This Meetup is for vegans, vegetarians and the veg-curious. We come from all over the greater Portland metro area, East, West, North and South. We do not promote any one political party or religious agenda, nor do we sell anything or recruit for other Meetups. Our group is open to singles, couples, and families of all kinds. We're here for fun, socializing and making new like-minded friends.

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 animal rights, environmental and human rights issues. If you have other ideas, just ask James or Holly 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, in what serves as our bylaws:

Q: What is our main purpose?
A: To join fellow vegans/vegetarians for meals, chat, fun, and anything 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. Do be aware that we reserve the right to not admit new members with inappropriate photos or nicknames.

Q: Are there dues?
A: Portland Metro Veggies has a suggested donation of $5 per year to help the Organizer keep the group running. We currently have sponsorship from Chevy Volt that hopefully can be applied towards the $144 per year Meetup website fees..

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 and Holly are the Co-Organizers as of February 2012. Active "Assistant Organizers" (event planners) are listed to the left. Just let us 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 the head Organizer(s) in person, contribute dues, 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.

Q: Do you take attendance?
A: Yep! We take the word "Meetup" literally. So when you RSVP for events big or small, you will be marked as absent if we don't MEET you there. Take down the host's cell number and look for our group or sign to find us. I hate to do it, but repeat no-shows and those inactive for over a year 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.

Q: Are kids welcome at events? How about pets?
A: We welcome vegetarians and vegans of all ages! So, unless specified otherwise in the event description, kids are welcome to events at public venues that are open to minors.  Some events may specify "Family Friendly" or "Adults Only."  If you have any questions, ask an organizer or the event host.

If the public venue allows animals, pets are allowed as well.  For events at a private residence, contact the host for more information.

Q: Why do you limit RSVP's at your events?
A: With some exceptions, we have found that smaller events are the ONLY ones conducive to getting to know each other! Many vegetarian/vegan restaurants in Portland are small. Larger groups get MUCH slower service and it is harder to split up the bill. In larger groups at restaurants, we tend to have a higher no-show and no-tip rate. Introverts can get lost in the shuffle. The list goes on. If you prefer very large events, this isn't the Meetup for you.

Q: Are there rules about the types if events you can post?

A: As our friends at Meet in Portland have said:

Being an event host is not difficult and can be a lot of fun and extremely rewarding. Before you add an event, make sure you follow our simple rules. Most importantly:

• As the host you must go to the event and be the contact.
• Please make sure you introduce members to each other so everyone can meet.
• Do not post events from which you might profit financially.
• Do not post events that are an attempt to recruit or harass members of the Portland Metro Veggies.
• If your event is a political event, involves touching, or a singles-only event (or joint event with a singles group, even if open to couples), please do not post it on the Portland Metro Veggies site, or we will have to remove it.

All event suggestions posted by new members go through an approval process by the organizers before they go live in order to ensure that the event follows the guidelines and is suitable for posting by the Portland Metro Veggies.

Now go sign up for something! :)