for saving money and investing then we plan Meetups around those topics as well. I'm pretty in tuned with their needs as a whole so I wouldn't plan a Meetup around real estate investing when most members are struggling with crippling student loan debt or needing to learn how to create a budget. Baby steps!!! This is more about them than it is about me.
Thus far we have been fortunate to have Velma Colfack be our speaker on a wide variety of topics and that has worked well. As we move forward I will be asking members who are experts in certain areas for example, Coupon Queens, Saving Divas etc etc present at a Meetup sharing their tips and advice in this area.
Through this entire experience, what changes or enhancements have you noticed as a result in yourself?
I am working to remain cognizant around my financial situation because I have a rather large group to keep me accountable. I'm not some personal finance guru touting a new book, but I'm just like my Meetup members so I try to be as good with my money as I implore them to be daily. I also want to share every piece of good information I get because my motto is "Each One Teach One" and if I have it then I want you to have it as well. So if I know something would be helpful then I'm more than willing to share that with the group.
What are your hopes for the future of "Girls Just Wanna Have Funds"?
Oh wow, huge! I can't share everything in the works just yet but ultimately, my goal is to end up one day on the same stage as Oprah, Tyra Banks and Suze Orman along with the backing of a prominent financial planning organization who'd donate their services to Meetup groups via a Certified Financial Planner in every state while a national bank gives our members a savings rate of 5-6% or more for at least 1-2 years. So, not much! :-)
I want women to know that they can indeed be in control of their money and know that it just shouldn't be left up to prince charming to come in and save the day. We are here to break financial ceilings, and we're doing it one stiletto at a time!
By Angela Groninger on 07/09/08 9:36 AM
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Ladies Who Launch Meetup, brought to southeastern Pennsylvania by Incubator Leader Megan L. Reese, takes typical networking a step further through its Incubator Workshop. Unlike typical business card exchanges, the Incubator is a program that focuses on what each individual woman needs in order to move forward with her business.
"According to the Center for Women's Business Research, since 2004
women have been launching businesses at nearly three times the rate of
men," Reese says. "Ladies Who Launch is the first brand to acknowledge
that women launch differently than men. We start our businesses for
lifestyle reasons and grow them more organically. The Incubator is
based on this concept."
Beth Strange, owner of Your Image Works in Oxford, is one of the businesswomen hosting the event. She participated in the first Incubator Workshop in April.
"Through Ladies Who Launch, I've been able to grow my business in ways I never could if I hadn't been part of the Incubator," Strange says. "I'm now part of a local group of amazing women with a unique perspective on launching, as well as an online community of over 50,000 women.
By Angela Groninger on 07/08/08 9:41 AM
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Bay Area's creativity extends to more than chips and software. Stephanie Lam, Local artist and Organizer of two local meet-up groups: The San Jose Pug Meetup, the French Bulldog Meetup combines her passion for animals with her passion for art.
"I've always had a passion for drawing animals from a very young age," Lam says. When she took some art classes while studying English at Santa Clara University, her creative spirit was reawakened. And then she adopted a pug she named Harley three years ago. "She became my constant muse," Lam says. "I did several paintings of her and discovered how much I missed" making art. "I realized I wanted art to be a focal point in my life again, something I really devoted myself to."
Read more...
By Angela Groninger on 07/07/08 10:51 AM
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Last year we figured out what Meetup is all about.
That may seem strange for a company that was almost five years old at the time.
Actually, we knew that Meeting Up was about many things. Having seen what Meetup Groups were doing over those years, having talked to thousands of members and organizers, we knew that meeting up in groups was changing lives in big and small ways. That it was bringing community back to a society that had lost touch with itself. That meeting up enabled people to exchange knowledge, support each other, make new friends and pursue their passions with people who loved doing the same things.
We realized that what all these things amounted to is that real face-to-face groups are powerful. When people organize themselves into groups, they do things that are very hard, even impossible to do on their own.
