I wouldn’t want to just be negative about this subject. I value this site, and attend the local Sceptics in a Pub, but I don’t think that there can be a community of atheists. I think atheism is a negative position: I simply fail to believe in some beliefs. That is not at all a positive position. I may sometimes object to religions and beliefs, but that does not mean that you should object to them: it is possible that they have no meaning for you.
Religions are often evil systems, but so are other, non religious systems.
I don’t think that atheism requires me to think or research or oppose other views. I may do so, but that is a choice.

If it helps you to understand yourself a lot better that is fantastic. Just beware that you are not taking on other people's disbelief as well. Once you're in 'the club' there are always certain unwritten rules and codes of behaviour whether it be New Age Shamanism, Ballroom Dancing or Gardening Club. At the root of atheism is the need to question, then question again. If it is not a search for truth, just a mutual 'aren't we just wonderful because we don't buy into religion' club take a step back and review because it is turning into a religion. Even the statement 'There is no God' is loaded. Where are the supporting texts or is this just opinion? ...and remember that you can always leave!

A local meet up for athiests. That sounds interesting. Where can I look for that and see if there's one near me?

It's not important. Why do I need to be in a club?

I'm dismayed to see some people treating atheism as the next fashion trend.

Its important to me as a way of counter-balancing the spread of magical/religious thinking in my local community.

It's not important. Why do I need to be in a club?

Being an atheist is not something you can wake up and decide. Not to be disrespectful or anything, but are you gonna transform into a unicorn next week. Something you should think about.

Not in the least bit important - it's not any more significant to me than the shoes I wear. Should I join a club about stepping out with sneakers?

The importance for me is to continue learning and exploring with others all of the incredible facets of living with eyes and mind open to truth. For too long I was a part of communities that preferred shared delusion enhanced by shared stories told and retold and that eschewed any variance from their own mythology. Once understanding the limitlessness of variance it became impossible to sustain those prior relationships except on a level of phoniness and pretense. With those no longer doubting truth, new levels of conciousness emerge which I find immensely more satisfying and enriching than with those sticking by their myths.

I have been atheist for much longer, but also have been active with a local atheist group for about two years, if I have learned anything it is that establishing a sense of community is very important, if not for yourself, then for others.

A number of our members have lost the sense of community because their churches (community) and/or families have disowned them. In some cases, our meetups are their only connection to community, such that - that they call us family, and I think that is a very special place to be, to be welcoming and understanding, to welcome those that are questioning their faith.

Problem is, I think becoming atheist is culling yourself from the herd. Gotten real used to being independent.