
About us
CLICK HERE to see our main meetup events calendar http://www.socialfundation.com
EVERYONE IS WELCOME INTO THE GROUP!
(Legal note: The "I Wanted To Do That, . . . Just Not Alone!!!"™ and it's derivations are Trademarked. Trademark infringement will be aggressively
prosecuted.)(for permission or to join our collective contact the admin)
All the best in one place!
Think of this as Summer Camp for Adults.
In our digital world the more online, plugged in and connected we become the more disconnected we become from others. This group, with intention uses social medial to be Social in Real Life.
The mission of this group is its name.
Los Angeles is vibrant and diverse city. We have the opportunity to explore it and make new friends while doing so. Meetup is one of the few (maybe only) websites dedicated to having it's participants get offline and do things in reality.
There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven't yet met. (William Butler Yeats )
EVERYONE IS WELCOME INTO THE GROUP!
This is a place where everyone can just come as they are, and mingle with people who are like them AND who are NOT like them. We are not limited, restricted or exclusive by age, gender, gender preference, national origin, relationship status, etc. To put it more simply this group is open to all. All ages, all genders, all sexual orientations, all types - And that includes you!!!
There are plenty of meetups that exclude based of one reason or another. Or there plenty meetups where people self segregate. This meetup is neither of those. Diversity is coveted here. People are not monochrome and neither are we. You will fit in perfectly and find a lot of folks who just like you in certain aspect, and differ from you in others. It's the good kind of variety of life.
Some events on this group may specify limits at times. Those will be clearly noted when needed. At times they may be age delineated, or even gender related. Limits are placed often as a means to control size. The event can then be repeated/recycled with a different limit range. If there is an event you really wish to go to with a limit, . . . please contact me. You can be the impetus and the catalyst for the next event in the different limit/range. Other times the limit can be waived or bent as needed.
Challenge yourself and importantly, BE yourself and expand your horizons and comfort zone. Let your hair down! Go wild! Be open minded and be non-judgmental. The group is based off quality events to bring people together from positive social interaction. Anyone who wants to explore an alternative, bohemian, experimental, strange, obscure, weird, wild, absurd, bizarre, avant garde, unconventional, wild-at-heart side of Los Angeles is welcome!
In the interest of making events successful . . . I will spread events across other meetup groups to bump up attendance. For as you know, . . . sometimes people don't show up. Some Organizers get really bent out of shape about that. I do however know that life happens. Even if it's 10 mins before the event. Just change your rsvp. No worries. No harm-no foul. There is not any sort strikes or penalty system, and there is nobody keeping score. The exception will be if it is listed as a "no flake" event. On those you gotta give good notice of changes. It's about fun and community. What I have found is that by being mellow and and having good events more show up. We tend to have 80% or more attendance. I approach with compassion. So if you don't make one event or another. . . try and make it to the next, or the one after that. When you do make it, .. . . we will be glad you are there and all are welcome.
Here are the basics of group rules.
Do NOT contact members who you have not met in real life.
Avoid Put Downs.
Speak For Yourself.
Listen To Others.
You Have The Option To Pass.
Expect Unfinished Business.
While there are flexible attendance rules. There are sex/gender related rules. As a guideline do not message people you have not met in person. This is not an online dating place. Ladies: If a guy messages you please contact me. There have been problems with that happening over meetup in general. It's just not cool. Meetup is about real life and not virtual. Guys, . . . get off your computer and come to an event. Say hello in person. Smile, . . . be personable and decent. And just be there to get to know people and make friends of whatever gender. You can always use new good friends. And this is one way to make/meet them. Wingman tactics and and Pickup artist tactics are similarly not allowed in this group. Organizers of another group that are not an organizer or host here are also not allowed to solicit members.
The rest of the rule are just good ways to live and be.
These rules apply here AND on like-minded sister groups. So it also applies on the following
Photo and Name: You are allowed to join with whatever name and whatever photo. HOWEVER the main organizers may request you change either name or photo a their discretion. Names that are products, promotional, advertisements are red flags that will be requested to change or be removed. If you are using a photo that is not your face, a current face photo may be requested. Here is the rule of thumb. Fake name and fake photo will be requested to change to a real photo and a real name or face removal. Real photo and fake name is usually fine. Fake photo and real name is usually fine.
