any advice

[gabeygoat]

as to setting up small local groups?

[DocM]

In general? Or at TAM?

If it's about local groups, I guess the general recommendation is to get a few people willing to do the work, then use the power of the internet (www.meetup.com is pretty popular) to draw in more people. The most successful model for getting skeptics together seems to be the "Skeptics in the Pub", or "Drinking Skeptically", if you're in the US (http://www.drinkingskeptically.org/).

[Sc00ter]

I guess the general recommendation is to get a few people willing to do the work

As somebody that runs a local group and talks to others that do on a regular basis.. Good luck with that. I've found generally you get people that say they will help and then perhaps do here and there but then fall off. If you want a local group it's going to be up to you. I've had a few people that have been super helpful, but when it comes to getting speakers, picking locations, setting up non-SitP events, it's been nearly 100% up to me.

This isn't to say that the members are fantastic when it comes to giving me ideas or leads.

then use the power of the internet (www.meetup.com is pretty popular) to draw in more people. The most successful model for getting skeptics together seems to be the "Skeptics in the Pub", or "Drinking Skeptically", if you're in the US (http://www.drinkingskeptically.org/).

I agree with this. I've had good luck with Facebook Events.

There is going to be a workshop on Sunday at TAM8 about starting a local group that I will be part of if you want to come to that.

My biggest bit of advice is this.

1. Shameless self promotion is key. Pimp your group to anybody and everybody. It's cheap to get business cards and buttons made, give them to everybody, especially people that are more in the public eye.

2. Don't be afraid to say hi and start a dialog with people. Email Randi, drop DJ a facebook message, IM your favorite podcaster and start a dialog.

That last bit is how I became friends with Richard Saunders, Dr. Rachie and Jay Novella and you can't underestimate that enough, and you really have nothing to lose. They want to expand the movement just as much as anybody else.

[arthwollipot]

I agree with others.

The first Skeptics in the Pub event I organised was basically due to three emails. One to the Skeptics Guide to the Universe, one to the Skeptic Zone, and one to George Hrab. Between the three of them they managed to pimp my event enough that 20 people turned up.

The second event, we were fortunate enough to have PZ Myers in town. Through Facebook and Meetup, and plain old word of mouth, we had probably 200 people turn up.

My best advice - organise with the venue. Get the owner of the pub/meetingplace/whatever on board, and you'll do fine.

[gabeygoat]

thanks folks. i'm gonna get started

[The Central Scrutinizer]

as to setting up small local groups?

First you have to find some small locals.

[gabeygoat]

First you have to find some small locals.

done and done. the littles live in my cupboards. they keep away the rats, and in turn i refrain from smiting them