Look at this Writer's Meetup Group in Colorado that the Greeley Tribune featured. Mark Shelton, a writer said:
"I was looking for an opportunity to meet with other people that might be going through the same things that I am-- writers block or just need other ideas ... that type of thing," said Shelton, a resident of Fort Collins. "And she (her editor) said, 'Why don't you go on Meetup?'".
The article continues: 'Yet, according to Ben Ward, who started the group, the purpose for meeting is not simply to critique writing. Instead, Ward sees the group as a way for people to get out and meet people in a novel way -- face to face. "You always see people on MySpace with a thousand friends or something, but you never know how many of them they've ever met," Ward said. "And a lot of people are using that to replace traditional friendships too, since they just kind of communicate their own lines.
"So this was a good way to bring people together."
And Meetup Groups like this are not just about improving their members' lives in ways big and small. Thousands of groups have been established to change the world.
So, this is what we believe at Meetup HQ:
"We believe in the power of self-organized groups to improve lives and change the world".
Everything we do is designed to make Meetup Groups more powerful so that they are there to help people teach, share, learn, cope, support, motivate and have fun.
They're there to enable people to belong, feel purpose, have meaning and be confident enough to be themselves. And they're there to help people to unite, activate, mobilize, advocate, agitate, lobby, endorse, create democracy and change things.
That may seem strange for a company that was almost five years old at the time.
Actually, we knew that Meeting Up was about many things. Having seen what Meetup Groups were doing over those years, having talked to thousands of members and organizers, we knew that meeting up in groups was changing lives in big and small ways. That it was bringing community back to a society that had lost touch with itself. That meeting up enabled people to exchange knowledge, support each other, make new friends and pursue their passions with people who loved doing the same things.
We realized that what all these things amounted to is that real face-to-face groups are powerful. When people organize themselves into groups, they do things that are very hard, even impossible to do on their own.
Look at this Writer's Meetup Group in Colorado that the Greeley Tribune featured. Mark Shelton, a writer said:
"I was looking for an opportunity to meet with other people that might be going through the same things that I am-- writers block or just need other ideas ... that type of thing," said Shelton, a resident of Fort Collins. "And she (her editor) said, 'Why don't you go on Meetup?'".
The article continues: 'Yet, according to Ben Ward, who started the group, the purpose for meeting is not simply to critique writing. Instead, Ward sees the group as a way for people to get out and meet people in a novel way -- face to face. "You always see people on MySpace with a thousand friends or something, but you never know how many of them they've ever met," Ward said. "And a lot of people are using that to replace traditional friendships too, since they just kind of communicate their own lines.
"So this was a good way to bring people together."
And Meetup Groups like this are not just about improving their members' lives in ways big and small. Thousands of groups have been established to change the world.
So, this is what we believe at Meetup HQ:
"We believe in the power of self-organized groups to improve lives and change the world".
Everything we do is designed to make Meetup Groups more powerful so that they are there to help people teach, share, learn, cope, support, motivate and have fun.
They're there to enable people to belong, feel purpose, have meaning and be confident enough to be themselves. And they're there to help people to unite, activate, mobilize, advocate, agitate, lobby, endorse, create democracy and change things.
By Douglas Atkin on 07/02/08 2:19 PM
| Comments (1)
Happiness is important.
Perhaps you think this is obvious. Happiness is a concept that's well established in America culture. It's enshrined in the American Constitution after all: 'Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness'.
Frankly, speaking as someone who grew up in the UK, I've always thought that this phrase was a bit strange. 'Life' and 'Liberty' I get. They're fundamental human rights. But why would the Founding Fathers give 'The pursuit of Happiness' equal status? Nice if you can get it, was my thinking. Not as important as Life and Liberty, but worth pursuing, sure.
Well it turns out that the Founding Fathers cleverly anticipated 21st Century science. And that I was wrong. This 'optional extra' is not so optional. It's been proven to be vital to longevity and better health:
"However we measure happiness, it seems to be conducive to better health. Happy people tend to have more robust immune systems and lower level of stress causing cortisol. If artificially exposed to the flu virus, they are much less likely to contract the disease. They are also more likely to recover from major surgery" (Richard Layard, a prominent UK economist writing in his excellent book 'Happiness, Lessons from a new Science'.
