Meeting Poly People
So, perhaps this poly stuff sounds like a good idea to you (and your partner, if you have one). Where do you meet other poly minded people - whether it be for learning more about polyamory and how it's practiced in reality, or potential mates?
Attending local poly group functions, regional and national level conferences are guaranteed ways to meet other poly minded people. And you'll likely find folks who become long time friends, and perhaps even someone to date.
However, you may quickly discover that just because someone is poly minded, does not necessarily make them compatible friends or potential mates for you. And the majority or poly minded people don't attend organized poly functions.
In my personal experience, I have met most of my partners outside of the poly communities. Here are some tips on going about meeting other poly minded people:
Online Resources
Several poly specific dating sites have cropped up. Here are links to a few of them:
www.polymatchmaker.com
www.polyfriendfinder.com
www.lovemore.com
There are also some other 'mainstream' dating sites that are poly-friendly. I've actually had far better luck finding compatible people on these, than on poly specific sites:
www.okcupid.com
www.plentyoffish.com
Most of these sites are free, so there's no financial risk in putting you profile out there. As always, if you have needs of being discrete, be careful of how much identifiable information you put in your profiles.
Other ways to find folks online include getting involved in various poly e-mail lists - which can be locally based or more topic based. You can find many on the Loving More (www.lovemore.com) website.
Local Poly Groups
Most major cities in the US have a poly discussion or support group that meets regularly. I address Poly Groups on it's own page here.. be sure to check it out.
Do the things you like doing
You may find that after looking within established poly communities, that just being polyamorous does not mean that you are compatible for dating/relationship. And you'll also quickly discover that not everyone who is polyamorous gets involved in organized groups. In fact, most don't. And there are plenty of people who have a polyamorous mindset, but either have not heard of the term 'polyamory' or don't choose to label themselves as such.
One thing that I've found, is that once I became comfortable with my own inclinations towards polyamory, that's an attitude that easier to notice in others. And in the course of pursuing life, I found other polyamorous folks outside of poly community.
In fact, most of my poly partners I met outside of poly community. Some I met through friends who introduced us. Some I met while I pursuing other 'alternative lifestyles' (swinging, BDSM, etc.). And I even met my current primary partner on a Toyota Prius Forum. I've known many folks who met their partners at SCA events, Ren Faires, Pirate Festivals, gaming groups, sci-fi cons, work, school, church, PTA, etc.
Poly minded people are everywhere, and is true in dating in general - you're most likely to find people who are compatible with you and share your interests by doing the things that interest you.
Just be sure to reveal that you're polyamorous fairly early on.. before things get too involved.
