About us

✨ Target Audience
Men and women aged 55+ from Kingston and Area, including:

Retirees seeking social connections and activities
Semi-retired individuals
Working adults

✨ Purpose of the Group
To provide enjoyable social, travel, and recreational activities for adults aged 55+ who are looking to stay active, make new connections, and enjoy local and regional experiences.
The group will primarily focus on:

Weekly and monthly social activities
Daytime events and outings
Local excursions and day trips
Opportunities for friendship, conversation, and community
Activities suitable for retired members, while including some evening and weekend options for those who are still working

✨ Scope and Limitations
This group is intended to complement—not compete with—other successful Meetup groups in the Kingston area.
The group will avoid scheduling events that overlap with the primary focus of the following groups:

Kingston Wine Tasting Meetups – wine tastings, wine education, and Friday/Saturday evening mingles.
Kingston Dinner Club – dining-out to experience the fare at local restaurants, typically held on weekday evenings.
The Philosophy Meetup (Kingston) – discussions related to current events, books, films, and human studies, generally held on Sunday afternoons or weekend evenings.
King’s Town Trekkers Walking Club – group walks and hikes typically held on Saturday mornings.

✨ Examples of Potential Activities

Coffee socials
Lunch outings
Museum and historical site visits
Ferry rides and island excursions
Farmers' market visits
Seasonal festivals
Local sightseeing
Board game afternoons
Mini golf, bowling, and recreational activities
Day trips to nearby communities
Weekend daytime social gatherings
Craft activities
Gardening activities

The goal is to create a welcoming, low-pressure environment where members can enjoy meaningful social connections while exploring the region together.

✨ How the Group Works
The group operates through volunteer Event Organizers.
An Event Organizer is responsible for:

Planning and scheduling a specific activity or outing.
Creating and managing the event on Meetup.
Managing the RSVP list for the event.
Communicating event details and changes to attendees.
Coordinating reservations, tickets, transportation, or other logistics when required.
Collecting funds from participants when necessary to cover event-related costs.

✨ Financial Guidelines
Activity Organizers serve as volunteers and do not earn a profit from organizing events.
Any funds collected must be used solely to cover the direct costs of the activity, such as:

Admission fees
Group reservations
Transportation costs for events outside of the Kingston Area
Supplies or materials required for the event

Organizers are encouraged to be transparent regarding event costs and how participant contributions are calculated.
The purpose of collecting funds is cost recovery only, not income generation.

✨ Becoming an Activity Organizer
Members who wish to organize an activity must submit either a One-time Event Proposal Form or a Recurring Event Proposal Form. Forms may be downloaded from below or the link in the discussion group. Print, fill out, and sign the form. Then email it to [kingston55socialnetwork@gmail.com](mailto:kingston55socialnetwork@gmail.com).

One-time Event Proposal Form:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CVYLnsmu7Kx58RHTgqkxH350LFRR55V6/view?usp=drive_link

Recurring Event Proposal Form: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1grFpTZ_y0J2v1BynC7Ly0I12kwoucpqz/view?usp=drive_link

The organizing committee will review the event proposal to ensure the event meets the group’s guidelines, purpose, and code of conduct.
‘Event Organizer’ status will be granted to the applicant so they can create and manage their event.
No other events may be created by the Event Organizer without submitting a new proposal form.
One-time Event Organizer’s meetup rights will be downgraded to ‘Member’ after the event has completed (unless they are already an event organizer for a recurring event).

✨ Membership Fees

No membership fee will be charged in the next year.
Membership levels and activity will be reviewed after one year.
If the group demonstrates sufficient activity and sustainability, an annual membership fee will be introduced effective July 1, 2027.
The proposed membership fee is approximately $10 per year, subject to annual review, and depending on how many active members there are in the group.
Membership fees will be collected through Meetup's Member Dues feature, if available.
This is a shared Meetup listing with the Kingston Wine Tasting Meetup under Peggy Seville's Meetup subscription.
Beginning July 1, 2027, the Kingston Wine Tasting Meetup will be reimbursed $200 per year toward Meetup subscription fees.
All membership fees will be used solely for group operating and administrative costs.
The group operates on a cost-recovery basis only.
No organizer, co-organizer, or activity organizer will receive compensation, reimbursement beyond actual expenses, or profit from membership fees or event charges.
If the group does not achieve sufficient participation, activity, or financial sustainability, it may be discontinued rather than continuing to incur ongoing administrative costs.