IF you need to maintain privacy of both then contact the main organizers and just ask. That's all it takes usually.
All organizers on the group do have different set of rules.
The rules simplified.
• No Emailing (do not use the bulk email feature in any way)
• No outside links
• Great Copy
• Great Pix
• 4 weeks notice is best.
• List any money costs in the first 2 or 3 lines.
Not too many rules. Not too complicated. They all have to do with respect for the membership.
Let's talk a little more about age: Are you in your 20s 30s 40s 50s 60s 70s 80s 90s ? (btw some write 20's 30's 40's 50's 60's 70's 80's 90's ). I am often asked "What age range is this group?" 20 40 maybe? 30 50 perhaps? Or even 60 70. Forties ( forty's forty ), Fifties ( fifty's fifty ) of sixties ( sixty's sixty ) or older does matter. 24-39 3000 20+ 30+ 50+ 60+ & under or over. We are just aiming at good community.
Yeah, . . . All that is great, . . . But I still have one question, . . . What age is your group?
Age is a state of mind. And our state (this group) has no borders.
If so then you may be looking for us!
We do NOT discriminate by age, sex or gender, gender preference, origin, religion, belly button lint, etc . . . .
Do you enjoy friendship, activities, key networking, casual socializing, parties learning, sharing, inspiration? You do!?!?! How about personal and professional development with active nerd adult ( adults ) who like adventure ( adventurers, adventures, adventurous ) stuff that may involve silly dance game ( games ) and cool nerds with addicting, amazing fun? Great!!!! There will be sweet things to discover while engaging in retro revival underground unique geeky exploration of fringe play plus speed punk quirky sophisticated spectacular geek socials with high society making savvy friends. It will be an offbeat odyssey of an outing to nerdy paradise and we will party at random places (see locations below). Come and share fine no flake ( flakes ) fun that is free or inexpensive and goes late into the lovely night. Left, right or center, we will live life together and enjoy.
We do some sports related events. Are you interested in teammates players for your sport or hobby? Such as bowling, trivia, camping, biking, hike, hikes, hiking, snowboarder, snowboarding, ski, skiing, kayaking? Or even related to bmi, exercise, fitness, healthy, lock pong, recreation, recreational, outdoor, york Halloween, mammoth mountain, St Patrick's, Ensenada, un scrabble solitaire poker or more!!! We run the range.
A bigger majority of what we are cultural ( culture ), language, travel, music, arts, festival, performance, crave, dining, exotic, restaurant, food, foodie, architecture, art, artistic, urban, or ballet. But it does not stop there. We also do comedy, concert ( concerts ), cook, cooking, theater, theatre, culinary, cultural, tours, sub-culture, subculture sponge ( sponges ), performances, dances, dancing, museums, musical ( musicals ), bars, foodies, dinner, dinning, bbq, beach, restaurants, trips, cruise ( cruises ), cuisine. And even with all that we still to even more!!! Including, flea n farmer (farmers) market ( markets ), boutique, burlesque, crafting, craft, create, creating, sushi, pho, pizza, tastings, tickets, kim chi, tai kimchi, deserts, eating, festivals, film, films, galleries, games, karaoke, movies, sutra kama karma.And now the important question. Did we miss one? Oh. . . OK then, . . Send that so we can add it to the list.
Aside from the High Brow we do engage in the Low Brow such as wine, beer, drink, bar hopping, dive bars ( dives ), rave ( raver ravers raves raving ), hip-hop hiphop, hole holes-in-walls, crawl crawls, trance techno, dubstep, night nightclub, nightlife, nights. As well as classic club clubbing, clubs eclectic, edm electro electronica, pubs, pub speak, speakeasy, drinks, meet meeting mix mixer mixers mixing, greet, happy hour hours haunts, Did somebody say volunteer mingle? Let's DoLA or make a Timeout and TimeoutLA. LAist anyone?
So the High Brow and the Low Brow get together and make up THE KNOW BROW and that is all about people and who makes us up.
By ethnicity we very much match the instagram ethnic makeup of Los Angeles with Caucasian and Non Hispanic Whites, Latino, Black or African American, Native American,Asian, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander and others such as Middle Eastern such as Arab or Israeli, and many more from across the global atlas.
