When the main organizer leaves their position within a group, we refer to this action as "stepping down." Whether the action to step down was intentional or unintentional, Meetup will generally not reinstate the former organizer if another member takes over as the main organizer, unless specific circumstances arise.
An organizer has the ability to pass leadership of their group along to another member. They can also close their group entirely or step down without nominating a specific member. If an organizer steps down without nominating another member, any member of the group is able to step up as the new organizer under their own organizer subscription plan.
Organizer subscription plan goes unpaid
An organizer can also be stepped down from their position when they fail to pay their organizer subscription. The default payment setting on Meetup automatically renews organizer subscription plans when they expire. However, it's possible that the credit card on file for the organizer's account will be declined or has expired. Meetup will attempt to charge the credit card on file three times, starting on the date that the organizer subscription plan was set to renew. Meetup sends organizers an email if the final charge is declined. After this happens the organizer subscription will lapse.
When an organizer subscription plan lapses the account is placed into a two week grace period. Throughout this grace period, Meetup notifies the organizer through emails and on-site banners. The leadership team of the group will also see a notification banner on the group's homepage, warning them that the organizer is in danger of being stepped down. This banner prompts the leadership team to contact their organizer to ensure that they are aware of the situation.
Group organizer is stepped down
After the grace period ends, the organizer will automatically be stepped down. If the group has co-organizers or assistant organizers, they'll receive an invitation to keep the group going by stepping up to become the next organizer. If the group doesn't have any other organizers, or if no one on the leadership team steps up in five days time, then all of the members are notified that the group needs a new organizer and they are invited to step up.
If the original organizer of a group is stepped down from their position, either intentionally or unintentionally, Meetup will not reinstate that organizer if another organizer has stepped up unless there are special circumstances. Organizers are notified before they are stepped down from their position, typically four to six times over the course of approximately a month. They are provided with ample time to take action and prevent being stepped down.
If former organizers have concerns about their intellectual property, they can reach out to us directly at policy@meetup.com.
