What we’re about
This group is for anyone who has lost their spouse/partner in the last 12 years and wants to be with other people who "get it" and are going through the same life adjustment. This is NOT a dating site. It is a group to provide support and social opportunities for widowed people.
EVERY member verifies their widowhood to keep our group safe from scammers. (We do ask that all members are currently in a marriage/relationship, or living together when their spouse/partner passes, meaning that if you were already divorced from your spouse - that is a different life situation and does not fit into how our group members feel who were currently living with their spouse when they passed.)
Every member must post a RECENT picture of their FACE ONLY in their profile. NO other people in the picture. This is to allow our members to recognize each other when we meet in public places.
When you RSVP YES to an event, it means you will be there. Do NOT RSVP YES to an event unless you are 90% sure you will be there. If you have to change your RSVP to a NO- do so as SOON as possible. Just change your RSVP and don't comment. We know things come up. Not showing up - or changing your RSVP at the last minute - is not fair to the Organizers who plan events - and to other members who want to attend. If you are a "NO-SHOW" 3 times or more- we will not hold a spot for you at an event that has a waitlist.
The group will meet in various places regularly so we can have fun social time while getting to know each other and sharing our life experiences. We will have various different group activities giving us an opportunity to meet new people, make new friendships and enjoy life again. All of these activities will be fun and life affirming.
One firm policy we have is that there is NO saving seats for friends at events. We are a group that welcomes everyone to sit anywhere at any event. Telling a member who may be attending for the first time and came to the group alone- that they can not sit somewhere is very hurtful. If you would like to sit with a friend- pls make sure that you walk into the event together and sit down together.
We have some other firm policies -1. NO solicitation of anyone's business is acceptable through our group. 2. Do not contact a member to meet privately unless you have met them first in person at an event. 3. Only widowed people can attend our events. If you respond with a PLUS ONE, you will need to let us know that they are widowed and their name. They may only attend ONE of our meetups as a non-member. If they want to continue to come to our activities, they are welcome to submit a profile to join our group.
As our group grows, we have waitlists for many events. If your plans change and you cannot attend an event that you RSVPd with a YES, pls go into your RSVP so the next person on the waitlist can attend. Its not nice to the people waiting to attend, if you hold a spot for yourself and don't attend. Also - the organizer will not wait for you if we know you are not coming.
All members will be able to post any activity that members would like to do and join in on. I hope to have all members feel comfortable to post anything that they are doing and would like someone to do it with.. such as a movie, show , walk, etc... We can be there for each other... through the loneliness and through the fun times..
We are NOT a support group in that formal manner but we DO support each other by conversing and sharing our feelings and what we did in the same situation. We also are NOT a dating/singles group. We are a group that shares social activities together.
I visited another group that was an hour away and was inspired to start a group in this area. I felt the comradery between the members and saw how much fun they had being together.
My vision for this group is that we will gain friends who we can do things with, plan other activities for the group and combat the loneliness that comes from losing our spouse. My husband passed 7 years ago and I understand completely how walking this path feels. Lets walk it together!