At the White House!

by Scott

Hello Meetup Organizers!

Gotta share this inspiring Meetup news -- I was invited to visit the White House and met President Obama a few days ago.

Maybe you'll be inspired hearing what it was about...

Not all Meetup Organizers are fans of President Obama, and that's OK. The President gave a speech about the importance of "community solutions" --- and I was invited to be there because so many of your Meetups are examples of people coming together to solve problems -- big and small.

Here's a 2-minute (sort of covert) video I made for you while I was there!

The President said "the best solutions don't come from the top-down... Solutions to America's challenges are being developed every day at the grassroots." And when he said that, I thought of you -- almost 50,000 Meetup Organizers, with millions of people in your Meetup Groups -- creating real communities and solving real problems in people's lives.

Sometimes it's hard being a Meetup Organizer. But it's worth it when you think of the enormous potential of your Meetups -- and the Meetup Groups yet to be started. What's possible for the future of your Meetup?

Need inspiration? Check out some of the Meetups listed at http://communitybuilders.meetup.com.

(PS. -- If you use Twitter, follow @Meetup!)

Scott is Chief Organizer and Co-Founder of Meetup.

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Comments

[Tammy Gross]

While I'm NO fan of Obama, I think it's very very very cool that Scott had this opportunity and was able to share it with us organizers. Awesome!

[Anna]

Inspiring! Thanks. :-)

[George Ira Carroll]

This is wonderful to hear Scott, thank you so much for sharing :-)

[Randy]

Great work Scott!

You should team up with Bright Neighbor : )

[Mitchie Goldman]

Great video Scott! Meetup.com and Prez Obama...what a pair!:) Thanks for sharing!

[ray]

wow... way to go...

go visit the most divisive president ever to sit in the white house and use that as a marketing tool.

brilliant.

i'm stuck with meetup right now...
but when good competition comes along i'll be gone

[Fitness Family]

Awesome video! Congratulations on being recognized by President Obama. More power to you!

[Judith Mantell]

Wow! That is exciting! Congratulations!

[Berniejmitchell]

Hi Scott!

We are planning the "Mother of all Meetups" in London this August. -Are you in?

Our last event was called 'How to Barak Obama Your Business'.

This blog post is perfect timing for a tweet!

Thanks for a great idea :)

Bernie J Mitchell

[Heidi Garcia Keise]

Awesome! So inspirational. Great to have a leader at the grassroots level also. Thank you for your time and efforts in creating and sustaining such a great concept!
Heidi

[Kaibo Certified Master SEO]

Scott, way to go!
We really appreciate your efforts and passion for this great online and offline community you created for us.

Kaibo
Associate organizer of

http://www.meetup.com/fremontchinese/

and founder of http://chinesebay.com

[john silva]

this rocks!

[Veronica Pearman]

WOW Scott!

This is wonderful news! Congratulations!

Thank you for sharing.

Warmest,

Veronica
Pedestal Keeper

[Robert Legend]

That is awesome Scott! Seriously, way cool!

[Doreen Petros]

Thanks, Scott, that was very inspiring. We'll keep it up.

[Marketeers Club]

Thanks for sharing Scott. What a fantastic PR opportunity for meetup! Congrats!

[Janet Akpobome]

It's great to see Meetup in the White House!

[Monika Thiele]

Wow Scott! This gave me goosebumps! What an exciting time we are in--a return to the grassroots movement and community change, real change! I left my day job 6 months ago because I was so inspired by Obama's message and wanted to make a more meaningful contribution to society, to our environment--hence my decision to start The DC Green Connection! This video confirms my motivations solidly! Thank you SO much for sharing! --The DC Green Connection

[Adrian Dunevein]

Great Work Scott;

Superbly inspirational !

[Victoria]

Thanks for sharing!

[Philip]

Obama would only want to embrace my 9/11 Truth meetups with the embrace of a serpent.

[planning4acrash]

The Obama Deception: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAaQNACwaLw

[Sahar]

Thank you for sharing or president's message with us Scott. I started I am using other ways to attract women to come to our gathering. but meetup is the place they visit to learn more about us. Meetup is supporting my vision in building an even larger women support groups in my community of the Tri-valley and beyond.. I agree with president Obama “the best solutions don't come from the top-down.”. Sahar Kordahi

[Jack and Sona Barakitis]

Very Inspiring Scott, thank you for sharing!

