Family
Ethel Gathering Groups
Ride the wave of friendship and fun by joining an Ethel Gathering Group, an offshoot of The Ethel Circle. These are private Facebook groups led by organizers who host local in-person events. Whether it’s a lunch, creative workshop, walk, or themed gathering, Ethels can connect and develop friendships in their area.
Find a group near you
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"It's so awesome getting together with fellow Ethels! I've had such a great time meeting and getting to know so many beautiful women in my area. This has been one of the most positive aspects of my life in recent months."
— Rhonda G.
"I'm really enjoying getting to know this new group of Ethel women. I just love all the stories and experiences represented. It's so nice to get together face-to-face and to form a new network of friends."
— SueAnn T.
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Find Us on Facebook
Our vibrant Ethel communities offer connection and support for older women
Start a New Gathering Group
Don't see a group near you? Apply today to be a group organizer.
Find
Check to make sure an Ethel group does not already exist in your area.
Host
Apply to start a group, and we’ll add you as an Organizer to a closed Facebook Gathering Group for your local area.
Connect
We'll give you tips & tricks to build a group and promote it to the broader Ethel community.
Gather
Engage with others and get updates on AARP volunteer and event opportunities everyone can join. You’ll also get activity guides and fun gifts when you get together.
Ethel Gathering Group FAQs
The Ethel Gathering Groups are private Facebook groups led by Gathering Group organizers who host local in-person events. Whether it’s a casual coffee, brunch, creative workshop, walk, or a themed gathering, The Ethel Gathering Groups aim to give Ethels the opportunity to connect, socialize, share personal experiences, and develop friendships in their community.
Finding a gathering group is easy! Click here to discover available groups in your state.
Unfortunately, we are limited by Facebook as to the number of private groups we can host on their platform. The Ethel Gathering Groups encompass a larger region within a state (typically, a few counties or an expanded metro area). Within each group, organizers can coordinate events for women in specific communities. Ethels don’t have to attend everything as we understand it’s not feasible to drive hours to attend an event, but the more organizers we have in the regions, the more events that may be available near you!
If you are interested in hosting gatherings in your community, apply now to become an organizer.
This is not designed to be a "job" and we only ask that you organize a minimum of three (3) in-person events a year. Of course, many organizers host more events than that. It's totally up to you.
Absolutely! We are always looking for more women to help foster social connections and welcome collaboration among other Ethels in their communities.
Apply now to be an organizer!
Once you’ve completed the application process, you’ll receive an email with next steps. This includes an online orientation which you must complete to get approved to lead a Gathering Group. We’ll provide you with tools and resources to get started, as well as opportunities to connect with other Ethel Gathering Group organizers to share best practices. The entire process takes 15-25 business days.
Simply email them at aarpethel@aarp.org and, typically, you will receive a response within 24 hours.
Yes, for sure. Safety is our top priority. We are committed to creating a welcoming and secure environment for all Ethels. We encourage organizers to follow our community guidelines and ensure that events are respectful, inclusive, and positive for everyone attending.
While it is not mandatory, we recommend subscribing to The Ethel newsletter to stay updated on the latest news, event announcements and program developments.
We also recommend joining The Ethel Circle , a safe space and closed Facebook group of older women who are honestly and openly discussing both the very real joys and challenges associated with aging.
Women are also connecting and finding travel buddies through The Ethel On-The-Go , our closed Facebook group for older women who enjoy travel.
Yes, it is free to join The Ethel Gathering Groups, but specific event costs — such as a meal in a restaurant — may vary based on the type of gathering. Not all events will require payment. Gathering Group organizers will provide information about any associated costs in the details of each event.
Registering for an Ethel Gathering is a breeze! Join your local Ethel Gathering Group and search the Events tab for any upcoming events. Select the Attending button to confirm your attendance. This helps organizers plan for the correct number of participants and ensures a seamless experience for everyone.
The frequency of The Ethel Gathering Group events varies based on the interests and activities of the community members. You will find a mix of regularly scheduled and special events, so keep an eye on your Gathering Group page for the latest updates.
We value your feedback. Feel free to contact aarpethel@aarp.org. We’re happy to answer any questions, address concerns and hear your suggestions for improving The Ethel Gathering Group experience.
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