Who can join this group?

Anyone can join this Meetup group - we love hosting events with fun members! To keep this group as enjoyable as possible, the Membership Team is authorized by the organizer to remove members who do not abide by the spirit of this group. Membership in this group is considered a privilege, not a right. 98% of our members never cause any problems - the rest are removed.

What should I expect at an event?

When you show up, you will be greeted by an organizer team who will check you in. A sign-in sheet will be posted with names and photos - it is each member's responsibility to make sure that their name is checked off. For some larger events, check-in will be handled by the venue's own security team.

Our events are all-Meetup, meaning that everyone is a member of our online community. Each person you meet shares the same common interests that have brought all of us together within Meetup.

What is a No Show?

We take No Shows very seriously. We understand that plans can change; we simply request that you change a 'yes' RSVP to a 'no' if you cannot make an event. This is especially important for events with waiting lists.

The attendance list is printed on the day of each event at 2 PM (unless otherwise noted) - after each event, any name not 'checked off' is a No Show. Your 'title' within our group will be marked as a 'No Show' (so that this information shows up when you RSVP). If you were bringing multiple guests and your group does not show up, you will be marked as a 'multiple' No Show.

No Shows can either donate $10 online to Manhattan Cares or pay $15 at the door ('multiple' No Shows pay multiple times this amount, of course).

Can I just be a walk-in to an event?

If you are a walk-in to an event (i.e. without an RSVP), you will be charged $10 extra if space is available. Some members have a habit of just being walk-ins, hence this policy to discourage this practice.

Why am I required to have a personal photo displayed?

Each member must display a clear, identifiable personal photo before RSVPing for any event. Not of a cat, or a cartoon character, or a tree, but of you. For all events, especially those at a private residence, we want to see who is coming and have a record of attendees. In addition, photos help speed up the check-in process at each event.

What behaviors are grounds for removal?

Member removal is done by the Membership Team, not by the group organizer. There are many reasons why a member may be removed from this group (with or without warning), including:

• General rudeness and anti-social behavior
  
• Excessive drunkeness
  
• Overly-aggressive approaches towards the opposite sex, to the point of discomfort
  
• Rudeness to the volunteer hosts who donate their free time to help run events
  
• Excessive no-shows
  
• Habitual violation of dress codes
  
• Cheapness at potluck events
  
• Attempting to crash parties without RSVPing
  
• Ignoring age restrictions for certain age-specific events
  
• Pattern of not tipping at venues
  
• Lackluster participation in event ice-breakers, rules, themes, etc.
  
• PUAs (pick-up artists)
  
• Contacting multiple members online (via e-mail or greetings) whom you have never met. This group is not an online 'friendship' or dating site. Since we require photos of all members, we take this rule *very* seriously.
  
• Harassing or impolite e-mails or greetings
  
• Over-promotion of one's business or social group. We will allow a brief mention of what you do in your profile. Member names cannot be of businesses nor contain URLs.
  

• I think [the RSVP policy is] fair and much better than some of the other meetups.
  
• You were correct to do this... No problem.
  
• Donated to the warriors - see you at the event!
  
• Your events are always great and the donation is going towards a worthy cause so it's money well spent and a great idea for dealing with no-shows (particularly from a behavioral psychology perspective).
  
• My sincere thanks again for all you do! And I think this is an ingenious way to earn money for worthy charities!!
  

• I am not in a position to donate [$5] to a charity now as I am unemployed. I would love for you to change my status so that I can attend the events.
  
• I had a medical emergency and could not attend.
  
• I have been plagued by a chronic sinus infection.
  
• I got sick after lunch.
  
• I [was] sick and in the hospital.
  
• A family member fell ill and I had to travel.
  
• Please take the donor status away. I could not make it to an event because my aunt was hospitalized and I had no access to a PC at the time to cancel. I have come to your events in the past and would like to continue to do so. Thank you.
  
• I don't really think I need to make a donation, you guys can change my status.
  
• It should be my own decision to donate to any charity at any time, not when someone or an organization is imposing those requirements.
  
• I read your membership policy and I would love to donate money but I am currently doing an unpaid internship at ***** and I don't have much income.