Groups

Groups are a way for members with similar interests to share ideas on the web and also get together in person for activities. We have two types of groups:

Nonprofit Organizations (designated NPO after their name) are groups that are created by and managed by nonprofit organizations or other organizations that operate in a similar manner -- usually with some kind of board of directors or elected officers. Examples would be the Stonewall Democrats, Lavender Library, Lambda Players, etc. Read our Guidelines for Non-Profit Organizations for information on how to set up a group for an established non-profit organization.

Special Interest Groups (designated SIG after their name) are more informal groups that are formed around specific interests or activities. Examples would be art, music, dancing, eating out, taking day trips, etc. SIGs may exist solely online, or members may have events or get-to-gathers on a regular or occasional basis.

Any member can form a group.  If you have a particular interest or activity that is not covered by a group, you can form your own group. SIGs can form around almost any topic or activity. You can have groups for skiing or hiking, groups for eating out, for learning foreign languages, etc. They can be sex specific or age specific or even a lefties group. There are no limits except for being organized for a legal purpose. (No drug groups. And guys, no sex clubs. Please use Craig's List for that.)  If you have a group where the membership might attract the prurient interest of  lurkers, you can make the group private and open only to invited members.

Groups are a good way to get to know people and have a first date.  You can exchange information with a person online through the group's forum,  ask them to be your friend and exchange private messages with them.  If you are a little bashful and would like to meet someone you see in a group, you can join the group and participate in its activities with the person. This way you can find out if you really like the person and would like to get to know them better. Group activities are also a good way to have a first date without all of the anxiety.  Just tell the person you will be having dinner with the group and would be glad to meet them there and see if you click. This avoids the awkwardness and anxiety of a one-on-one date.

Groups are also a good way to network for a better job or find out information about employers. Just find a group that probably has members who are in the occupation you are interested in.(Lawyers, graphic artists, cmputer professionals, etc.)  Attend their get-to-gathers and let it be known that you are interested in finding a new job in the industry and would like any leads members can supply.

Groups cannot be formed by commercial enterprises or for the purpose of promoting commercial activity or selling something -- no matter how important you think it is that every gay person should buy your product. So there cannot be an Amway group. There can be groups that form from members or customers of a particular business like a group for members of a particular gym who are interested in getting together or finding gym buddies.  Or a group formed around people who do Karaoke at a local club. The business cannot set up or manage the group.

To form a group, check out our Guidelines for Special Interest Groups.