Singles in the area may want to know about an organization of long standing that has a ready-made formula for meeting new people and making new friends, all while socializing to beat the band. The KC Diplomats group was established in 1979 as a non-profit social and cultural organization for singles in the community, and it's been going strong ever since.

The membership consists of single men and women who are dedicated to companionship, friendship, and enjoyable events—and who are willing to be loyal participants, showing up regularly and lending a helping hand.

"Anybody can come as a guest, any time," said Marlene Dickson, a "young 70-year-old" who has been active in the group for years. "If you're just now learning about us, check our Web site for the location of the next social event and show up. And tell someone you read about us in The Best Times!"

Building bonds
Some people join the Diplomats expressly to find a spouse or a life companion.

"And many succeed," Dickson said. "I met my late significant other through the Diplomats in 1984, and we were together until he died a year and a half ago. For others, it's a social club. The group is an especially good fit for a woman who'd like to go out at least once a week for cocktails, knowing she can go by herself, feel safe, and have friends there."

Most current Diplomats are 50 or older, with some members in their early 80s, so senior adults will feel right at home.

There's even a "Diplomats Alumni" group for members who meet someone, marry, and thus aren't eligible for the KC Diplomats any longer. Those folks get to maintain their friendships and their regular social schedule through the Alumni. Some mixed events during the year combine singles and coupled members.

"I still have a New Year's open house and a Kentucky Derby party every year for all Diplomats, married or single," Dickson said. "We have other parties during the year, too—dances, theater outings, taking in a museum on a Sunday afternoon, Super Bowl parties, and day trips. Events like that really give members something to look forward to."

The organization has members from throughout the metro (Raytown, North Kansas City, the Southland, and even Topeka, Kan., and St. Joseph, Mo.), but more members are from Johnson County than anywhere else, Dickson said.

Becoming a Diplomat
Members of the Kansas City Diplomats must be single, of good moral character, and financially sound, with an acceptable appearance and a business or professional background, and demonstrate willingness to contribute to, promote, and participate in Diplomat activities.

The first step toward membership is to attend the weekly Tuesday night Diplomats gatherings, which rotate among a variety of area restaurants (the locations are posted on the Events page of the group's Web site). On the first Tuesday of each month, the gatherings are always at Cascone's, at 91st and Metcalf.

The first time someone visits, a member will take the visitor under his or her wing, introduce the visitor to everyone present, and encourage conversation. If the visitor enjoys the group, continues to attend, and shows willingness to be active, the Diplomats board of directors will vote on the visitor's membership.

If this sounds like it could be right up your social alley, visit the Diplomats Web site, www.kcdiplomats.com, and be sure to check out the photos of previous parties under "Gallery"—or contact Katie Miller, president, 913-832-8476; Marlene Dickson, 913-888-0954; or Kris Kunz, 913-579-2615.