All of which begs the question "what makes people happy?"
Not money, as it turns out. Once people have achieved a certain basic standard (they can eat, have shelter etc) each successive increase in material wealth does not generate the equivalent increase in feelings of happiness. This has been documented in many studies, as as Layard reports:
"...all the evidence says that on average people are no happier today than people were fifty years ago. Yet at the same time average incomes have more than doubled. This paradox is equally true for the United States and Britain and Japan."
So what does make people happy? Groups. A social network and the relationships, sense of meaning and sense of achievement that they generate.
"Close relationships are the single most important factor in whether someone is happy." (Richard Layard again).
Recent studies have shown that there is a tight relationship between Belonging to Groups, Happiness, and increased health and longevity. Groups are a fundamental human need. They are equal in status to 'Life' and 'Liberty'.
If you're in any doubt, look at these quotes that I took at random from the survey that's asked of Meetup members after they've attended a Meetup. They show how important their Meetup Groups are in their lives:
"It was nice having another person with ADHD/ADD to validate me. It takes someone who knows what it's like to struggle each day. To make you feel like your not alone"
(Member of the Orlando Attention Deficit Disorder Meetup Group)
And this stay-at-home Moms group:
"About half of the moms in the group are military spouses and understand what I am going through. It's a great support group and whenever a group member has needed anything, I am proud to say, my members have come through." (Karissa - Oceanside Little Explorers)
Perhaps you think this is obvious. Happiness is a concept that's well established in America culture. It's enshrined in the American Constitution after all: 'Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness'.
Frankly, speaking as someone who grew up in the UK, I've always thought that this phrase was a bit strange. 'Life' and 'Liberty' I get. They're fundamental human rights. But why would the Founding Fathers give 'The pursuit of Happiness' equal status? Nice if you can get it, was my thinking. Not as important as Life and Liberty, but worth pursuing, sure.
Well it turns out that the Founding Fathers cleverly anticipated 21st Century science. And that I was wrong. This 'optional extra' is not so optional. It's been proven to be vital to longevity and better health:
"However we measure happiness, it seems to be conducive to better health. Happy people tend to have more robust immune systems and lower level of stress causing cortisol. If artificially exposed to the flu virus, they are much less likely to contract the disease. They are also more likely to recover from major surgery" (Richard Layard, a prominent UK economist writing in his excellent book 'Happiness, Lessons from a new Science'.
All of which begs the question "what makes people happy?"
Not money, as it turns out. Once people have achieved a certain basic standard (they can eat, have shelter etc) each successive increase in material wealth does not generate the equivalent increase in feelings of happiness. This has been documented in many studies, as as Layard reports:
"...all the evidence says that on average people are no happier today than people were fifty years ago. Yet at the same time average incomes have more than doubled. This paradox is equally true for the United States and Britain and Japan."
So what does make people happy? Groups. A social network and the relationships, sense of meaning and sense of achievement that they generate.
"Close relationships are the single most important factor in whether someone is happy." (Richard Layard again).
Recent studies have shown that there is a tight relationship between Belonging to Groups, Happiness, and increased health and longevity. Groups are a fundamental human need. They are equal in status to 'Life' and 'Liberty'.
If you're in any doubt, look at these quotes that I took at random from the survey that's asked of Meetup members after they've attended a Meetup. They show how important their Meetup Groups are in their lives:
"It was nice having another person with ADHD/ADD to validate me. It takes someone who knows what it's like to struggle each day. To make you feel like your not alone"
(Member of the Orlando Attention Deficit Disorder Meetup Group)
And this stay-at-home Moms group:
"About half of the moms in the group are military spouses and understand what I am going through. It's a great support group and whenever a group member has needed anything, I am proud to say, my members have come through." (Karissa - Oceanside Little Explorers)
By Douglas Atkin on 07/02/08 11:08 AM
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With our lives so jam packed with the business of living, reeling in our own tightly bound worlds -- sometimes we lose sight of how fortunate we are.
