Recently in Meetup Organizer Of The Week Category

We're in the great city of Troy, Michigan this week to chat with a lady who's all heart.  She and her husband, Joe open their homes and property to a huge contingent of dogs...all breeds, mind you...for an incredible off-leash experience.

As you visit her Meetup pages, check out her "DogStar of the Month" article on her awesome About page. She also heads up a Pet Therapy Meetup sharing the love with the elderly in her community.

Recently, her Meetup was featured in a Detroit Free Press article highlighting the fun these guys have over at Karen and Joe's place! 

I'm thrilled to introduce you our Meetup Organizer of the Week, Karen Lichty and The Troy All Dogs Playgroup!

Thanks, Karen!

"I also hope for world peace, global ecological balance and a small ice cream cone every so often.  I'm not sure my Meetup group can help with those, but I have hopes!"

- Karen Lichty

What was your inspiration for creating and organizing the incredible Troy All Dogs Playgroup?

My nephew adopted a Cane Corso mastiff pup, his first dog.  Yikes! That will be a BIG dog, and I knew it would need socialization early. I did an internet search for local play groups and found Meetup. I joined a group, but the organizer was not posting events or responding to email, so after 3 months, I started my own dog playgroup.  I had no idea what I was getting into! :-)

Tell us about your own canine pals

My husband Joe (also my defacto co-organizer!) adopted Onyx, a then two year old black lab/Great Dane mix from the Humane Society in 2004. We had some problems with bolting, so we fenced our large backyard for him.  As we all got to know and trust each other, we took great joy in allowing him off leash. We also had Onyx certified as a pet therapy dog because he's so sweet and gentle with people. 

In 2006, we three were on vacation and saw a notice on the small grocery store bulletin board. "Three year old Newfoundland needs immediate home."  I commented, "who will adopt a three year old, 150 lb Newfoundland?'  My wonderful husband said "we would."  See, I married him for good reason!  And so we brought Mikey home with us. 

Both dogs get along well with our two Maine Coon cats, who think they are dogs anyway.  I had never known a Newfoundland; I found Mikey to be representative of the breed- sweet, gentle, a bit goofy, very loving and always ready to go for an adventure.  Mikey also had a hard history - we were his fourth and last home at three years old.  Luckily for us, Mikey negated much of what we had been told about his not coming when called and running off because Mikey's hero is Onyx, and Mikey is willing to go wherever Onyx goes.

What would you say are your greatest joys and challenges when it comes to handling such a large Meetup group?

My greatest joy is playing with the huge variety of breeds and sizes of dogs and their terrific parents at our activities! Our members are wonderful people.  They make everything we do pretty easy. 

Challenges? We haven't had many.   Making sure everyone feels welcome and comfortable is always something I strive for.  I have lots of ideas I would like to try, but not enough time to do the legwork to get them moving. But I'm making some great contacts in the group, so I still hope to do more activities. (to my folks, if you're reading- yep, I have LOTS of plans!)

When was the moment or occurrence that made you think to yourself, "yes, this is all worth it"?

There's at least one of those moments with every Meetup we do.  Seeing people enjoying themselves, seeing the dogs having such fun, walking in the woods in the fall, watching the dogs play non-stop while we walk through snowy fields in winter - and every time someone smiles and says thank you - that makes it all worth it for me.

Do you have a favorite funny or touching 'Meetup Moment" to share with us?

We were walking as a group on downtown Detroit riverfront.  We passed a family where all four kids cringed away from the dogs.  A bit later, they re-crossed our path while my dogs were lying in the grass.  I started talking to the kids as they came closer.  With great trepidation, they approached my large black dogs, which lay there peacefully.  First one, then the others daringly touched a dog.  Mikey, the newf, rolled right over on the kids' feet for a belly rub.  Oh, the smiles of delight!  Within minutes, four kids sitting in the grass rubbing big dogs; petting and talking to them and feeling their ears. They got to learn more about the breeds and what their skills are.  Dad finally said, "Let's go, guys".  Happily, the kids giggled and said they couldn't get up because the dogs were lying on their feet. Learning not to be afraid - that's a big moment.

We've had a couple instances of people finding each other at our Meetups who haven't seen each other in years.  Most recently, a set of parents checking out the group for their daughter, who was also there, checking out the group for her parents!