Different than ethnicity is Nationality, or National Origin. And again . . . from that we run the range European, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Pacific Islander, Indian, Taiwanese (Taiwan), Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese ( China, Cantonese, Mandarin ), Hong Kong Mexican ( Mexico ), and more and more. Even USC or UCLA
And that makes for sooooooooo many languages. We like language and the culture it is able to unlock It brings English, Spanish second ESL and ELL and ASL are big here. Hebrew, Yiddish, German, French, And the gamut of others to translate ( translation translator ) with class (classes).
Tolerance is a main tenet here as we are Christian ( Catholic, Mormon, etc), Jewish (Jew Jews), Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Buddhist, tech Scientology and more. And even Republican, Conservative, Liberal, Democrat, Libertarian, Bernie / BernieCrat, or even Trump or Trumpian or Scientologist. This is a big tent and since it's decent social we will all be decent.
What it comes down to is we are making new friends ( friend freind freinds ) and to be friendly. Almost like finding your entourage Made up of Men (man men's mens) and women ( woman women's ) and non-binary too. Members may be young or old, married, single ( divorce divorced separated and never married ) or coupled (couple as part of a committed relationship / relationships ). Many are likely singles and looking to date in one way or another. Going on dates or dating is fine. But it does NOT happen via using the group like Tinder, Match.com, POF or eharmony.
This group is about real life. So online messaging of people you have not met in real life is not allowed. Why such a rule?
Because it is heterosexist of you to assume that all people are interested in you. Like is says above there are married or those in committed relationships. There is is also the range of sexual preference in the group. Gay, lesbian girls lgbt lgbtq queer bi poly swing swinger swinging and any sort of variation such as transsexual and transgender. We do accept all. Even rs40 and rso40. We do NOT accept SpeedDating or Speedating or whatever you call it. It's forbidden.
Whoever you find cute, hot, sexy or find attraction to that comes in person. Plenty a match and romance or spark may happen. You may find your love (or lover). But you also may just make great friends girlfriend ( girlfriends ). It's just down to good decent social. Conscious communication and engagement that makes for self-improvement and improvement of others. Conversation and network or networking of professionals. That's just smart l33t leet api entrepreneur groupting that will lead to inspirational international consciousness.
We just added Game of Thrones GOT and The Walking Dead viewing parties.
Where do you do events? We do them ALL OVER!!!! I have taken the time to look at past events and the cities they have happened in and near and put it together with the upcoming location too. Our groups IS different, . . . we DO range all over the city. Here are where we HAVE BEEN, and where we are GOING!! All of it is obscure or obscura.
So I have gone in great detail to cover who we are and what we do. This is accurate and verifiable by going to our past events and looking that what we have done. This is all fact based on the breadth, scope and mission of this group.
If you have made it this far. Then watch this and then, . . .get off social media and on meetup. The social part of social media. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEWnXmDfVZg
This group is also very Reddit and Redditor affiliated. As such redditors events will be doing activities that do involve meme memes dank redidit subeddit snu snoo lurker boardgames board gaming gamer video cardgames card cards against humanity computers anime internet upvote downvote vote secret santa harry potter wow world warcraft karma programming digg cheap low cost nsfw league legends wtf youtube hearthstone twitch csgo narwhals bacon bacons midnight overwatch lol bernie sanders front page reddiyt r/all homepage android apple iphone mac samsung s6 s7 s8 r mobile funny dota dota2 nba politics discussion pokemon aww askreddit app apps comicon comic con convention disneyland disney diy diablo rams dodgers raiders cosplay star trek wars trekkie scifi sci-fi science fiction gif troll thrones got comment comments ama til today i learned ask me anything steam pc independent yorker independents artemis jackbox jack box com firefly serenity citizen& something comedy urban nightlife foodies friendship sierra wine food drinks dining american ny karaoke
And the other members will have events involving cuisine recreation organizations snowboarding recreational fitness pubs eating culinary consciousness psychology philosophy growth conversation snowboarder theatre theater performances movies films creating galleries museums speak easy speakeasy opening nights music film festivals dancing street performance literature hikes greet tastings tours crawls outdoor activities beer * " ! +
left eclectic couple couples mel town mixing jason la professionals business lovers lover exercise referral hike boating boat hollywood adventurers ballet eow tips asian downtown dtla ladies lady socal oc orange county english esl korean strategy jewish yid yiddish jew hebrew catholic healthy california connect hot christian cute beach wednesday ivy south bay pasadena woodland hills men man male gay european realities parents americans newly inland empire southern thai japanese chinese vietnamese filipino service empowerment females female law badminton mountain biking cooking book zandra sub-culture holes-in-walls hidden haunts seminars art classes, 3,000 jan 2017 boutique twist organized welcome boxing line camping archery trivia architecture classes burlesque baseball beat flee kyaking chi early morning adventures skin walls deserts small venues farmers trips written spoken word soooo losangeles los angeles ucla usc cantonese westside west ass artistic arts citizen cook crafting dances dinning learning festival foodie girl jews mens organization snowboardingsocal tip wall hong kong
Upcoming events
149

🏛️🪖Behind Closed Doors: Private Guided Tour of the Elks National Memorial! ✨🦅
Elks National Memorial, 2750 N. Lakeview Avenue, Chicago, IL, US🏛️🪖Behind Closed Doors: Private Guided Tour of the Elks National Memorial! ✨🦅
🌟 A Magnificent Hidden Gem in Lincoln Park — Monumental Architecture, Priceless Art & American History!
