All of our events are hosted by our members on a volunteer basis, and all DMNK members are welcome and encouraged to host events whenever and wherever they choose. All official DMNK events are open to all members. If you'd like to host an event, here's what to do:

1. Decide what you'd like to do and post it to our Yahoo Groups message board. Include dates, times, cost (if applicable), a description of the event, and a method of contacting you to confirm attendence. (Most members prefer to use email for this, then give their phone numbers and/or addresses, if needed, to the individuals who respond.) If you're planning on hosting an event at a restaraunt or other similar venue, be sure to contact the venue ahead of time to determine how many people they can accomodate.

2. Keep track of responses, confirm your reservations (if applicable), and arrange for some way to meet with your group at the event.

3. Show up and have fun! Be sure to introduce yourself to your guests, and your guests to one another if you know them. You may wish to bring name tags and markers, but it is not necessary.

4. After the event, it is helpful to post a brief summary to the Yahoo Group so that other members can see how it went. This seems to encourage more activity on our list. Just thank everyone for coming and tell those who didn't about the event.

Additional Tips for Hosting Events

Some of our  members are very comfortable with event planning and meeting new people, but for those of you who need a little help, here's a few tips for planning a successful No Kidding gathering.

Plan something you'll enjoy no matter what.

This way, you'll enjoy yourself no matter how many people join you, and if you have a small turnout, it won't ruin your plans. Turnout ranges from two to thirty people in our chapter. If you're worried about a small turnout, keep in mind that it can be easier to get to know people in small groups.

Also, choosing an event that suits you is likely to attract others who share your interests. If you're concerned that there haven't been any outdoor or single-friendly events lately, for example, don't wait for someone else to do it. Host something that you think will fill that particular niche. (However, it's important to remember that all of our events are open to all of our members. See our rules for membership and participation for details.)

Keep it simple

Unless you love to cook all day and throw elaborate parties (and some of us do!) don't stress over it.  There are lots of ways to host an event that don't involve much planning or preparation at all.  Get coffee, catch a movie or a meal, meet other members for shopping or a museum.

Consider the location
We love it when members open their homes to us for a party, but many of us would rather meet in a public place, so it's important to have regular gatherings in public locations. Some of our members love the club scene, others wish to avoid alcohol and/or smoke.  Again, do what you'll enjoy the most, and you'll be likely to attract other members who share your tastes.

Be willing to drive
Our chapter spreads from Colorado Springs to Ft Collins, with most of our members in Denver.  Currently several of our most active members are in the Springs and Ft. Collins, so we have frequent events in those locations.  Many of us who've made the trek found it to be well worth the time.  And if you're willing to do a little extra driving to attend an event, you can bet that your host will be more inclined to drive to your event when the time comes.

It's easier than you might think
All you have to do to plan an event is post it to the Yahoo! Groups email list, and be prepared to field a few e-mails from your guests.  Provide a time and date, location, and general description of your event including prices if applicable.  You can include a web address for the venue if it's available, and be ready to give participants driving directions.  Be sure to make a plan for finding each other when you get there, and then just show up and have fun!

Major events
If you're thinking of planning a major event such as a ski trip, mountain ascent, or anything else that requires a big time commitment, drive or financial commitment, allowing extra time to plan may increase participation.  You may wish to post your idea to the email list and get feedback from potential participants regarding the particulars such as date and location.

Be Patient
If an event doesn't get much turnout, it may do better another time, or with a different approach to planning. It appears that Summer events tend to have lower turnouts (probably due to busy travel and activity schedules), and Friday and Saturday nights are usually the most popular times to attend.