Our Meetup Organizer of the Week has incorporated her love of the outdoors with a 'pay it forward' aspect. Realizing the urgency for solid mentorship of our kids in the inner cities she became involved in one of the Sierra Club's urban outreach programs -- and its flourished on Meetup.com. She is a fantastic woman and I'm proud to introduce you to her.
The Meetup Organizer of the Week for July 2, 2008, Angela Bole and her group, The New York Inner City Outings (ICO) Meetup
"In order to live authentically, I think we all need our 'Thing' -- the activity we take on which becomes our central contribution to a better community, a better country, a better world."
- Angela Bole
Please tell us about the Sierra Club's Inner City Outings program.
New York
Our Meetup Organizer of the Week has incorporated her love of the outdoors with a 'pay it forward' aspect. Realizing the urgency for solid mentorship of our kids in the inner cities she became involved in one of the Sierra Club's urban outreach programs -- and its flourished on Meetup.com. She is a fantastic woman and I'm proud to introduce you to her.
The Meetup Organizer of the Week for July 2, 2008, Angela Bole and her group, The New York Inner City Outings (ICO) Meetup
"In order to live authentically, I think we all need our 'Thing' -- the activity we take on which becomes our central contribution to a better community, a better country, a better world."- Angela Bole
Please tell us about the Sierra Club's Inner City Outings program.
Inner City
Outings (ICO) is the Sierra Club's community outreach program of underprivileged
children and adolescents. We're a 100% volunteer-run organization of certified
Sierra club trip leaders working to provide young people with outdoor
recreational opportunities, leadership training, positive group experiences and
environmental education, while imbuing in them a love of nature and the outdoors.
How long have you been involved?
I joined
in 2004. My roommate told me about it. It took me about a year to become a
Certified Trip Leader.
Obviously, ICO is fantastic for the
kids. What would you say is the most rewarding aspect for you personally?
It's about
paying it forward. When I was growing up I had fantastic mentors through
programs like Girl Scouts and Camp Fire Girls (is that group even around
anymore?!). In order to live authentically, I think we all need our Thing - the
activity we take on which becomes our central contribution to a better
community, a better country, a better world. Since moving to
How has your involvement with Meetup
helped or enhanced your ability to provide this amazing experience?
We put NY
ICO on Meetup to help organize our calendars a bit better and create a sense of
community among our volunteers. We have 6 groups going out almost every month
and lots of volunteers who want to know about the trips so they can help out.
Meetup has given our volunteers a central location to check out what's going on
and let Certified Trip Leaders know they'd like to come along!
What is the most memorable feedback you've
received from the children involved?
Lots of
gems like: "That water looks mad refreshing." "I like hiking but I hate all
this walking." "You guys are really nice
people."
What are some ways the public can
support the ICO program (ie: volunteerism, financial and so on)
There are
several agencies and schools who'd like to be involved with NY ICO, but we
can't sign them on because we don't have enough Certified Trip Leaders to lead
the groups. We need more people who are willing to make NY ICO their Thing and
sign on for a year or two. There are many rewards - one of the biggest being
the ability to get to know the kids over an extended period of time. You're
really able to grow with them in this way and see how your efforts pay off.
Umm....we
could also use more guys! For some reason, most of our volunteers are women. It
would be nice for the young boys in our groups to have some male mentors to
look up to.
And, of
course, money always helps! NY ICO is
made possible by its volunteers who give generously of their time and skills,
and by donations of money and equipment made from its supporters. Financial support from foundations, corporations,
and individuals is always needed to anppreciated.
What are you hopes for the future growth
of this Meetup?
I hope more of our volunteers will upload their photos and bios and start
chatting with each other on-line! It's very rare for all the NY ICO volunteers
to get together physically in one place. Using Meetup is a great way for us to
keep in touch!
