Unhappy with a Meetup Group?

Most members have a great experience going to and participating in Meetup groups. That said, maybe you're a member of a Meetup group you're not happy with. If you find yourself in that situation, here's what you should do:

1. Let the Organizer know

The first step is to tell the Organizer about how you feel. Click the 'Contact Me' link under their picture on the Meetup group's Welcome Page. Send them a message outlining your thoughts.

Please remember, the Organizer is paying for the Meetup Group and presumably trying their best to run it. Be sure your message is constructive and, above all, friendly. Think how you would want to be approached if someone was contacting you with such concerns.

If you think the Organizer's struggling with the Meetup Group, offer to help out. Perhaps you can lend a hand by becoming an Assistant Organizer.

Sharing your feelings with the Organizer gives them a chance to consider and address your point of view. Talking things out is the best way to resolve any Meetup Group issues.

2. Consider a different Meetup Group

If you contact the Organizer, but the group's still progressing in a direction you don't care for, you have a couple of options.

You can:

• Join a different, existing Meetup

  If you're not happy with your current Meetup Group, you can always join a different one. To find a new Meetup, use the 'Find a Meetup' tab. You can search for other Meetup groups either by city or by topic.

  
  

  A list of Meetup Groups will appear. You can join one of those, or sign up for Meetups in the Making and be notified when a new Meetup Group starts.

or:

• Start a new Meetup Group

  You've got ideas, you care, and you've made an effort to improve your Meetup Group. If things aren't working out, why not start your own Meetup Group? That way, you can run it exactly the way you want.

  
  

  To start a new Meetup Group, click on the 'Start a Meetup' tab at the top of the page. From there, customize your new group and schedule your first Meetup.

3. Dealing with Conflict

If you run into a problem with your Organizer or another Group member, the first step is always to try and talk things out. Bring the issue to the attention of the Organizer. Outline your thoughts logically and thoroughly. Respectfully explain your position. Communication is key to reaching a satisfactory outcome between two parties.

Now if you try that but still don't see eye to eye, your best option may be to walk away from the situation. If you don't mesh with a certain Organizer, Group, or Member(s), don't try to force it to work. That will only lead to increased conflict and frustration. It's easier and more satisfying to find and join a different Meetup Group that's more your style.

To leave a Meetup Group, click 'Account' in the top right corner of the page. In the Membership and Communications tab, scroll down till you find the group you wish to leave and click 'Leave this group.'

We want you to enjoy your Meetup experience and are happy to help you with any questions or concerns you might have. If you ever need advice, please contact us.