Does forming an atheist community pose a risk to becoming a religion?

[Abaddon_ire]

I am an atheist, however, I have not attended formal meetings with other atheists / non-theists to have a discussion about atheism. Would holding formal gatherings to discuss atheist ideas create something "religious" in character (such as weekly church attendance) if these meetings were focused around discussing the disbelief in god(s)? 

Nor have I. What of it? Am I somehow a "lesser" atheist? And if some atheists choose to hold weekly meetings, how is that different from a chess club? Are chess clubs a religion now?

I personally have been a little reluctant towards formalized meetings to discuss "atheism", however I would be interested to hear what other peoples thoughts are.

I have said it before and I will say it again, organising atheists is akin to attempting to herd cats. It will never work. Being an atheist is by definition stepping outside the herd. Pretty much the single thing you will get unanimous agreement on from atheists is that we all believe in no gods. After that all hell is out for breakfast and we agree on nothing much.

Possibly is also why I am owned by my cat. "Hey, kitty, wanna go for a walk?" will be greeted with a prompt "Go fuck yourself". I can sympathise with that.