Special Interest Groups

OLLI’s special interest groups are member-organized groups that provide a great way to share common interests and meet other OLLI members. You must have an active OLLI membership to participate.

Learn how to become a member and take advantage of our upcoming activities:

OLLI Book Group

Members interested in reading good books and having good discussions

OLLI Epicureans

Members socialize and enjoy a meal at one of the area’s great restaurants (about 5 times per year).

OLLI Family History Group

Members exchange information about genealogical searches and resources.

OLLI Family Writers Group

Our families, especially our children, need to hear our stories, which are also theirs. Stories, up to 1,000 words, are read aloud to the group. Our criticism is gentle, and our encouragement is abundant. Creative nonfiction is encouraged, and flat-out family fiction is not beyond the pale!

OLLI Paddling Group

Members enjoy the water in canoes or kayaks, ambling along, paddling slow and easy. In the heat of the summer, there will be stops for refreshing swims in the lake. Beginners welcome! We go where you can rent a kayak and equipment. This group meets from May through September.

Let’s Talk About It Discussion Group

Discussions are drawn from TED.COM talks, everything from Art to Zin. A back-and-forth exchange of views deepens our understanding of living in a complex world. 

OLLI Readers Theatre

A wide variety of plays, skits, and monologues come alive through the words of the playwrights, the actors’ faces and bodies, and their tone, pitch, and emotion. Scripts are read, not memorized. We learn about acting by acting. We perform for each other and for audiences. This is a joint program between OLLI and Raleigh Parks and Rec. It is not a group for shy people!

OLLI Science Group

Meets monthly at different locations to discuss advanced topics in science. Participants are actively involved in giving presentations and offering topic suggestions.

OLLI Trailblazers

Members walk at different parks in the area, enjoying fresh air, exercise and meeting people.

OLLI Writers Group

Members share their writings of all kinds (short stories, essays, novels, poetry and nonfiction) and provide feedback to each other.

OLLI Mystery Readers

Members interested in reading good mystery novels in a variety of sub-genres.

OLLI Mah Jongg Group

Mah Jongg is a tile game that can be traced back to the end of the 19th Century. It is a game of skill but can be very exciting and fun to play. All levels of play are welcome. The first part of the session will be used to go over the basic principles of play. Some game tilesets and supplies are available but you are asked to provide your own game card which changes every April.