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  See [[Local Group Events and Activities]] for how activities fit into overall event planning.
{{Words of Wisdom
{{Words of Wisdom
| wisdom  =  
| wisdom  =  
Line 6: Line 4:


Variety increases participation by meeting members where they are — in interest, time, and comfort level.
Variety increases participation by meeting members where they are — in interest, time, and comfort level.
| success =  
| success =
* The calendar has enough variety that every member can find something that fits.
* Members with different interests and schedules can find activities that appeal to them.
| best   =  
 
| best =
* Offer a mix of social, intellectual, active, and virtual activities.
* Include options with different time and commitment levels.
* Experiment with new ideas while maintaining successful favorites.
* Encourage members to suggest and host activities.
 
| pitfalls =
| pitfalls =
* Offering only one type of activity.
* Repeating the same events without trying new ideas.
* Planning activities for organizers instead of members.
* Ignoring virtual or low-commitment options.
}}== Purpose ==
}}== Purpose ==
Describe a variety of activity options that support different levels and styles of member engagement.
Describe a variety of activity options that support different levels and styles of member engagement.
Line 32: Line 40:
! Category !! Examples
! Category !! Examples
|-
|-
| Social || dinners, lunches, brunches 
| Social
| Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, happy hours, coffee meetups, picnics, holiday gatherings
|-
| Intellectual
| Book clubs, discussion groups, guest speakers, museum visits, science center visits, debates, TED Talk discussions
|-
| Games & Recreation
| Board games, trivia nights, bowling, mini-golf, escape rooms, billiards, card games
|-
| Creative
| Craft nights, writing groups, painting classes, maker activities, photography walks, quilting or fiber arts
|-
| Outdoor
| Walks, hikes, nature centers, botanical gardens, sporting events, festivals, stargazing
|-
|-
| Active || mini-golf, bowling, sports, outdoor activities 
| Food & Dining
| Restaurant explorations, potlucks, progressive dinners, cooking classes, food tours
|-
|-
| Experiential || theme parks, go-karts, performances 
| Community Service
| Food banks, park cleanups, charity walks, volunteer projects, community partnerships
|-
|-
| Creative || crafts, art, writing, workshops 
| Family-Friendly
| Zoo visits, science museums, game afternoons, picnics, seasonal festivals
|-
|-
| Intellectual || book clubs, discussion groups, speakers, museums 
| Virtual
| Online discussions, virtual game nights, watch parties, speaker programs, online classes
|-
|-
| Casual || movies, concerts, informal meetups 
| Special Interest
| Technology, genealogy, investing, languages, science, travel, history, puzzles, cars, books, crafts
|}
|}


Almost any activity can be successful — what matters is creating opportunities for members to connect.
Almost any activity can be successful — what matters is creating opportunities for members to connect.
 
==Specific Inspirations==
== Levels of Commitment ==
* Behind-the-scenes tours (airports, theaters, factories, museums)
 
* Architecture tours
Members engage at different levels. A strong calendar includes options across that spectrum.
* Local history walks
 
* Cemetery tours (surprisingly popular)
* [[Low-Commitment Activities]] — easy to join, low pressure 
* Escape rooms
* [[Medium-Engagement Activities]] — some structure, moderate involvement 
* Geocaching
* [[High-Engagement Activities]] — deeper involvement or leadership 
* Trivia leagues
 
* Maker spaces
== Designing Inclusive & Accessible Activities ==
* Planetarium visits
 
* Minor league sports
Every activity should consider different needs and comfort levels.
* Volunteer/service projects
 
* "Teach us your hobby" member-led sessions
* Offer both in-person and virtual options when possible 
* Travel presentations by members
* Choose accessible locations (mobility, transportation)
* Mensa Reads-style book discussions
* Vary times and days 
* Puzzle hunts and scavenger hunts
* Clearly communicate:
** Physical activity level 
** Cost (if any)
** Social expectations 
 
''Clear expectations reduce barriers to participation.''
 
== Mixing Activity Types Over Time ==
 
Variety matters across time, not just within a single event.
 