As a successful Organizer, what three tips would you suggest to the new or struggling Organizer trying to get their group off the ground.

1. Mahatma Gandhi put it perfectly, "Be the change you wish to see in the world."

For a happy, relaxed group, you must be that way. Hopefully, you're doing something you really enjoy; else it just won't be satisfying.

2. Give yourself time - time to grow, time to learn.  The Meetup site has great references for you - best practices, how-to guides, all written by people who have done this.  I am very thankful I didn't have to invent this wheel!  Talk to other organizers in other groups (become a member of an Org group) and participate in message boards, including the Meetup Forums.

3. Have fun and don't sweat the small stuff.  If it's not fun for you, see #1- it won't be fun for others.

What are your hopes for The Troy All Dogs Playgroup for the future?

I hope that we all continue to get together to play; we get to know each other better and develop long friendships.  I look forward to more charity work & continue to increase our pet therapy outreach.  I hope to see more opportunities for dogs to be accepted in public places in our metro area, and through that, further acceptance of all breeds. 

The more a dog is socialized with people and other dogs, the easier all these goals will be.  Our group not only makes great strides with that, but also allows us humans to hang out with like-minded people.

I also hope for world peace, global ecological balance and a small ice cream cone every so often.  I'm not sure my Meetup group can help with those, but I have hopes!

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.

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!

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?

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.

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.

 

The New York chapter of ICO) (NY ICO) works in partnership with social service agencies and schools. For its part, NY ICO supplies at least one or two Certified Trip Leaders, as well as assistants. Agencies are welcome to have their own staff come along on outings, which take place approximately every four to eight weeks. Currently, NY ICO supports two agencies and four schools. NY ICO covers all trip expenses, including transportation and food

 

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 New York, NY ICO has been my Thing.
 
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!

This week, we travel from the seat of western culture to the "Land of the Rising Sun".  As they say, the whole world passes through the "Big Mikan" and Meetup is not to be left out.

Its my pleasure to introduce you to the Meetup Organizer of the Week for June 25, 2008, Chris Wells and his group, The Tokyo Improv-A-Go-Go Meetup!


I was introduced to Chris' group in a most pleasant manner.  One of my colleagues here at Meetup mentioned how a friend of his had found a wonderful, welcoming Meetup group within a week of arriving in Tokyo, Japan.  Low and behold, the group is the Tokyo Improv-A-Go-Go Meetup.  This heart-warming story truly brings home our mission of a Meetup Everywhere about Most Everything!

Thanks, Chris!

How long have you lived in Tokyo?

I've lived in Tokyo for 14 years, by way of Costa Rica and Kansas City, MO.

When your not performing at Improv-a-go-go, where would we find you?

I have a production company and I'm a professional narrator, doing the voice-overs on videos for Japanese companies and organizations.

I also produce and direct the Tokyo Comedy Show, Japan's longest-running English-language comedy show at 13 years, and perform as an improviser with it's in-house improv troupe, Spontaneous Confusion.

Tell us about your interest in improv, when did you begin performing, etc.

I started doing performances in grade school and on my high school's speech team, and continued through college, although I was a psychology major.

When I came to Japan to study the Japanese language and culture, a friend invited me to perform at a new show he was organizing, the Tokyo Comedy Store. And I've been hooked on improv ever since.

We've been lucky to have Keith Johnstone, inventor of Theatre Sports and all-around improv guru, come to Tokyo twice over the last decade and teach workshops here. The whole world really does eventually pass through the Big Mikan!

How were you introduced to Meetup.com?

Another organizer of several great Tokyo Meetups, Lauren Shannon, told me about it.

Has your experience as a Meetup Organizer changed or improved your life?

I have Meetups for both our TCS improv workshop and the open-mike/student show we call Improv-a-Go-Go and it's had a huge positive effect on our turn-out.

Not only in terms of just numbers, but also the speed with which newcomers in Tokyo find us. For the very first time last week I had someone show up to the workshop within one month of arriving in Japan! It seems like it used to take people over a year before they got settled in enough to really explore the various communities here

Do you have any big plans for your Meetup this year and beyond?

I'd like to keep on increasing the number of participants in our IAGG show and improv workshop.