"I do mind, the Dude minds. This will not stand, ya know, this aggression will not stand, man.!""

The Big Lebowski" (c) 1998 Polygram Filmed Entertainment

Sometimes, it’s best to look at certain conflicts in life as an opportunity to grow as a human being and as an event organizer. In my case, it was a rather interesting email from a hike participant and reading the comments regarding the heat during last weekend’s Malibu Creek State Park hike.

The member and I exchanged emails, resulting in me understanding that new members and current members, unfamiliar with the logistics and how I run things, might experience a rather sharp different between their projected expectations of group participation and what would be offered and expected of individual participation.

As a result and to eliminate future situations that may occur from misdirected intentions, I wrote the following email -defining the difference between personal responsibility, event organizer responsibility and individual involvement. Judging from the positive emails and feedback I received from group members, I hit the problem on the nail and sunk it flush with the board.

PLEASE READ: Personal Responsibility, Event Organizer Responsibility and Individual Involvement

It has come to my attention that clarification is needed concerning personal responsibility, event organizer responsibility and individual involvement with events I organize. Again, realize that this is for my planned events and does not necessarily represent the viewpoints or ideas of other organizers of the The Great Outdoors Photography Group or The Los Angeles Hiking and Photography Meetup.

It is my goal to make the following statements as clearly as required. It is advisable that you read this completely:

* All Meetup Groups Are Different: Due to different individual personalities and group psychology, it is highly advisable that you do not project prior Meetup group expectations on any new groups you join. All Meetup groups and organizers are different. Please respect them accordingly.

* Individual Participation: Participation in this group is voluntary. As such, attendance to all events are voluntary. Attendees are solely responsible for their actions, including deciding on if they would like to continue with the group or not, during events / walks.

* Acts of God: Do not project blame of Acts of God (heat, rain, sprinkles, etc) onto the event organizer. If I pre hike the trail the day before under cloudy skies and the day of the hike is sunny and cloudless, I cannot telephone God to change the weather. It is your personal responsibility to read the weather forecast for that day and determine your participation and water requirement for the outing.

* Event Description / Alterations: Based on various factors, I will change the event details up to the day before the event. Considering that I’ve been doing pre-hikes before group hikes for events, in my own time prior to the event, that is my right and privilege. If you RSVP for an event, it is your responsibility to check the event page prior to your attendance. For every major event update I do, I send out an update notification and cover the changed material during hike introductions. For example, Malibu Creek State Park’s updated event notice was sent at Friday, 5:40 pm reflecting updates I found during that morning’s hike. It is your personal responsibility to read emails concerning events you RSVP and to check the event page prior to the event. I cannot make you do that – only you can.

* Getting Lost: It is unfortunate if a member gets lost. However, there is a reason why I include website and additional information in every planned event’s description. It is to offer participants additional resources to explore and discover pre-hike. Larger groups will split up. It’s just a fact of human nature concerning different hikers motivations and speeds. The trails that I plan events on are well maintained, well traveled, clear and easy to travel on. Likewise, there are almost always clear maps at the trail head.

* Photography: Before you consider attending an event, remember that my events are planned for photographers / nature photographers that also enjoy hiking in nature. Photography is the primary focus, not hiking. Hikers are more than welcomed. However, be considerate that your motivations for attendance may be different than others.

* Water and Proper Hydration: Bring water to every event / outing that you attend and plan accordingly for hotter events. Especially, during the warmer Summer months. This point does not need further explanation.

* Hand holding: There are many people, of all different motivations, that attend events. Accounting for everyone, with their different motivations, stopping times and the like during the return, is like trying to manage an individual tree in a forest. If there are clear signs along a pathway and I have already written a lengthy description and offered additional website information regarding a hike / event, I cannot – for maintaining the focus of the group, handhold each individual member to make sure they follow previously given instructions and markers. I constantly ask members how they are feeling, if they are okay, etc, because of who I am as a person. However, as an event organizer, I can only go so far before individual responsibilities of participants must kick in. I organize hikes and events. This means that I plan a set space for members that have RSVP’d to attend and participate in an event as individuals that are together for a common purpose. You, not me, must determine during your every step forward if you want to continue.

* Time Management: If I give a time estimation, that is based on the time it took me to do the hike previously. That is a guideline. As group times differ due to different people and their hiking levels, there is no way that a final time for the total group can be absolute. As I state in my introduction before we head out – If at any time you wish to turn back or otherwise not continue with the rest of your hike, it is your choice. I say this so people understand that if at any point, they feel things are beyond what they can handle or they simply do not wish to continue, participants understand that personal responsibility comes before group mentality.

* Organizers and Assistant Organizers: The event organizer is listed prominently under the “Who’s Coming” section of the event. Ray, the group organizer is not required to attend any of the events planned by assistant organizers (myself, Marianne and Renae). The assistant organizers are not required to attend any of each others events. However, it is not advisable to disrespect assistant organizers because the photo that you see on the group’s front page. I work hard at what I read, research, organize and plan for this group. Unchecked aggression and personal attacks from individuals will not stand.

I hope this clears up any concerns that new, returning or curious members have regarding personal responsibility, event organizer responsibility and individual involvement with the group regarding the events I organize. It is my goal as a event organizer to properly inform individuals of what they are to expect. As I do this in the event description, during the start of the hike, during turn around points, and at key aspects of events, I believe that I execute my responsibilities as a hike leader effectively, efficiently and completely. Personal accountability for your individual involvement in group activity is not suggested, it is required.

If you feel that your motivations for joining a planned event and projected roles are contrary to the tenets set forth in this statement or that your viewpoints are not agreeable to those set forth, it is in your best interest to reconsider RSVPing for the events that I organize and lead.

Best,

Kimberly

I’m still truly thankful and grateful for the conflicting points of view that occurred. These are issues that needed to be clarified and written down for anyone that might have questions about them in the future, new member or not. When entering a new group, conflicts of expectations are expected.
I have been slower than the group / left behind before in other hiking groups. And it sucks. However, I take responsibility for being slower, for whatever reason, and do not blame others for it. I’m a slow hiker as it is already, regardless of my camera or dog. But, when it gets down to it, as an event organizer, I have the final say on the guidelines for an event that I plan. There are no other words needed to state my point. No words needed for discussion. Like my policy on “Maybes” and “Waitlist”, this is a one sided conversation.

Period. Fin. The end.

Now, onto finishing up the final plans for this weekend’s urban hike in Silver Lake…..