Welcome, Portland Metro Veggies!

This Meetup is for vegetarians of all kinds, including vegans and those interested in a meatless lifestyle. Many of us live in Washington County, but we operate out of the greater Portland area. Our group is not mainly about political activism, promoting any one political party or religious agenda, for selling anything, recruitment for other Meetups, or for meeting singles. It's just for fun and socializing!

In the past, we've posted volunteer events, outdoor events, movies, concerts, plays and author readings. We've had hikes and bike rides, done garden walks, played air hockey at arcades, etc. -- often (but not always) with a veggie meal before or after for those interested. Many of us support environmental, world hunger, and animal rights issues. If you have other ideas, just ask James to help us plan events!

Note that our calendar has two types of postings: the tan-colored notes, which are not events and thus have no host, and the green-and-white events, that have a host and expect you to show up. More on this below.

Q: What is our main purpose?
A: To join fellow vegans/vegetarians for meals, chat, fun, and EVERYTHING else under the sun! Or, to be more accurate, under the rain clouds much of the year in the Pacific Northwest. We're NOT centered around political activism, so if you are the indignant type (as I once was), leave your anger at the door.

Q: How do I join?
A: Be sure to have a photo of yourself for approval. It is also suggested that you post a restaurant review, instead of paying dues. For the next six months, our dues will be sponsored by writing reviews of vegetarian meals we have in an around Portland on the website Menuism.com. See the dues section, below, for month information.

Q: Are there dues?
A: Not any more -- as long as we can maintain our sponsorships! We do ask that all members join Menuism.com for free, and write at least one 50-word review of a vegetarian meal at a restaurant of your choosing in the Portland Metro area. We get credit for these reviews towards our $144/year website fees with Meetup.com. Make me your friend on Menuism so that we get credit. You can find me there under my nickname, Spazz. :)

Q: Do I and/or my guest have to be a vegetarian or vegan?
A: No, but as a courtesy please order vegetarian when dining with us. That means no meat, including chicken and seafood. Although many of us are vegans, some of us eat eggs are dairy products. Do let the others know if you come to a potluck with a non-vegan (lacto-ovo vegetarian) dish.

Q: Who organizes this group?
A: James is the Organizer as of July 2009. Active "Assistant Organizers" (event planners) are listed to the left. Just let James know if you want to be one (or want to be one again). Please remember to contact the organizer in charge of the event that you are inquiring about or me if you have general group questions. And organizers, if you post a note, make sure you let us know who posted it. Thanks!

Q: How do I become an Assistant Organizer?
A: Three requirements: meet James in person, fill out a Menuism.com review, and then simply ask!

Q: What's the difference between the tan and green postings on the calendar?
A: The tan ones are notes of interesting things going on in the Portland area. They are not proper events as they do not have a host, but may have the assistant organizer's name posted for more information. Please let us know if you are interesting in turning one of these into a proper event!

The green postings on the calendar are proper events with a host that you need to sign up for. Please keep your RSVP up-to-date out of courtesy to your host and other members. We take the name Meetup literally, meaning our host is a real host, and we expect to actually MEET each other at our events! It may seem obvious, but if you sign up for an event, we expect you to come and actually Meet Up with us. Don't be shy -- bring a friend if you like.

I hate to do it, but repeat no-shows may be removed from the group for this reason. The same goes for anyone here simply to recruit for another cause, or who publicly criticizes other members. :( Don't forget, this group is for fun, people.

Now go sign up for something! :)