Love, Laughter and Abundance

Jack & Sona Barakitis
~Essential Living

[Corinne]

Thank you! The best example of this is health care reform. When people STOP believing TV drug ads and STOP thinking that their doctor can fix everything ... then we'll start being responsible for our own health (moderate activity, healthy eating and stress management - THESE are HEALTH ... not pills and surgery). Best to all, Corinne

[Paulette Hill]

AWESOME! Great Video!

[Jan DeCourtney]

Thanks so much for sharing! What a fantastic opportunity to go to the White House and meet Mr. Obama. I'm so delighted that he is paying attention to what we're all doing.....

Best regards,
Jan

[Minna Van]

Very inspiring, thank you for sharing with us!!! Great Tuesday start with a motivating video.

[Lee]

It's too bad the President doesn't know what works!!! It will be up to the PEOPLE to do it for FREE while WE are PAYING them for NOTHING! More White House Porpaganda!!! They think we are stupid but we're not!!!

[DeniseRMT]

That is so amazing! Thank you for sharing your experience.

[neal]

thanks for letting us into the white house with you. very good things i heard.

[Susan]

Keep up the good work, Scott! Meetup is genius. Since it builds on our freedom of speech and freedom to congregate, it's pretty awesome that we can form a group around anything—including nutcases and conspiracy theorists!

[Val Lanore Lanter]

Thanks for sharing your Whitehouse/Obama interview with us. Val Lanore Lanter

[Edith]

Love it Scott! SFentrepreneur Meetup is now supporting http://communitybuilders.meetup.com!

[jesse]

Pretty cool to be invited to the White House.

[Bobbie]

"So it seems the meetup.com is being courted for the "New World Order"...hum! http://www.infowars.com/
There just might be some competition coming soon...
God help us all!
Bobbi

[Robert DeBeaux]

How can any of you believe that pack of lies.
The Obama administration has from day one been pushing his crap agendas down our throat, midnight legislation behind closed doors, destructive concepts in finance markets, overtaking PRIVATE organizations, stealing from the taxpayers, commandeering the census.. on and on
You still think he is interested in your puny ideas?
He is throwing you a crap flavored bone and you are salivating over it.
Since in office, what ideas has he garnered from the grass roots? None, he has opposed any ideas but his own agenda.
Heck, he can not even prove where he was born. and has spent over $900,000 to keep it that way.

How can you still trust this charlatan?

Please, I beg of you wake UP!!!!!!!!!!!

Scott, you in particular started this grassroots meetup forum because you were being stifled by regular press that is government controlled.
do a few pieces of silver in the guise of an audience at the White House make you lose your resolve that easily?

Americans need to get their country back and stand firm against bribes, and other carrots.
We are losing our great Nation.
If you are not defending Her, you are against Her.
No in between.

[Life Coach Karen]

Congratulations, Scott!! Totally cool that folks are getting the idea of what you are doing and you are getting realized for it. What you have done to integrate the best of Internet meets face-to-face is a great way of building community. Grateful for your innovation!

[Robert Altmiller]

This is an awesome video. I was inspired to start a meetup group when I went to Houston, TX and first learned about it there. I came back to Bakersfield, CA and started a running meetup group. Then one of my members started their own meetup group for floor ball. This all happened because of the way I was treated by a small running meetup group in Houston and what a pleasure it was to be around these people. So I truely believe this bottom up approach and is a great way to influence the lives of many individuals in a positive way! That one organizer in Houston influenced the lives of 50 people other people where I live. :)

-Robert Altmiller

[jhk]

So Obama is saying fix things yourself, in Africa he said the same thing. However, if you look at the decisions being made "in high places", there is nothing being done for mainstreet. The real CEO, the real President, the real King, would do more than say, "do it yourself", so once you realize this, you will also realize who the real Leader is.

[jhs314]

Wow, he got you to drink the Kool-aid too.

seems no one is immune. He's going to use this site like he uses Acorn. no thanks....
out of here.

[Guesswhat]

Is Usurper Obama going to pass out his "brown shirts"?? Usurper Obama is a farce!!!

[Chris W.]

I am skeptical... I don't understand why Obama needed to have a meeting if he really believes good ideas "come from the grassroots". I'll just say that, if meetup.com ever accepts tax-funded handouts, I will be resigning -- both as an organizer and a member.

