What we’re about
Welcome to Birmingham and Beyond!! If you want to meet new people and socialize this is absolutely the right group! This group tends to be folks over 45 so please be aware of that when you request membership. We are based out for Birmingham but you do NOT have to live in BIrmingham to be part of this group or to be called a "Birmie"! While we enjoy and most our activites are located in or near Birmingham, we are open to new ideas of venturing out of the area if the membership wants to try new venues or ideas! If not in a lockdown scenario we have events such as dining out, happy hours, theatre outings, walks, festivals and more. We are always looking for folks to offer ideas and host events as well.
In addition please read the following:
As with any group we have come to note the following issues need to be adhered over the last 8 years so we can continue to have a healthy and respectful group of folks:
We require a current photo of yourself so we can recognize and authenticate you at events. Do not post yourself with a group since we need to know who you are. Do not post pictures of your pet (alone), a flower or other object. We need to see you!
We are open to all ages and marital status however most of our members are over 45. All you have to do is have a smile, and show an interest in getting to know new people.
This group is not available to those who want to promote their business interests..... Do not use this membership as a way to send invitations for private business concerns or as a free dating site. There are other meetups for that purpose.
This is a very popular group with many and the interest in our events garners very long wait lists sometimes. The truth is signing up for an event and not being sure you will really want to go just so you get on the list for cherry picking is causing problems. It clogs up the wait list so that we cannot have those that are truly interested get onboard. Then to make matters worse waiting until the day of or even more difficult hours before an event to cancel creates a vacuum for spots that would have been filled. Folks on the wait list who get on at the last minute invite understandably have made other plans by that time. As a result we have had more folks crashing events who are not signed up or still on a wait list. That creates bad feelings.
While I have addressed this concern before in the last 8 years, it is becoming more problematic. We know many folks are lonley and want to get out; however, being considerate of other's is in the spirit of Meetup and community building.
The rules for removal from the group will be changed going forward so you need to cancel the day before so you are not considered a NO SHOW. Three no shows will still set you up for a 6 month suspension. Also constantly signing up and backing out ... never showing up will also be reason for removal. This is in fairness to others and not a punishment per se.
Last but not least, you MUST be of sound mind and physical ability to attend a function. We are not equipped or designed to care for those who cannot fully participate appropriately in the posted meetups. Be aware before becoming involved since you are expected to care for yourself appropriately. The organizer and group is NOT liable for any injuries or mishaps that occur while you attend an event. By joining this group you are aware that you take on your own risks by joining our meetups. By joining this group you automatically agree to the following:
You agree without prior examination or approval to realize pictures posted on the event sites may be reproduced, copies, exhibited, published, broadcast or displayed via internet. While you attend events if you do not want your picture taken inform anyone taking pictures to NOT include you if that is your desire. Otherwise in the long standing spirit of meetups this picture taking has been a tradition to increase a sense of belonging to the groups.
Also you hereby voluntarily release and hold harmless organizers of this Birmingham and Beyond Meetup group from all liability due to all types of damages or injuries, whether foreseeable or not, sustained by yourself or your guest(s) while participating, watching and traveling to or from any activites you participate in.
In addition Your participation in events is voluntary and your health is your own responsibility. By attending you are acknowledging the inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 and you and any guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19. You agree not to hold Birmingham and Beyond Nights out Meetup group or any of its agents and volunteers liable for any illness or injury.
Our Mission Statement is as follows:
MISSION STATEMENT FOR BIRMINGHAM AND BEYOND MEETUP GROUP
Birmingham and Beyond is a meetup group whose primary purpose is to provide a social platform that alleviates the pervasive and often painful condition of human loneliness. This condition is detrimental to overall human health and to the fabric of our society on many levels.
This pursuit requires guidelines and boundaries to keep our members safe as well as provide a comfortable environment of respect, kindness and safety. While accepting and cherishing people from various backgrounds is another key for learning and growth, as a Birmingham group it is also vital to only retain members who exhibit proper decorum, such as civility, decency, gentility and decent demeanor.
Having members who are capable of communicating within those parameters is vital to the continuance of a healthy group. We must be comfortable with one another.
Building social skills helps our individuals and society as a whole and is a benefit of having members continue to thrive in this group and the world around them.