✨ Organizing Committee

The Organizing Committee consists of all active Event Organizers.
Event Organizers are responsible for approving, and reviewing activities for the group according to the group’s guidelines.
It is recommended that the Organizing Committee meet quarterly to:
- Review group activity and participation.
- Discuss upcoming events and opportunities.
- Address operational or administrative matters.
- Consider suggestions and feedback from members.
The group is intended to operate collaboratively, with responsibilities shared among Event Organizers.
No single individual is responsible for the day-to-day oversight or management of all group activities.
As the Meetup subscription and listing are held under Peggy Seville's account, Peggy retains ultimate administrative control of the Meetup group.
Peggy Seville reserves the right to suspend, deactivate, or discontinue the group if it becomes inactive, toxic, disruptive, or inconsistent with the group's purpose and values.
Wherever practical, significant decisions affecting the future of the group should be discussed with the Organizing Committee.

✨ Code of Conduct
All members, guests, organizers, and event hosts are expected to contribute to a welcoming, respectful, and enjoyable environment.

Respect for Others

Treat all members with courtesy, kindness, and respect.
Be welcoming to new members and guests.
Respect differing opinions, backgrounds, experiences, and lifestyles.
Harassment, discrimination, bullying, intimidation, or threatening behavior will not be tolerated.

Social Interaction

This group exists to foster friendship, social connection, and shared activities among adults aged 55+.
The group is not intended to be a dating, matchmaking, or singles group.
While friendships may naturally develop, members are expected to respect personal boundaries and avoid unwanted romantic attention or repeated advances.
Do not send private messages to members you do not know unless they have invited you to do so or it is directly related to a group event.
Any behaviour that makes another member feel uncomfortable, pressured, or unsafe may result in removal from the event or group.
Always respect another member's privacy and right to decline invitations or personal requests.

Event Participation

Participate in good faith and contribute positively to the group atmosphere.
Follow any event-specific instructions provided by the Event Organizer.
Arrive on time whenever possible or notify the organizer if plans change.
Respect venue rules and the rights of other patrons.

Personal Responsibility

Members are responsible for their own safety, transportation, health, and personal belongings.
Members participate in activities at their own risk.
The group, organizers, and Meetup hosts are not responsible for personal injury, loss, damage, or expenses incurred during participation.

Financial Conduct

Event fees may only be collected to recover actual event-related costs.
Organizers shall not profit from membership fees or event charges.
Any costs charged to participants should be communicated clearly in advance.

Communication

Discussions should remain respectful and constructive.
Excessive complaints, personal attacks, disruptive behaviour, or ongoing conflicts may result in intervention by the Organizing Committee.
Members should raise concerns privately with the Event Organizer or member of the Organizing Committee whenever possible.

Political, Religious, and Controversial Topics

Casual conversation is welcome; however, members should be mindful that strongly divisive political, religious, or controversial discussions may make others uncomfortable.
Organizers may redirect conversations if they become disruptive to the enjoyment of an event.

Alcohol Consumption

Members choosing to consume alcohol are expected to do so responsibly.
No member should drive while impaired.
Organizers may refuse participation in an event by anyone whose behaviour is disruptive due to alcohol or other substances.

Organizers and Event Hosts

Organizers are expected to act fairly, respectfully, and in the best interests of the group.
Organizers should strive to create inclusive and welcoming events.
Organizers may remove participants from an event when necessary to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment.

Violations

Concerns regarding member conduct may be reviewed by the Organizing Committee.
Depending on the circumstances, actions may include a verbal warning, written warning, removal from an event, suspension, or removal from the group.
As the Meetup subscription holder, Peggy Seville retains the final authority to suspend or remove members and event organizers, and to deactivate or discontinue the group if necessary to protect the group's purpose, reputation, and member experience.