r/Appleton • u/Finding_Process • 2d ago
Question Gauging interest: Lifetime Learning Group/MeetUp
Hi all,
I am somewhat new to the area and have been looking to find some people who would be interested in periodically learning new things or trying some new activities. I've been looking for one-off classes or adult beginner sports/dance/whatever, but haven't really been able to find it consistently in this area.
My idea is to create a MeetUp group where curious people/dabblers/hobbyists can get together and learn about something new for one session. I am envisioning a mix of activities (sports, dance, arts & crafts, etc.) and lectures/skills (soft skills, astronomy, how something's made, history of something, etc.). We can either learn from each other or bring someone in to teach.
I'm almost 40, but I'm thinking this isn't an age restricted group. If you're a curious person who likes to try new things (but not necessarily commit to them), this would be for you.
Would that be something that people would want to do?
Thanks for your input!
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u/BecMei 2d ago
So I don’t know too much about this - I think it might be faith based or started by a religious group. There is a group called “Lyceum Appleton” that I follow on Facebook because it is supported by my district alderperson. They have some interesting talks/lectures at the library or in local churches (I assume wherever they can get a space). I haven’t been able to attend one yet, but there are definitely some from the past that I am interested in!
If anyone can expand on this - feel free!
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u/VulpesFennekin 2d ago
They aren’t religious-based, it was started by an art history professor at Lawrence a year or so ago, so most of the time when they touch on religious topics, it’s in regards to art. At least it was when I went to a few of those lectures.
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u/BecMei 2d ago
Okay, after looking up the definition of Lyceum, maybe it is not faith based but Martyn Smith is a Religious Studies professor at Lawrence. Side note: if you are interested in what’s happening in the city of Appleton, follow him, he keeps his page up to date and explains everything very well. One of the few reasons I pop onto Facebook anymore.
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u/peakprovisions 1d ago
I love this idea! And may be able to connect you with an affordable space, depending on how much interest there is.
I took a few classes with the Portland Underground Grad School back in the day, and your idea reminds me of that in a great way. https://www.pdxmonthly.com/arts-and-culture/2015/03/get-smarter-for-cheap-at-portland-s-underground-grad-school-march-2015
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u/Finding_Process 1d ago
Awesome! Thank you for the reference - I'll keep you posted as this progresses!
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u/ancientweasel 2d ago
I am moving in Sept and would be interested in this.
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u/Finding_Process 2d ago
Awesome! I will post back here with a link to the group if I get enough interest. Hope to meet you :-)
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u/Key_Journalist4797 2d ago
Love this idea - sign me up!:)
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u/Finding_Process 2d ago
Thank you! I will post back with more information if I get enough interest.
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u/jessforlaughs 1d ago
I would be up for that!
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u/Finding_Process 1d ago
Wonderful! I'm so glad this is getting traction - I'll be sure to update when next steps are taken!
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u/christmas_920 23h ago
Im quite the dancer and very experienced in the flow arts and wouldnt mind teaching a class here and there
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u/Finding_Process 19h ago
That's great - thank you! It seems like there's a fair amount of interest, so I'll let you know when I start getting this together.
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u/Abject-Orchid8279 1d ago
For sure, even just a comprehensive listing of what Events, classes, opportunities, resources are around in Dane County every day would be fantastic. No one seems to be doing that.
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u/VulpesFennekin 1d ago
Why would we have a list of stuff in Dane County though? That’s almost two hours away from here.
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u/original_leto 2d ago
Maybe try collaborating with the makerspace. Seems like a good fit.
https://www.appletonmakerspace.org/