Example monthly mix:
 
* 1 social event 
* 1 intellectual or discussion-based event 
* 1 low-key or virtual option 
 
This helps engage different members without overloading any one group.
 
== Member-Led Activities ==
 
Members are more engaged when they help create the experience.
 
* Invite ideas regularly 
* Make hosting easy (low barriers, clear expectations) 
* Support first-time organizers with simple guidance 
 
== Recognition & Follow-Up ==
 
Activities continue after the event.
 
* Thank organizers and participants 
* Share highlights or photos (when appropriate) 
* Invite quick feedback 
* Suggest related or next-step activities 
 
== Simple Planning Framework ==
 
When planning an activity, ask:
 
* Who is this for? 
* What level of commitment does it require? 
* Is it accessible and clearly described? 
* Does it add variety to the calendar? 


== Related ==
== Related ==
 
* [[Local Group Events and Activities]]
=== Planning & Execution ===
* [[Planning Your First Activity]]
* [[Events and Activities]]
* [[Membership Officer - Templates and Samples]]
 
=== Engagement Strategy ===
* [[Member Engagement]]
* [[Membership Segmentation]]
 
=== Specific Use Cases ===
* [[Welcoming New Members]]
* [[New Member Events]]
* [[Supporting Remote Members]]
 
=== Back to Toolkit ===
* [[Local Group Toolkit]]

Latest revision as of 01:20, 4 June 2026

Words of Wisdom

A strong activity calendar offers multiple ways to connect.

Variety increases participation by meeting members where they are — in interest, time, and comfort level.

What Success Looks Like

  • Members with different interests and schedules can find activities that appeal to them.

Best Practices

  • Offer a mix of social, intellectual, active, and virtual activities.
  • Include options with different time and commitment levels.
  • Experiment with new ideas while maintaining successful favorites.
  • Encourage members to suggest and host activities.

Common Pitfalls

  • Offering only one type of activity.
  • Repeating the same events without trying new ideas.
  • Planning activities for organizers instead of members.
  • Ignoring virtual or low-commitment options.

Purpose

Describe a variety of activity options that support different levels and styles of member engagement.

Why Variety Matters

[edit | hide all | hide | edit source]

Many Local Group activities center around food — and for good reason. Food is universal, accessible, and works across a wide range of ages and interests.

However, a strong calendar goes beyond this foundation.

Offering a wider range of activities:

  • Reaches more members
  • Encourages broader participation
  • Creates multiple entry points for engagement

Types of Activities

[edit | hide | edit source]

A balanced calendar may include:

Category Examples
Social Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, happy hours, coffee meetups, picnics, holiday gatherings
Intellectual Book clubs, discussion groups, guest speakers, museum visits, science center visits, debates, TED Talk discussions
Games & Recreation Board games, trivia nights, bowling, mini-golf, escape rooms, billiards, card games
Creative Craft nights, writing groups, painting classes, maker activities, photography walks, quilting or fiber arts
Outdoor Walks, hikes, nature centers, botanical gardens, sporting events, festivals, stargazing
Food & Dining Restaurant explorations, potlucks, progressive dinners, cooking classes, food tours
Community Service Food banks, park cleanups, charity walks, volunteer projects, community partnerships
Family-Friendly Zoo visits, science museums, game afternoons, picnics, seasonal festivals
Virtual Online discussions, virtual game nights, watch parties, speaker programs, online classes
Special Interest Technology, genealogy, investing, languages, science, travel, history, puzzles, cars, books, crafts

Almost any activity can be successful — what matters is creating opportunities for members to connect.

Specific Inspirations

[edit | hide | edit source]
  • Behind-the-scenes tours (airports, theaters, factories, museums)
  • Architecture tours
  • Local history walks
  • Cemetery tours (surprisingly popular)
  • Escape rooms
  • Geocaching
  • Trivia leagues
  • Maker spaces
  • Planetarium visits
  • Minor league sports
  • Volunteer/service projects
  • "Teach us your hobby" member-led sessions
  • Travel presentations by members
  • Mensa Reads-style book discussions
  • Puzzle hunts and scavenger hunts
[edit | hide | edit source]
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