Dear Meetup organizers and members,
Meetup stands with the protesters who demand racial justice. We’re outraged and disheartened by the tragic murder of George Floyd, and for the innumerable innocent Black people including Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and Tony McDade who have also lost their lives due to systemic racism. We’re shaken and deeply disturbed to see these wrongful actions happen—again and again—and it’s not okay. None of it is okay. Our hearts go out to their families, friends, and communities—and to everyone because when one of us hurts, we all hurt.
I’ve been reeling from this and thinking about the social justice issues that need to get resolved in our society. I’ve been using the last week to think about how Meetup can be thoughtful and helpful to support our organizers, members, and employees during this time of unrest.
We must create a path forward by understanding the issues at hand so we can be proactive in our thoughts, words, opinions, and actions. The emphasis is on action. We all need to walk the walk.
LISTEN
Meetup’s first, of many, steps is to listen and help facilitate dialogue on how to best effect change. We’ll be using our platform to bring the Meetup community together with leaders and experts on social justice, and you’re invited to attend:
Meetup Live Special Event:
How to Help Dismantle Social Injustice
June 18, 2020 at 6 p.m. EDT
About the event: An opportunity to hear from experts about what’s happening to drive social justice. This event will provide actionable takeaways on how you can help end systematic racism. If interested, please RSVP here and more details will be shared as they are confirmed.
VOTE
“Let’s stop thinking that our votes don’t matter and vote. Not just vote for the president but for the preliminaries, vote for everybody. Educate yourself. Don’t wait for somebody else to tell you who’s who. Educate yourself and know who you are voting for. And that’s how we’re going to hit them.” —Terrence Floyd, brother of George Floyd
To register to vote or to share with others to help them register, visit our When We All Vote page.
IN OUR EVERY DAY
Meetup was built to foster human connections—across all races, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, and identities. This is what sets Meetup apart, and we’re honored that our platform has been, and always aims to always be, a safe space for creating diverse communities that connect over their shared interests, passions, and humanity. Meetup introduces people that would have otherwise not met, and that’s a good thing. When you meet people on an individual level you get to know them, and you build empathy, trust, and understanding.
Now is the right time to explore and diversify the Meetup events you attend, and make new friends. Check in and show up for each other. Community helps heal wounds, and we can learn from each other on how to effect change and hopefully heal through this process.
I look forward to seeing you at Meetup Live on June 18th.
Thank you,
David
Meetup CEO
Last modified on June 23, 2021
