In addition to opening an organizers’ doors to more cohesive organizational efforts, Meetup also opens one’s door to all kinds of people. For this, the second in our three part series about Meetup and those who organize there, we asked our surveyed organizers if their experiences have led to meeting folks who are somehow off-kilter and how they, as group leaders, handle these interactions as they come up.

David Sutherland, Vegan Chicago

[We meet crazy people] all the time but it is mostly online. They rarely make it to events. I like what Scott Heiferman said at an event once: “Yes, you’re going to run into crazy people but what you’re doing is crazy!”. Indeed “being the change” is unfortunately seen as crazy and crazies do tend to migrate our way but we roll with it.

Donna Orlando, San Diego Libertarians

I’ve had a few difficult situations, but in one in particular I consulted other organizers who I trust and who knew the person involved. We all decided to handle it in the same way, which was to remove the member and keep each other informed of any further activity.

Brian Hill, California All Nations, Colors and Races

I use the Bible to “handle crazy people.” Jesus handled crazy people. Look at John 9. People act out because they lack love. When you find out where they have been lacking that love, you can move in that direction to resolve it. If they feel like they don’t belong, talk to them about that. Try to send out a message of compassion and convey that you understand where they are hurting. Convey that you understand that have had challenges or need encouragement in their life. I am a counselor so sometimes I can see things in the lives of people that they do not see and I approach them when possible to talk to them about it.

Paul Davis, Austin Revolution

Yes, only about twice. You have to use Tai Chi principles on them and deflect and neutralize their craziness.

Brett Mandel, Philadelphia Tax Reform

We usually meet at a local tavern so it is never hard to encourage the crazies to busy themselves with a beer.

Dexter Jones, Tampa Bay Black Professionals

At times, individuals attempt to promote their own agenda through our group. On one hand, I encourage our members to let each other know what they are doing and how they can help one another. However, I am also quick to remind people to stay true to our group’s mission statement of fostering professional development through networking and discussion. In at least one extreme case of site abuse, I have had to remove members from our network.

Collin, last name withheld, Miami Critical Mass

Crazy people are everywhere. In fact, most of us could at times be accused of such things. The especially nutty people usually aren’t consistent and go on to something else. Sometimes crazy people show up to planning meetings and have a skewed idea of what we do. When they find out we aren’t fanatical and that we are working toward community betterment they usually stop showing up. I think our rides take some effort and can be tiring, a lot of crazy people aren’t too dedicated.

For tomorrow: Organizers discuss their most impact-full experiences, and what they’ve carried from Meetup into the world of off line organizing.

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