[Richmond Women In Real Estate]

Thanks to Scott's Vision and MeetUp bringing these communities together, we can all continue to impact our communities one life at a time! MeetUp is laying the foundation for many great organizations that have really taken off--ours for example!

[Olivier Kumedjro]

I really appreciate. this indeed fantastic to get to White House and meet Mr. Obama. His speach encouraged and kick me to go ahead for changes in community. It is from Togo.
Thanks for sharing

[Holly]

Way cool, Scott, congrats! Hey, when the Obamas got their dog, I wanted to invite them to join my VA Adventure Dogs meetup: do you think they'd join? After all, it is vitally important that their dog get socialization. LOL!

[Stephenie]

Well, Whoopty Doo-I guess it's good for the people who love being on welfare or unemployment for years on end or the people who never do pay taxes. This doesn't represent the hard working people who pay their share of taxes and then some. Not so good for people who want to keep their freedoms given them by the constitution that is being shredded daily.
Since this is America and we still have the freedom to think and say our mind I'll say, even though you are in the league of koolaid sippers and have finally been able to stand in the same room as your messiah I am so happy for you. Just remember to temper your enthusiasm...
You don't speak for all of Meetup.

[Lori Lamb]

Congratulations Scott! Way to go! I sent you a personal email as well. How many of us are the brain-child of an organization and are called to the White House? I would consider that to be the best day of my life. You must be so proud. I am proud for you! Best of luck with your continued success! Lori Lamb, Organizer, Free Thinkers - Glendale, CA

[Nestor]

Great! - thank you for sharing and congratulations on being recognized by the White House! - I love what the president says about the importance of the grassroots - This is why I think it is crucial to increase awareness of regular meetup.com members about them being supportive with groups they belong to, not just attending events they like and that´s it, but also sharing information with others on boards, helping groups with their work, time and money, bringing more members to communities, encouraging organizer´s work, etc etc. I think Meetup HQ can and should help us on this.

[army]

Of course he is happy to acknowledge meetup.com, that is where his enemy meets every night. It is a great place for his administration to do "research". It is all there in black and white, especially if your organization assists him in anyway. Is your site still secure?

[Snarky Two-Shoes]

"The best ideas come from the bottom up."

Great use of domestic wiretapping and data-mining capabilities! Glad they're watching us.

Can I start a "No More Pakistani Drone Child-Murders" meetup?

[PeterG]

If it wasn't for "Meet Up" we would be making any income! THX Meet Up!

[Peter Vannewhyzen]

This is good to know Scott. We all have a great oppertunity to make a difference here. Keep us informed and lets get some action rolling.

[kevin]

hey scott. yeah way to go dummy. At least 30,000 people, listens and watchers of glenn beck have left meetup.com i'm sure head quarters there in new york city will be real happy with you sir. Thank you for being so daft pal. Have a nice life. Pres Obama, yeah right. Who says he is a pres. He's not even a citizen pal

[Ben Glass]

And by the time Obama gets done there will be no small businesses in existence that would have a reason to meet up to do anything

[David Greene]

Wow, Scott! Congratulations! Very well deserved. Meetup is what the Obama vision is all about. Glad to see recognition given where it is richly due.

[Hot Female]

Great. Now the administration has wined and dined organizing websites. The commies find a way every time to gain access to opposition. I'll be finding another site.

REX 84 (Readiness Exercise 1984)

[Gail]

Is it me, or is something wrong with the video? I would LOVE to see it, and share it with my group-- but it's just a funky little box-- the video's not loading! ;( Bummer!

Thanks for sharing, though, Scott! :)

[Patricia Hartfield]

Hi, Scott Thanks for Sharing the Video. Very informational, the Obama vision way to go!

I like your interest Scott of meetups online and offline.

Thanks,

Patricia
Team Success

[Philly]

MeetUp is a great income source for me~ It has been a life saver....please don't bring the government into it...they will find a way to control it.

[Robert]

Community organizers....Is that what you are Scott? Obamy the commie needs useful idiots like you, at least for a while. If anything, he is looking for acorn type organizations to function as his brown shirts. You probably do not know what the brown shirts were but Obamy the commie does.

you are a twit.

[Felicita]

Awesome!!! Great Job.