By Angela Groninger on 07/02/08 7:32 AM
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How Meetup Tore Up the Rule Book
The popular Web site company's radical experiment is putting employees in charge
CEO Heiferman (foreground) has let workers become their own bosses Chris Mueller/Redux
by Heather Green
The management revolt at Meetup Inc. broke into the open last February. Douglas Atkin, a senior manager, yanked CEO Scott Heiferman into a conference room and showed him a list scrawled on a whiteboard. In bright red letters were all the things Atkin felt were wrong at the New York startup, including "We Aren't a Creative Company" and "I Hate the Org Chart." Atkin pressed his boss to change course. "We need to blow this up and start all over again,"
he said.
Meetup is a company built on organization. Through its Web site, people can set up local groups for everything from sharing organic gardening tips online to marshaling volunteers for political campaigns. But as the company grew to 52 employees and 5 million members, Meetup's own organization buckled. It was failing at the very thing that was supposed to be its expertise.
What followed Atkin's confrontation was a management experiment that shook the company. Heiferman replaced the old org chart with a highly unusual management strategy in which workers set priorities and pick their own projects. Inspired by the people who use its service, Meetup loosened the reins and dispersed power. For some workers, it felt like chaos, and they fled. Others thrived.
The process is still under way, but the results so far are largely positive. Morale is up, and the company is cranking out products. On June 10, Meetup plans to unveil a slew of features, including a site redesign, a new payment system, and a method for translating Meetup into other languages. "We got more done in six weeks than in six months last year," says Heiferman, who expects the projects to boost revenues tenfold, to $100 million, by 2010.
Meetup's approach isn't for everyone. But for managers, especially those responsible for younger workers with attitudes and expectations so different from those of earlier generations, the experiment holds lessons: Giving up control can lead to better results. Your workers may have better ideas than you. Gary Hamel, who wrote The Future of Management, predicts more companies will adopt flexible organizations to accommodate Internet Age workers and profit from their skills. "With information so broadly shared now, the sources of influence and power are eroding," he says. Companies already using such approaches include Whole Foods Market (WFMI), and W.L. Gore & Associates, the $2 billion maker of Gore-Tex.
At Meetup, the recent changes were designed to break through layers of bureaucracy that had piled up. Last year, for example, the company established a controversial review board that, along with managers, oversaw what workers could do. Employees talked about being "metrified," or so focused on metrics there was no room for new ideas.
A few months after the review board was established, Atkin cracked. Heiferman listened, sensing he had a problem. For a week in February, Meetup's execs brainstormed alternatives. They considered modest tweaks. But Greg Whalin, head of technology, kept pushing to give workers more control.
WORKING HARDER
On Feb. 21, Heiferman gathered the staff to sketch out the new ground rules. Employees will decide which projects get tackled first. They'll organize themselves into teams to tackle projects. All existing work will be put on hold. One by one, people stood up and volunteered things they wanted to change. The crowd got rowdy, clapping and shouting out their ideas. The execs left and employees spent five hours deciding who would work on what.
Work patterns changed immediately. With more control, many worked harder than ever. Heiferman is shocked at how fast projects have come together. Still, uncertainty remains. Managers worry employees will pick frivolous projects. Some workers are uncomfortable without specific jobs or authority. "People question what their professional growth will be," says product manager Maya Voskoboynikov.
Many companies couldn't operate with workers calling so many of the shots. Consulting and advertising firms have to answer to clients. Size matters, too. As companies grow, experts say most need hierarchy to keep people moving in the same direction. "As someone who has spent his entire life saying 'Liberate people,' I believe you need systems," says Tom Peters, the prominent management consultant.
Heiferman isn't throwing out systems entirely. A strategy group tracks how changes affect revenue and customer growth. And the CEO reserves the right to pull what he calls the "red cord" on projects headed in the wrong direction. He hasn't had to use it. At least not yet.
By Angela Groninger on 07/01/08 4:50 PM
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