Join us for a special private docent-led tour of one of Chicago's most spectacular and often overlooked architectural treasures: the Elks National Memorial! 🏛️
Located in the heart of Lincoln Park, this magnificent Beaux-Arts masterpiece was built to honor the bravery, loyalty, and dedication of the thousands of Elks members who served and sacrificed their lives for our country.
With its enormous domed ceiling, monumental architecture, heroic sculptures, intricate decorative details, and extraordinary artwork, the Memorial has been described as one of the most magnificent war memorials in the world. Although created as a tribute to fallen veterans, the building is also a powerful symbol of peace, patriotism, and national remembrance.
We'll enjoy a private docent-led guided tour, learning about the building's remarkable architecture, history, symbolism, and artistic treasures. Following the guided portion, we'll have additional time to explore the Memorial and take photographs!
This is a stationary guided visit — not a walking tour — giving us time to appreciate the beauty and history of this extraordinary building.
🏛️🍂 A SPECIAL SEASONAL OPPORTUNITY — LAST CHANCE UNTIL SPRING!
⚠️ The Elks National Memorial closes for the season on Saturday, November 14, 2026. This is our final opportunity to visit before it closes for the winter and reopens next spring! Don't miss this chance to step inside and experience one of Chicago's most spectacular hidden architectural treasures. This is a rare opportunity to see the Memorial before its seasonal closure!***
🕰️ SCHEDULE, MEETING INFO & COST
📅 Saturday, November 14, 2026
⏰ 1:30–3:00 PM
📍 Elks National Memorial
2750 N. Lakeview Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614
⏱️ Private docent-led tour: approximately 90 minutes
💰 $15 per person
💵 CASH STRONGLY PREFERRED!
Since we're receiving a private guided tour, I'm collecting $15 from each attendee as a group donation to the Elks in appreciation of their time and hospitality. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are also accepted if needed. I will submit one combined group donation after the tour.⚠️ Everyone must check in with me at the beginning of the visit and pay me directly. Please arrive on time so we can get started together!
📸 Photography is permitted during our visit. Please follow any instructions from our hosts and be respectful of this memorial space.
🎤 Private guided experience arranged exclusively for our group!
***
🌟 WHAT WE'LL EXPERIENCE
🏛️ Magnificent Beaux-Arts Architecture — A monumental building featuring classical design, grand proportions, and extraordinary craftsmanship.
🕌 The Impressive Dome — Admire the building's enormous domed structure and richly decorated interior.
🦅 Heroic Sculptures & Decorative Friezes — Discover the symbolism and artistic details honoring American patriotism and military service.
🎨 Priceless Artwork — Explore the beautiful murals, sculptures, decorative finishes, and elaborate interior details.
🪨 Fine Imported Materials — Learn about the European marble and high-quality Indiana limestone used in the building's construction.
🪖 A Memorial to American Veterans — Discover how the building evolved from honoring World War I veterans to commemorating those who served in subsequent conflicts.
📷 Time to Explore & Photograph — After our docent-led tour, we'll have an opportunity to explore and take pictures.***
📖 ABOUT THE ELKS NATIONAL MEMORIAL
The story begins after World War I, when the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks decided to create a lasting memorial honoring members of their fraternity who had served and sacrificed their lives during the war.
