The Official Meetup HQ Blog

Eid Said!!! Happy Feast!

by Emeline

Ramadan took place this year from August 21 until September 19, and I am thankful to have experienced some of celebration while living in Cairo, Egypt for the past few months.

Each evening during Ramadan, when it was time to break the fast, tables would appear all over Cairo, and anyone could come and grab a seat and break bread together. 

I decided to look around Meetup, and see what has been going on in the past couple weeks. I see the London Muslim Meetup took the chance to Meetup and break fast together last week:

"I'm looking forward to eating/sharing with you all on a Ramzaan evening - hope all your dreams, wishes, aspirations and prayers are answered as we make the most of the Ramazaan season - Thank you!"  -Shagufta

In Orlando, the Muslim Women for a Cause Meetup came together to break the fast as well:

"I had a really great time! It was so nice to see new and old faces." - Shelly

As Ramadan comes to an end, now is the time of the feast, which lasts for three days. The New York City Progressive Muslim Meetup Group kicked off the feast by reflecting and joining together in prayer.

"Every year more people come and make the Eid spirit even greater." -- Pudina

And this Saturday, you could also join friends for a cookout in the park with the LA Arabic Language Meetup. 

If you are looking to work on your Arabic and or study the culture (like me!) you should check out your local culture Meetup Group like the NYC Int'l Arabic Language & Culture Social Club. There might be a Meetup Groups about Islam, Arabic Language, or Middle Eastern Music near you!

This is a time of year that is meant to unite families and friends with the spirit of charity, peace, and hospitality. It's great to see all the fantastic communities coming together all around the world on Meetup! The sense of community that I saw and experienced in Cairo was enviable: My life will forever be changed because of it, and I look forward to going back someday.

Emeline is on Meetup's Community team.

| More

Emeline from HQ is heading to Egypt

by Tegan

You may have noticed Emeline here on the Meetup HQ Blog talking about hikers or her Mom, or maybe you spotted her name at the bottom of an email back from Meetup Support.

She's a superstar here at Meetup HQ: helpful, funny, and really committed to helping Organizers put together rocking Meetups.

But what some people don't know is that in addition to rocking at her day job, Emeline is also a really fantastic dancer and choreographer. 

We spotted Emeline and some of her students in a recent article in the Hudson Reporter, along with Birnur, the Organizer of the Jersey City ~ Hoboken Bellydance Meetup. (Congrats Birnur!)

Wanna catch some of Emeline's choreography? Those are her students dancing in the video at the top of the article.

In just a few days, Emeline's heading off to Cairo to study Middle Eastern dance, percussion and Arabic!

She'll be working remotely from Egypt until the fall, and we'll miss her. But she's promised to keep us posted on what she's up to. So keep an eye on on the blog for tales of Emeline's adventures!

Tegan is on Meetup's Community Support team.

| More

The Great Outdoors - Nashville Style

by Emeline

Summer is upon us and it's a fabulous time to enjoy the great outdoors. There are many incredible Hiking Groups on Meetup. And you don't have to take our word for it: just ask  Kelly Stewart, the Organizer of the Nashville Hiking Meetup Group. 

He gives some wonderful tips for finding others who share your interests in this interview with Backpacker Magazine. Great job, Kelly!

Being from Nashville (most recently) myself, I know first hand there is some killer hiking out there....ahhhh, nostalgia. 

Oh, but you want to do more than just hike, you say?  Well, they are also involved in cleaning up trails and building new ones! You get it all; hiking, friends, and making a difference in your community!

Not to mention that as of today they have reached 2,020 members!!!!  

I can't wait to go back to visit Nasvhille and check you guys out.  Keep up the good work!  We look forward to seeing you continue to make a difference!!

Emeline is on Meetup's Community Support team.

| More

Get Involved...Get into it!

by Emeline

Ever feel like you want to take a stand and make a difference? 

The Baton Rouge Film, TV, Theater & Music Industry Meetup Group took a stand by taking part in a Statewide Meetup to support the increase in Louisianna Film Industry Tax Incentives.

They got together, shared information, and let their voices to be heard.

From Susie Labry, the Organizer:

Very important people and major players attended from all over state. One giant step towards the Capitol. Government officials were there and watching.