[scott]

Good to see you're getting attention that you want. Meanwhile, as soon as I find an alternative to Meetup I'll switch. Thanks for helping us in the interim. I want nothing to do with the current administration and this makes me wonder if Meet-Up shares his ideals and philosophies. best of luck...

[Fred Watson]

This country does more for anyone anywhere, locally and globally than the entire world does put together. I think we have the volunteering and giving back part down. He wants us to think this is something new, its not folks.

Obama should be more concerned with getting people back to work and less with volunteering efforts. Volunteers need money to be able give back. Those who the volunteers are giving to, need jobs as well

Soon volunteering will be all we have time for while were all unemployed. Unemployment is almost at 10%, Obama stop undermining this country!

How about some jobs Obama?

[Ted Robinson]

I am a fan of Obama in that he's willing to learn from everyone and this is a perfect indication of that fact. He also wants to have things grow from the bottom up instead of the top down and that makes a lot of sense too.

Congratulations on being chosen to be at the White House and share or partake in the discussion. I'm sure you played an important part just by being there.

Keep on doing what you're doing.

[Boysen Hodgson]

Thank you for being willing to take a stand by posting this video. The progressive grass-roots are alive and well. Intelligence is coming back into style!

[T.J.]

You just lost alot of members with this ass-kissing session! Just securing your spot in line for the handouts, huh? Moron!

[Jeffers M. Dodge]

While I am not a Obamatron what he said in this video is absolutely true. No great American policy came from the halls of Congress or the White House, they all have come from the people. As an example: Look at what the American people did to thwart the immigration bill of 2007. That was the American people at work. And of course the non partisan Tea Parties are another great example of the American voice rising from the kitchen table to the seemingly deaf ears of our Government. The overwhelming majority of taxpayers want less taxes, less government which will mean more jobs and more revenue to the US Treasury. GOOD JOB in keeping the policies of MeetUp neutral. Now the question is how to instill that admirable virtue in your employees?

[Lisa Jeffery]

I think it is fantastic that President Obama recognized Scott and the 50,000 meetup organizers who are "creating real communities and solving real problems in people's lives." I am the organizer of two meetup groups: "Accent Reduction Miami" and "I've Lost Someone Special To Cancer." I never dreamed that they would be so successful, and provide so many solutions to people. To imagine this small effort on a huge scale is a phenomenom and a revolution in the way people communicate! Thanks Scott!

[doglady55]

Obama is so full of crap it makes me sick. He is asking for solutions when all he has to do is look at the Constitution and the answers are right there. He and the rest of our puppet government don't give a crap about the Constitution. They are only interested in taking away our rights while we willing give them up for some government handouts, which by the way, the few of us left working are paying for. All the while he and his wife are flying around the world in private jets on"date nights" and shopping trips at the expense of the American taxpayers.

[Tim]

Hey haters, lighten up. Scott rules for taking advantage of an opportunity to spread the word.

[Paul]

If you buy anything this guy says as even informative much less truthful, you have got to be soft between the ears.
Grass roots requires individual liberties. At this rate, the subsoil taxes will kill even the heartiest of us.
You probably won't post this, as the whole thing is obviously just a promo scanm - for your business and the Obamination.

[Dawn Breslin]

Congratulations, I am an international Author and TV presenter, I have recently launched a women's magazine style lifestyle club in Scotland 'Consciously Female' and meetup is proving to be the best way to attract members and create a formula for a national and international Franchise...Go boy...take us out to the wider world!

[Tegan]

Oh no! That's no good.

Seems to be working on this end, but if you want, you can check it out on youtube directly:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNlHaUYvNnw

That might work. :)

[glen]

Just a question to think about. If as the President said the solutions to Americas challenges are being developed from the grass roots, and not the top down then why is he growing the government so much?

[Marcel]

Well, if there's one thing that this video definitely proves, it's that there are a lot of reactionary, doomsday-type, head up their conspiracy theories, right-wing nincompoops on meetup.com. Some of the comments on this post are so over-the-top idiotic, it's hard to believe these people see themselves as leaders.

Scott was invited to the White House as a businessperson and as a liaison to community organizations across the country. As a responsible entrepreneur, Scott attended the event and shared it with us. What's wrong with that? Give a guy a break. Geeez!

All you partisan Hannity puppets should seek some of MJ's left-over meds and just chillax.

