I am in Phoenix. There were a couple 'Meetup' groups for awhile but have closed. Mostly, just a stepping stone for ones leaving and moving on. Meeting people face to face was great! Some came and refused to even hardly talk and would only give an alias name. Next meeting or two, they would be talking freely. Some were disfellowshipped and broken, but a few meetups later were joyful as can be. Sometimes, there were about 20 there but mostly smaller groups 4-8.
There was no type of direction or agenda that anyone should believe one way another. Just a 'free expression' type discussion, encouraging others, everyone different yet the strong identification of where we had been and efforts of moving on.
Though, a couple years ago one 'young' couple stated they were also meeting with another group. It was 'Bible Students' a type of from Russell, on the east side of Phoenix valley. I didn't get specifics at that time because I live far from there. Also, maybe I don't know their purpose or concept but I never was drawn to reading the 'Studies of the Scriptures' - too extensively detailed for me. Plus, other things that, to me, just add too many unnecessary explanations. For me, the simple things are the better.
If older ones are having contact with others, that they would understand their plight. Internet may not be comfortable for them. Understandably, having face to face contact with ones you know or have similar ages and similar issues, would be great for them. Hopefully, they are adjusting in their way, possibly slower, or to a certain degree of issues. Whatever works is great. I would qualify age-wise but I do like the Internet.
