Programs
Shared Interest Groups (SIGs)
OLLI's Shared Interest Groups offer community and informal learning around a shared interest.
SIGs are meeting online, via Zoom, or in the outdoors for now.
Contact each SIG directly (click on the bold green names) to get connected.
China SIG
The China SIG fosters an appreciation for and understanding of the Chinese people
and their customs, history, and politics. Our group meets quarterly, either virtually
or in person. We celebrate Chinese traditional holidays, and enjoy presentations and
videos by a variety of speakers and musicians. For more information, contact Kun Shi or Nancy Stuart.
Community of Readers and Writers
Meeting via Zoom for casual discussion and special events, we discuss shared reading
of current novels, nonfiction, short stories, memoirs, or essays. We offer writing
feedback through group conversation by experienced and informed readers. Come develop
your storytelling and literary skills with us. For more information, email Liesse Chable.
Food! Glorious Food!
Are you interested in exploring Tampa's food world and all that it represents? Come
with us on a journey to investigate the world of food - how it grows, where to buy
it and where to eat it as we learn through speakers, field trips and other presentations
that are available on the Zoom online platform. For information, please contact Becky Heimstead or Jane Applegate.
German Conversation SIG
Sprechen Sie Deutsch? Practice German conversation in a friendly and welcoming environment. All levels
welcome. We meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. on
Zoom. For more information, contact Christine Basch.
Hablemos! Spanish Conversation SIG NOW FORMING
Is your español rusty from lack of use? Join our friendly conversation group via Zoom
on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 3:00 until 4:30 p.m. Come to talk or to listen; all
levels of Spanish speakers welcome. Contact Ethel Donaghy or Debbie Gitomer at olli.hablemos@gmail.com for more information.
Ici on parle français!
This group provides a place for Francophones and Francophiles to meet and discuss
topics of interest in French. Zoom sessions are held on the first and third Mondays
of each month. A basic knowledge of French is required, but all levels of speaking
ability are welcomed. To join in, please contact Teresa Sokol or Lise Bérubé.
OLLI Outdoors
The OLLI Outdoors SIG holds recreational and virtual events throughout the month.
Get outdoors with others to experience our activities which include hiking, walking,
canoe/kayaking and biking. Learn about the histories, flora & fauna, geologic features,
and the challenges facing our outdoor spaces. This SIG is a collaborative effort with
members taking turns leading, organizing and administering hikes, outdoor events and
related programs. Join us to stay curious and adventurous. For more information, email the SIG Leaders here.
OLLI Shutterbugs
Do you like to take photos of people, places, and things? Join the OLLI Shutterbugs
on photo outings to places like farmers' markets, craft fairs, and many other venues
in and around Tampa Bay. We have an outing about once a month from Sept./Oct. through
June. We also meet every other month for a presentation to help you improve your photos!
For information email Rich Edwards or Jean Nixon.
Online Games SIG
Are you interested in trying online games on Zoom? We meet the second Thursday of
each month from 3:30-5:30 p.m. If you’re interested in joining us for fun with Scattergories
and trying other online games, contact Kathy Palmer for more information
Operatunity
Whether you are new to opera or an aficionado, join OLLI's opera SIG as we all explore
ways to expand our knowledge and appreciation of opera. We meet monthly to enjoy lively
discussion about opera that focuses on the Met in HD broadcasts. Contact Derrie Perez for more information about our "Operatunity family."
P-SIG: Politics Shared Interest Group
Meets 1-3 p.m. on the second Wednesday of selected months. Join us in a politics forum
which features discussion topics and debates, as well as guest speakers. P-SIG members
participate in activities that complement, enhance, and promote existing OLLI-USF
Political Science and History classes. Open to OLLI-USF members and their sponsored
guests. For more information, contact Doug Dallio.
Talking Movies
Love Movies? HATE the fact that many never make it to local screens? Join us; we'll
be selecting movies to view on our own, then gathering to talk about them. We meet
on the third Friday each month from 1:30 -3:00 p.m. Contact Richard Rogers for more information.
Write Time for Poets
Welcome to your online poetry-writing community. Twice a month, join us in our videoconferencing
room -- your creative space. Work on your poems-in-progress and/or practice timed
writing in response to prompts. We meet for 90 minutes on the 2nd and 4th Thursday
each month from 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Contact Cath Mason for more information.
Check the OLLI Master Calendar to view upcoming SIG meeting dates.
Can I Start a SIG?
Yes! OLLI's Shared Interest Groups (SIGs) foster learning and friendships by linking
OLLI-USF members who share a common interest (bridge, play-going, etc.). SIGs do not
take the place of OLLI courses and programs – they complement them! Like everything
else in this learning community, all it takes is a member willing to take the lead.
We'll help you find others who share the same interest.
OLLI-USF's volunteer Kathy Palmer is SIG Liaison and part of OLLI-USF's Leadership Team. Kathy is available for SIG general information or assistance. Active in several SIGs herself, Kathy encourages the formation of new SIGs.
View or download OLLI-USF's Guidelines for SIGs.
Would you like to propose a new SIG? View or complete an application here.