What a great way to get attention from the legislature! Check out this great article to read all about it.

Way to get involved and get things done! We're so proud.

Emeline is on Meetup's Community Support team.

| More

My Mommy's on Meetup!

by Emeline

When Mother's Day rolls around, we often think about the impact or involvement our Moms have had in our lives.  My mother comes to mind when I think about Meetup. 

Once I started working here, she--being the resourceful researcher that she is--jumped on the web and checked out Meetup.  Who wouldn't want to know what company their child is working for, especially one as unique as Meetup?

Well, the next thing I know, she's created an account, joined Groups, and off she was to her first Meetup.

She keeps me updated on what Meetup she's off to next, whether it's the Columbia Book Babes, The Columbia Veggie Group, or any other Meetup!  Of course, I'm proud and since we're many states a part, it's nice to know that she's meeting new folks in her community that share her interests!

I asked her what was her initial experience with Meetup, and she said,

"I found the Meetup site very easy to navigate when I joined.  In no time, I was able to find Groups that shared interests of mine, joined them, and began receiving welcome messages from the Organizers. It's easy, even for those of us who came of age before computers and technology of this type were commonplace.

One of the most exciting things I've found through my participation in Meetup is the opportunity to interact with people who I might not have met through more conventional channels.  They are wonderful, diverse friends who have added a dimension to my life experience that I appreciate in many ways.  Besides, they're lots of fun!

Managing my calendar is easy, because I can just send the Meetup appointments to my Outlook calendar.  That's a big plus for me!"

Mom, I think you're a lot more tech-savvy then you give yourself credit for.

Here's to you Mom! Happy Mother's Day!!!

Emeline is on Meetup's Community Support team.

| More

May 2nd is National Scrapbooking Day!

by Emeline

Alright everybody! Get your creative hats on, and let's get to making something fun and funky!

It's National Scrapbooking Day on May 2nd, and what better way to celebrate than to get together with friends and create something beautiful? 

That's what The Manhattan Scrapbooking Meetup Group is doing, and since it's not far from Cinco De Mayo, they are including my favorite beverage! I might just have to pop in and join in on the fun! These ladies will be cranking it out all day!

Check out other Scrapbooking Meetup Groups near you!

Emeline is on Meetup's Community Support team.

| More

Scoobie Gang Wannabees!

by Emeline

So, you're in Toronto, CA, and you love Buffy, eh? 

Well, so does Allegra and the rest of The Scoobie Gang Wannabees.   Great way to take action Allegra! How fun is this! 

Click here to find a Buffy Meetup Group near you!

Emeline is on Meetup's Community Support team.

| More

April is National Poetry Month!

by Emeline

Since April is National Poetry month, I decided to poke around and see what a couple Meetup Groups were doing in this month. 

What better way to celebrate the month than to take part in a poetry slam!  That's what The Dallas/Ft. Worth Poetry Meetup Group is doing at their next April DFW Poetry Meetup and Poetry Grind Grand Slam Meetup.

Or, learn from other poets as The Write 2 Publish Meetup Group did at their last Poetry Reading Meetup!

So, if you'd like to test your skills at poetry, find a poetry Meetup Group near you!

Emeline is on Meetup's Community Support team.

| More

Being Frugal is Fabulous!

by Emeline

Congrats to Nicole and the rest of the Frugal and Fabulous Moms of Chesapeake, VA for being mentioned in the NY Times! 

As the times call for more frugal living, Frugal Living Meetup Groups and Clothing Swap Meetup Groups are more popular than ever. What better way come together, share tips, and find the best deals in your area!  Why not join one near you?!

  

Emeline is on Meetup's Community Support team.

| More

Ahhh....Paris, the Seine, and the Moon!

by Emeline

What better way to spend an evening than to watch the moon rise over the Seine in Paris!  Well, that's how Captain Bob and his Paris Full Moon Picnic Group spend their evening once a month!  

They hang out on the Pont des Arts footbridge for a potluck for fun times with fun people, and watch the moon rise over the Seine. 

They've been around for a while, but have decided to join the Meetup.com family allowing more members to enjoy this fabulous community gathering!  Whenever I get to Paris, I'll have to check this one out!  How beautiful is this!

Emeline is on Meetup's Community Support team.

| More