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| by Katie |
The Kitsap Moms Meetup recently received some well-deserved recognition in the North Kitsap Herald.
We reached out to Elizabeth, the awesome Organizer behind this active Group, to learn more about her organizing experience. Here's what she had to say:
In the North Kitsap Herald article, you mention that your Group provides lots of options for members. What kinds of Meetups get the most RSVPs in your Group and how do you decide what kinds of activities to host?
We have real success with in-home playgroups, anyone in the group can host a playdate and we usually provide a snack or two or someone brings something to snack on. These Meetups are relaxed and comfortable in a home environment, which has usually been baby-proofed. Having the kids in a safe, trusted environment gives the moms an opportunity to relax and hang out with friends, which is what we've become over the last year.
You also noted that your Group usually has 3 or 4 weekly activities, which is quite impressive! How do you keep your Meetup Group so active? Do you have any tips you would share with other Organizers?
We'd love to hear anything you'd like to share about your Group--from how you got started to what your hopes are for your Meetup Group in the future. If you have any favorite memories you'd like to share from your Group, we'd love to hear those too!
The Kitsap Moms Meetup group started a few years ago and I believe I am the third or fourth organizer to take on the group. The previous organizer is still an active member in the group, but her kids have gotten older and started school, so she decided to step down. I became the co-organizer last March, agreeing to take over the group at the end of the summer. In that time, I started a revolving dues system for the group to help cover the costs of being a Meetup group. Each new member has 30 days to check out the group and decide if they'd like to become a permanent member. If they do, they pay a $6 fee and have full membership options. If not, they are removed from the group. With this system, we need 24 new members every year to help cover the Meetup costs for the following year. This system holds member accountable for their involvement in the group, plus it balances the burden of cost throughout the entire group. Coupled with the occasional sponsorship, we currently have the next two years' dues paid and any extra funds go toward an annual holiday party.
For the future, I hope this group continues to offer fun opportunities for moms and their kids to interact and make friends within our county. I hope we continue to participate in community events and teach our kids to be good community members, and that includes our online community.