Rather than build a simple monument, the Elks envisioned something extraordinary — a magnificent national memorial that would celebrate service, patriotism, and remembrance.An architectural design competition was administered by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The winning design was submitted by architect Egerton Swartwout, who envisioned a grand Beaux-Arts-style domed structure worthy of the men and women it would honor.
Construction began in 1924 and was completed in 1926.The building incorporated fine marble imported from Europe and high-quality limestone from Indiana. Its lavish construction, elaborate interior decoration, sculptures, and artwork helped establish it as one of the most impressive memorial buildings in the country.
❤️🤍💙 A Memorial That Grew With America's History
The Elks rededicated the Memorial in:- 1946 — Honoring veterans of World War II.
- 1976 — Recognizing those who served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
- 1994 — Expanding its dedication to veterans of all subsequent conflicts.
On October 1, 2003, the City of Chicago designated the Elks National Memorial a Chicago Landmark.
Today, the building serves two purposes: it remains a memorial honoring American veterans and is also the national headquarters of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Its message extends beyond military service. The Memorial celebrates the ideals of loyalty, fraternity, patriotism, sacrifice, and peace.
It's an extraordinary Chicago landmark — and one that many people drive or walk past without realizing what lies behind its doors!***
🍽️ OPTIONAL LUNCH AFTER THE TOUR!
After our visit, some of us will head out for lunch at one of the nearby neighborhood restaurants.Everyone is welcome to join! It's a great opportunity to relax, enjoy some food, and continue the afternoon with fellow history and architecture enthusiasts.
A few possibilities:
🇳🇵 Gorkha Kitchen — Indian & Nepalese Restaurant
📍 434 W. Diversey Parkway
🌐 https://gorkhakitchenchicago.com/
🥗 Oasis Fresh
📍 500 W. Diversey Parkway
🌐 https://oasisfreshofchicago.com/
🍷 Matisse Tavern & Grill
📍 674 W. Diversey Parkway
🌐 https://www.matissetavernchicago.com/
Restaurant choice will be determined closer to the date.
💵 PLEASE BRING CASH IF JOINING US FOR LUNCH! Some restaurants do not accommodate separate checks, so be prepared to pay your portion appropriately.***
👟 WHAT TO BRING
- 📷 Camera or smartphone for pictures.
- 👟 Comfortable shoes.
- 👔 Respectful attire appropriate for a national memorial.
- 💵 $15 tour donation — cash strongly preferred.
- 💳 Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal if necessary.
***
🚇 TRANSPORTATION & PARKING
🚂 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION HIGHLY ENCOURAGED!
The Memorial is accessible by CTA bus and train. Please check Google Maps or the CTA Trip Planner for the best route from your location.
👉 https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
🚗 DRIVING & PARKING- Metered street parking may be available along Diversey Parkway, Sheridan Road, and nearby streets around the Memorial.
- Limited free parking may be available on surrounding residential side streets.
- ⚠️ Watch carefully for residential permit parking signs and posted restrictions.
Parking can be tricky in this neighborhood, so allow extra time. SpotHero or ParkWhiz may also be helpful for finding nearby parking options.
***
📝 RSVP & GROUP COURTESY POLICY
✔️ Please keep your RSVP updated.
✔️ If your plans change, cancel promptly so someone on the waitlist may attend.
✔️ Everyone must check in with Giovina at the beginning of the visit.
✔️ Please arrive on time. We have a private group reservation.
❌ PLEASE DO NOT BE A NO-SHOW! Private tours require advance arrangements, and our group is representing the entire Meetup community.
Repeated no-shows may affect future participation in group activities.***
🏛️🇺🇸 JOIN US FOR A FASCINATING AFTERNOON EXPLORING ONE OF CHICAGO'S MOST MAGNIFICENT ARCHITECTURAL TREASURES!
From its spectacular dome and priceless artwork to its powerful history honoring America's veterans, the Elks National Memorial is a hidden gem worth discovering.
Come experience the history, admire the architecture, take some pictures, and enjoy a little lunch and conversation afterward!
Be a tourist in your own city — there's always something extraordinary waiting to be discovered! 💕18 attendees
Past events
3981



