Meetup groups - have you ever started one?

Parent Cafe
1

In a conversation I was having with some people a few days ago, someone mentioned wanting to start a support group on Meetup. However, as she looked into the website, she found that the minimal charge is around $10/month. I was very surprised by this… I’ve looked on Meetup for book clubs, fitness groups, etc., and it just boggles my mind that all of these groups are paying a minimum of $10/month to be listed. If you want upgraded services, the fee can be higher, and can be based on how many members you have.

Has anyone here listed a group there, and if so, is this the billing practice you’ve experienced?

I suggested she perhaps place some PSAs in the local newspapers, but was told newspapers don’t do those anymore, that non-profit groups now advertise on the internet (am not sure I believe this, but this is what I was told). I also think by limiting yourself to the internet, you’re excluding a segment of mostly older people who just do not use computers or surf the web.

I used to do some PSAs for non-profit groups I volunteered with and it’s just hard to believe newspapers don’t run these anymore, but it’s been years since I read anything in a hard copy of a newspaper.

2

Is there a minimum amount of months you can sign up for? I guess if it were me, I wouldn’t have a problem paying for say 6 months and maybe passing a basket to cover it. One of my kids participated in a meet up group while he was doing a study abroad and really enjoyed it.

Something that just occurred to me though was how about a meeting at a church or a library? I’d suggest a FB page and word of mouth.

3

Well, this group already does pass the basket. What they collect goes to pay the church facility for meeting there, and their national dues.

I probably should have clarified in my first post. This is a group that has been meeting for many years, but is trying to find a new way to get the word out. And someone suggested Meetup - I was just very surprised to find out it costs $10/month.

What happened to free public service announcements in the local newspapers? That’s where you found every type of group that met in your area!