What we’re about
Please read our rules of conduct: viewable here
What exactly is the Orange County Anime Group (or OCAG for short)?
OCAG is a group dedicated to giving the Otaku of OC and surrounding areas (we have members from LA and Riverside counties too that come out to meetups now and then) a place to interact and have fun with other otaku in a safe and casual atmosphere. We usually gather at least once a month (though usually more often) in places in and around Orange County.
What do you do in OCAG? What are meet ups like?
Our main meet up consists of watching the latest and greatest anime and some gems from the past. We also have various forms of social gatherings that help promote our members to go out and do fun activities with like minded and supportive people.
Currently we are in the process of figuring out a more concrete viewing schedule for monthly meet ups. Due to not having an AV system, we do anime viewings when we have the space and equipment available. But, don't fret, we insure our members don't get bored by having other meet ups such as movies, beach/park outings, dinners, and of course the various anime conventions that happen through out the year. So, no matter what you will always find a gathering where you can meet and have fun with other otaku!
Are there any requirements for joining the group?
We do require you to be at least 18 years old in order to join. Some of the anime and anime topics may contain images and situations of a mature nature. Also, we sometimes extend certain meetups to the wee hours of the morning. Other than that, a general appreciation of anime, manga, cosplay, generally all things related to Japanese culture would be great!
Do I have to attend every meetup?
While we do enjoy seeing our fellow OCAGers on a regular basis we do know that everyone has their own personal schedules. Please be aware though that if you hit the 9 month mark without visiting the meet up page or attending a meetup, you will be removed from the group. We want you to come hang out with us, this is a social group so we hope you will attend a meet up whenever you get a chance.
Does it cost anything to join? Are donations mandatory?
Joining the group is FREE, there is no obligation to pay fees or dues, etc. The suggested donations you see are purely voluntary and greatly appreciated. All current donations will go towards various OCAG projects and to getting an AV system for the club so we can have more regular anime viewings.
Is there anything else I need to know before joining OCAG?
We, the organizers believe that these social outings are a great way for new members to get in on the fun of being a part of this group and also a great way to meet other members, all without the possible awkwardness of going to a complete stranger's house for the first time and not knowing who anyone is. This gives us an open mind to all of our members religions, lifestyles and general demeanor. We ask that anybody wanting to join please have a similar opened mindedness so all our meet ups are fun and not bogged down on sensitive topics.
While anime may be the main focus; members also have many other varying interests as well outside of anime, so chances are, there is always something to talk about besides anime. We also do many meet ups that fall outside anime but are still fun to do, so you may discover a new hobby to participate or get reacquainted with an old favorite! We also have anime related projects through out the year that you may enjoy participating in. Be on the lookout for these projects as the year progresses.
Cosplay is encouraged at certain meet ups, but not at all required! So, if you want to show off your favorite costumes, you are more than welcome to. If that's something you only do for cons, simply come as you are; we don't judge here!
If you plan to go to cons, there is a good chance you won't be the only OCAG member there. Anime Expo (AX) and Comic Con are particularly important times of the year for us, so of course you can expect to find at least a few of us hanging out at each of these conventions as well as the many smaller conventions held throughout the year.
If you have problems with another member and you can't settle the issue, feel free to contact one of the organizers; we want everyone to enjoy this group free of conflict and we're more than happy to help out!
If you have a suggestion for an anime title that you'd like to see at our anime meet ups, post it on the message boards; chances are, one of the organizers (and certainly other members) will see your suggestion and go from there...communication is a key to helping this group continue to grow and it allows members to express themselves!
The same goes for any suggestions you may have regarding non-anime related social gatherings we can do as a group. Who knows, maybe the next meet up could be yours!
We also have a Facebook page you can use to keep up to date with us outside of this site as well as away to interact with fellow members and maybe even make new friends. For more information as well as a better look at this group (other than this About Us page), check us out at http://www.facebook.com/ocanime. In addition to FB, we also have a Twitter account which at the moment is basically the same as our FB page, but for cons like Fanime and AX (especially AX) and our more major events like our cosplay picnics, beach meetups, etc. it'll be updated more independent of the FB page. So give us a follow if you tweet as well; we're at http://www.twitter.com/OCAG
That's OCAG in a nutshell, if you have any further questions regarding this group, please feel free to contact one of the organizers; we look forward to seeing you at one of our meetups real soon!