🔐 We Are One If Not the Only Meetup Group Requiring ID Verification

This is not a hike or outing — this is a weekly club announcement to keep all members informed about how participation works.

Unlike most Meetup groups, we’re one if not the only club requiring full ID verification and alignment screening before participation in anything we are doing, including private hikes, training sessions, overnight events etc., or co-host roles.

⚠️ Why We Do This
Meetup does not verify members. Anyone can click to join. That’s why we use our own system — to keep this circle safer, grounded, and trustworthy.
📝 Required Steps for All Members
1️⃣ Hiking Club Verification Form → https://forms.gle/g1YCxq6REtby9v1m7
2️⃣ Trail Energy + Travel Intake — Member Check-In → https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1IpBD2Jjvf1GuWA_ZRQLEbVI-97zaX9xT3kXbn2vDyNg/edit
3️⃣ Quick Zoom check-in (5–10 min)
👉 After that, all hikes, training, and sessions are requested through the Universal Request Form → https://forms.gle/quqELunKvDgaCUWg7

🌿 Why It Matters
We don’t build things around random RSVPs on an app— we build everything including hikes and training around verified, aligned members. This keeps the club safer, clean, and purpose-driven.

As the organizer, I’m responsible for keeping this space clearer, more consistent, and safer for everyone. I went through the full verification process myself — including providing my Social Security number — but members do not have to provide theirs. Our forms confirm identity and alignment without requiring sensitive details like SSNs, so the process makes the club safer, fair, and more trustworthy for all involved.

🔐 Note: No Social Security number is required. Our forms just confirm identity and alignment to help make the club safer for everyone.

⚠️ We don’t guess who’s showing up — we verify it.
🔐 Reminder on Process & Verification
Meetup has verified us as organizers, but people who RSVP through Meetup are not verified by default placing us and others at risk.
Even if Meetup had screening in place, they do not share that with organizers — meaning in most cases, there is no meaningful verification happening on their end at all.
That’s why we use our own system: required Verification Forms and the Request Forms for everything we are doing. This way, events are shaped around trusted members, not just open RSVPs on some app.

✅ Small group hikes (3–12 verified members) — built for couples, friends, or travelers within the club — all guided and custom
✅ One-on-one hikes available by request — for private pacing, mentoring, or recovery support
✅ Active duty military & combat veteran leadership — veteran-supportive, faith-friendly, beginner-welcoming, and open to seniors & families (including kids)
✅ Training and mentorship opportunities for all levels
✅ Leave No Trace aligned + permit-compliant
✅ Quiet scenic loops, beach walks, and reflective trail resets
✅ Experienced hikers and newcomers alike — structured outings without crowds or chaos
📍 This Is a Private Club – Not an RSVP Group

Thank you for your presence and commitment 🙏

— Joey De 🌿
Organizer – Hiking Club