Ground Rules: Creating a Meetup Group Constitution

Even if you organize a Meetup Group in a very straightforward topic like Scrapbooking, Ground Rules let your members know how the Meetup group is run.

Whether you create a 'Constitution', 'Bill of Rights', 'Ground Rules', or a more casual 'FAQ', having it in writing for people to read is a great way to attract the right members.

Ground Rules? Bill of Rights or FAQ?

Your Meetup group is your space, and your members are like guests. If you were to invite them into your home, how would you expect them to behave? Think about that and then make a list of what's important to you. Establish ground rules for behavior at your Meetups and on your site. It may sound formal, but it's really quite simple and prevents confusion.

Here are some sample rules to consider:

(1) Members are responsible for RSVPing to Meetups posted on the site.




(2) You must attend one Meetup per month (unless none are scheduled) or provide up-to-date RSVP information as to why you were unable to attend.




(3) Be respectful towards fellow members on the site and at the Meetups.




(4) Stay active on the site. That means RSVPing for Meetups, posting to the Message Board and/or weighing in on the latest Poll.

This shows members what to expect and what's expected of them.

Also consider specific rules pertinent to your topic.

For example, if you run an Active Dogs Meetup, there may be issues about governing four legged participants that are unique to your topic. The San Diego Cocker Spaniel Meetup Group posted a set of Doggie Ground Rules, which include important reminders, leash
laws, park rules, and vaccination requirements, along with age and size
limitations.

Establishing rules makes members feel comfortable participating and gives your group structure. The Moms of Hampton Roads have a 'no lurkers' clause to discourage new members from hanging out on the
message board and not attending Meetups.

Sunnie from Mothers Inc. makes an encouraging and straightforward
statement about what can be expected from her and the members of her Meetup
Group on her About Page:

"We know our members! All of our members have been met in person by one of
our Organizers. This means a safer playgroup for you and your family."

Rules and regulations safeguard against problems and shape expectations. Format-wise, there are a number of options. Some groups use a Bill of Rights structure, others combine a list of answers with fun
facts or statistics about the Meetup Group in an FAQ.

The DC Weekly Dinner Meetup has a friendly format for their FAQ's pinned to their Message Board.

Deirdre states on her Bowling FAQ "PLEASE don't apply for approval without reading
this document!". She also links it to her About Page and keeps it simple, fun and friendly too.

Whatever format you choose, being sure members are clear about expectations of the Meetup Group and of members is always a smart idea. For more information on presenting your group guidelines to your members, check out 'About' Page Best Practices and Creating a Welcome Message for New Members.