[Will]

Wow... I'm doing something to make this country better one event at a time!!!

[chipsaucer]

great job. we need all the exposure we can get. the change will take place at the grass roots level. That is how wars are stopped and fraud revealed. We have gained members to our club with meetup so it is worth the effort. keep watching the sky.

[Denny]

The fact that you even met with the most Liberal ex-Senator, one who already stated on camera to Joe the Plumber that he's a Socialist, with someone that can't prove he's even an American citizen and is NOT the real American President, with someone that scoffed at the Tea Party's as nothing serious, with a man that sat in a church for 20 years listening to hate America and "whity" garbage preaching from the churchs' pastor, that tells me what I need to know about YOU Scott. You are full of Koolade my friend and anyone reading this that thinks you did the right thing by meeting with this MONSTER, you will reep what you sow. WAKE UP AMERICA. Get out of your slumber.

Watch:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7535755025025800195

[Rado Trenciansky]

Thanks for sharing Scott. It's great that you were invited. I believe that community is already making huge difference in improving people's lives and will be paid much more attention in the future. It is about creating trust and building rapport in safe and loving environment - community group. Best Regards

[Justme]

The comments posted are a more interesting read than the video. Not surprised by the blatant mistrust as it is quite visible here in Australia (another ex-British colony) too. The old "Don't tell me what to do!" is very much alive in this country as well, just look at the number of small businesses we have. A good thing it is that we have so many SMALL businesses because I believe it's small business and local communities which hold a country together. So what if you don't have a tax-paying job as long as you can barter for the things you need - life is good. For the conspiracy theorists: if you don't like the big rock in your pond be like the water, go around it. Splashing up against it may wear it down but it takes a lot of time and energy. If you want to build a community of people who don't trust anyone - go ahead, it'll be interesting to see what results.
"Love one another as I have loved you"

[Linda Landry]

This is cool. Recognition is always welcome when it is delivered as a positive compliment. I want to organize and implement a vocational training program in high schools for the senior year after completion of the four year academics in year round school years. Thanks Scott for puttin the word out.

[Diana Holland]

Scott, I have read several of the comments that were posted and I'm inspired by the diversity of thought and opinion that abounds in this country. Also, what is inspiring is the fact that you co-founded a company, that grew enough to get attention from the White House, no matter who is in office. That, my friend, is the spirit of American small business and entrepreneurism (spelling?). You are an example that dreams can come true in this country, regardless who is in office, as Meetups grew when the past administration was in office. Kudos to you and your team, Scott, and keep up the good work!

[Debbie Bates - Integrated Ascension]

Hi everyone,
I felt greatly inspired to hear this news from Obama and am truly grateful to be part of the grassroots level. Thanks Scott for making meeting up easier.
Warmest Regards
Debbie Bates

[Kim McClaran]

Kudos for being recognized by the White House. Been there a time or two myself. Entrepreneurs are the ones who built this country and they are the ones who provide the jobs. Furthermore, only a fool turns down an invitation to the White House. If you're a fan, then you commiserate, if not, it's good to keep your enemies close so you know what their up to. In either case, Scott, recognizing the controversy over the opinions of the current administration - Very wise!

[Charlotte]

Give me a break. That video had more slices than a family sized pizza. He could've been talking about anything and anyone can put their spin on it for their own cause. Are people really that gullible? Now I will go out and find the real source of the video. Anybody can print out a name tag. Sounds like a scam to get more members and make Scott rich. I've already cancelled my subscription. There are plenty of free forums out there, no need to pay for one.

[Keiko]

What an amazing spectrum of feedback you're getting to your video. I'm a big fan of Obama, and I'm also a big fan of Meetup.com. I belong to several meetup groups and have been raving about meetup.com to all my friends. It's the easiest way to make new friendships! Thank you for creating such a valuable platform for people to find like-minded people to meet with, face-to-face. And thank you for sharing your White House experience!

[Gigi]

I am very grateful for a place like meetup.com where the group I started has helped many people but this adoration of Obama is beyond belief.

I guess I am helping make Scott rich. I do not charge anything from my members. I foot the whole bill as I have a need to help others going through what I have gone through and this is a good way to do it but after seeing this video if ever there is another site like meetup that I can use I am gone. I had no idea meetup was run by a left wing liberal idiot.

