Getting Approved?

I've been joining Meetup groups, in the interest of meeting new people and finding friends for both the boys and I.  I recently submitted a request to join a group (it was actually an application!) and this is the response I received. 


Subject: Getting Approved

Kristi,


Thank you for your interest in the ___________ meetup group. For the safety and security of our current members and their families, we now ask that you attend one public hosted event and meet one of our AO's before being accepted into this group. We have listed 3 options for the month below. Please respond with a date that might work for you, so we can look for you. This allows us to meet you and you to meet us and ask an questions regarding the group. We are very excited to meet you. If you have any problems adding your photo, please let us know.


What the hell?  This isn't Rush Week.  Are there many SAHMs who compromise safety?  After reading this, I've decided it just isn't worth it.  If I have to endure this much hassle to join a group, the process to be allowed to stay will be ridiculous.  I'm doing a preemptive break up.  It's not me; it's you.