Todd Lubin is the Organizer of the Week for December 17 - 23, 2007

I had the pleasure of a face-to-face interview with an Organizer from the West Coast a few weeks ago. Here on business, he contacted me and voila! perfect opportunity to pick the brain of an Organizer on the fast track.

As a hiking group, they were quite affected by the recent wildfires which damaged much of the Santa Monica Mountains, where most of his members live. I took notice of their environmental outreach as a community effort, even before the recent devastation. Its great to see a Meetup group give back, especially to honor and protect the outdoor locations they utilize for their events.

In a way, what they're doing is akin to respecting a venue that has provided a spot for a group to congregate and flourish.

As many Organizers of large groups know, its not always easy to find a location that is willing to host a big group without asking for a fee. And, as our Organizer knows, the great outdoors is a gracious and compliant host.

With that being said, I bring you a great guy and wonderful Organizer, The Meetup Organizer of the Week for December 17 - 23, 2007 Todd Lubin and the Santa Monica Hiking Group.

Thanks, Todd!

1. Santa Monica Hiking Group is a relatively new Meetup (5 months) and you've grown to an amazing 327 members already! What were your thoughts when the numbers started rising so quickly?

   It was great to see the positive participation in the club. I had set a goal of a 100 members in the first three months. The goal of 100 members was accomplished in the first month. All of the members told their friends and the group grew and grew.

2. Your members are quite diligent about their RSVP as well. Do you find most members adhere to their word as far as the RSVP goes?

   Most of the members adhere to their word about an event. Hiking is different because you can complete a hike by yourself or 100 people. I still tell the same jokes and the distance is the same no matter how many people attend the hike.

3. Is it your decision alone to choose the location of the hike?

   I grew up in the area and have hiked many of the locations for a number of years. There are certain hikes that I know people will enjoy. Some days the hikes are so clear you can see all up and down the coast. I am open to new hikes and exploring the area. The Santa Monica mountains are some of the most breathtaking scenery on earth.

   
   

4. I noticed each of your events are attended by 30+ hikers per event. How do you manage to keep everyone organized? Do you find the members break off into smaller groups according to skill level or social reasons?

   The group usually splits off into two about an hour into the hike. I really try and focus on the fact that there are novices and professionals. If you are looking for a 5 hour hike with both ways uphill than this is not the group for you!

5. Your general hiking locations were heavily damaged by the recent wildfires in Malibu and surrounding areas. Has this situation impacted your members or the group's events in any specific way?

   The fires have had a great effect on Malibu and the surrounding areas. In fact this week we were going to hike Solstice Canyon when I realized that the trail was closed. When I was waiting for the group I noticed a deer running in the burnt mountain. At that moment the devastation of the fire took effect.

6. Your group is classified as a non profit organization; donating back to the community by having beach cleanups which is really cool. Do you have any other community service projects on tap?

   We are going to conduct a beach cleanup at Will Rodgers beach in Malibu. We are also working with the Santa Monica Conservancy to help out with the trails (planting trees, rebuilding signs and fixing trail heads) The efforts in the Santa Monica mountains could take years!

7. If you were to define a Meetup experience what would you say?

   All the hikes have been great. Our group has a wide range of age and diversity so it is easy to make friends. Many of our hikers are either new to L.A. or single so it is a great way to meet friends. Meeting someone with similar interests is one of the reasons I started the group.

8. Has your experience as a Meetup Organizer changed or enhanced your life is any specific way?

   It is hiking so I do not plan on changing the world. Hiking a great lifelong activity that is healthy. Our older members are the ones that are in the best shape and often challenge me to take longer hikes.

9. Where do you see your Meetup headed in the years to come?

   I expect many of the same people will continue the Santa Monica Mountain hiking club for years to come. Great friendships will continue to be made and many new trails explored. I am really excited to help the community and make lifelong friends. If you are reading this in the bitter cold just remember it is 72 degrees in L.A. and we are hiking with movie stars!

Want to give Todd your congrats? Stop by the Meetup Organizer Forum!