Thanks for the video and opening up my eyes as to what the beliefs are of the meetup head honcho.

Changes from the bottom up? You have got to be kidding. You people are buying that? Yes, we all have groups to help others but not where they need it such as less taxes and more jobs.

If he really believes that then why is he governing from the top and much like a dictator telling congress what to do? He is in complete control of this country and he will ruin it and the way of life that has made this country the best in the world. People had better wake up! I was a Democrat. Obama turned me into a Republican. Now with the dems in such control of congress and the actions of this president I will never be a democrat again.

I already have a Saviour. I need a president who is not a narcissist or wants to be the leader of the whole world. Can anyone say Anti-Christ? He is right. He wasn't born in a manger but so many people, so blind, must think he was.

[jorydude]

Great Job a Proactive Prez with A procative entrepeneur. Inspiring.

Best,
Jorydude
sfhappyhour meetup group.

[Barbara]

This is so awesome to read and watch! I am the assistant organizer to 15 photography meetup groups across the US, and finding this blog inspires me even more! We created our own website to support our groups, but without meetup.com, we would have never achieved the amount of members we have so far. Thanks to all of you at Meetup for providing an awesome website!
Barbara
Assistant Organizer/Comptroller for www.photomeetups.com

[Patrici]

Hey Scott! I am so proud of being part of this grassroots movement. yes, Meetup is changing the name of the game one meeting at a time! Great that you were able to represent us!!!

Pat

[Tegan]

Hi Charlotte:

Goodness. I'm sorry to hear it. :-/

The video is a little choppy just because we wanted to keep it relatively short, but if you'd like to watch the full speech from that day, it's here if you're interested:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/video/President-Obama-Commends-Innovative-Nonprofits/

[Tom]

I put a very non complementary comment yesterday when I saw this. Probably too non complementary as it never showed up. This is what to expect from a the likes of an Obama supporting business. Our group of thousands are leaving Meetup and going to our own web site. It is sad that people don't see where the anointed one is trying to take us. Give him a chance I hear. He has had a chance. In 5 or 6 months he has more than doubled our debt to over a trillion dollars before his socialist supposed health care plan which will add another trillion over the next 10 years. He has indebted us more than every president since Washington, including George W. Bush. This is just plain sick.

[Evelyn]

This makes me sick. We are supposed to be an independent group standing for principles and values...you are selling us down the river with your fawning and slobbering. You act like a little school kid that just got his first bike. Are you that much of a simpleton and that easily duped? He's using you! He's attempting to hijack us. Since taking office he has, at warp speed, been changing the fabric and landscape of this country and schmoozing it over with his flowery oratory skills. A trillion dollar debt and still spending....and spending...and spending...and taxing...and taxing...and taxing.

[Andrea Siebert]

Scott you arew so inspiring I have had lukewarm responses to the meetups i've proposed. Since I have to monitor my time and expenditures of energy of all kinds I was wondering what to do.

From watching this video i got the idea to combine and compress a couple of my passions to create a set of solutions to S. F. needs. If I hadn't started up the "Lukewarm" meet-ups I might not have been led to this strategy for making my own way and my own contribution match up with solutions. Thank you.
Re-thinking-for-more-effective-meet-ups
Andrea

[Moiz]

Scott, I wanted to say thank you for the inspiring video you made while at the WH!

[Joni]

Wow, this totally rocks! Congratulations on this wonderful acknowlegement. I am a HUGE believer in the power of community and agree completely with President Obama's statements!

I am a Meetup organizer and have seen some remarkable things come out of it. We are now "friends" with other Meetups. There's nothing like spreading the love!

[Chuck]

Cool!

[Wayne Herrod]

One would wonder if he is really interested in bottom up communications then.... why does he not want to Audit the FED, secure our borders, establish a sound economy rather than to take it over via the government, allow the sale of vitamins to not be controlled by Codex Alimentaria, and insure our God-given rights as partially eniumerated by the first 10 amendments to the constitution? These are all popular grassroots things all of which he seemingly opposes. Although we live in a constitutional Republic.... that is not very democratic as he is often want to imply?????

[Dayna]

Hi Scott,
It's inspiring to hear this news. It helps validate what we as organizers are doing! I often feel that planning and facilitating Meetups is my little way of giving back to my community. Thanks for providing a great venue!