Special Interest Groups (SIGs)   

If ruminating on the past can lead to depression and stressing about the future can lead to anxiety, what’s the answer? The practice of mindfulness involves choosing to focus on the present moment. It doesn’t ask that you attempt to quiet your mind – by design, our brains are meant to be active – but it does encourage you to relax, focus, and breathe, thus calming the mind and body. Otherwise known as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), this meditative practice has been found to improve physical symptoms such as chronic pain, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, and insomnia. It has also been shown to decrease emotional and psychological distress, such as depression and anxiety. Come practice with us! We will meet once a month at Hospice of the Valley Dementia Campus, in Phoenix, located at 44th St. between Indian School & Osborn, for a 30-minute meditation followed by several readings and poems. We’ll leave time afterwards for sharing thoughts and discussing the practice. We’ll also explore mindful walking and eating. Facilitated by Aimee Shramko We’re honored to partner with Hospice of the Valley, well-regarded experts in the practice of mindfulness, for this new SIG. Our sessions will be led by Dr. Gillian Hamilton, MD, PhD, and Medical Director for the Supportive Care for Dementia program at Hospice of the Valley.

There is no fee for this SIG

A discussion (SIG) using materials provided by the Foreign Policy Association (fpa.org), facilitated by Kathleen Adamson and Jim Stephens, Ph.D. This SIG is a discussion group where all members are expected to prepare in advance and willingly share experiences, readings, and cultural perspectives in a civil environment. This is a small group of fewer than 20 with opportunities for all to share in the discussion. The first topic in the 2026 Great Decisions Reading Booklet is: America and the World: Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy. The reading booklet is purchased at www.fpa.org/great_decisions for $35. Spring 2026 Great Decisions—Current Affairs meets at the Tempe Public Library (3500 South Rural, Tempe), the fourth Saturday of each month: January 24, February 28, March 28, and May 16 (skip April) at 10 -12 noon. Sessions start promptly at 10 am.

One-time FEE: $10 per member, paid directly to Facilitator at first meeting, to rent library room for the semester.

Calling all music lovers! Like to hear live music in all kinds of venues – big, small, local talent, world acclaimed, club or MIM acoustic; interested in all kinds of music or maybe jazz is your groove; craving a little education or trivia on your favorite vocalist – this SIG is for you. We will meet 1-2 times a month to find some music activity that ‘rocks’ your soul. This SIG is for those who are tired of attending concerts alone, love to swap tips on where to find great music, or simply want more music in their lives! The first meeting will be at the Vig, located at 10199 E. Bell Road, at the southwest corner of Bell and Thompson Peak Road. Future locations depend on activity. Subsequent events to be decided by the group.

Fees for this SIG will vary based on event. All fees to be paid by member at event.

Join us for a fun, monthly hiking group exploring easy to moderate trails (3–6 miles) around the Valley. We’ll meet on the last Tuesday of each month at 9:00 a.m. at designated trailheads, with the first location shared after registration. Some hikes may be led by volunteer trail docents who will share insights about local desert plants and wildlife. Future trail locations will be selected by participants during the first hike. Hiking sticks, snacks, and water are recommended. This is a great opportunity to enjoy nature, stay active, and make new friends while discovering the beauty of our desert surroundings. Hikes run once a month through April — come explore with us!

There is no fee for this SIG

If you’re passionate about creating fiction, memoirs, journalism, travel writing, poetry, or nonfiction, this is the group for you! Open to all writers from beginner to experienced, we’ll offer a platform for growth, discussion, collaboration, and connection with other OLLI students. The group will meet via Zoom, once a month, through the end of the semester. Additional information about our first meeting will be sent to registered members. Subsequent meeting dates/times/places to be discussed at first meeting.

There is no fee for this SIG

Our SIG has a simple purpose -  to support OLLI classes.  As a volunteer with the OLLI Volunteer Special Interest Group (SIG), your role would involve assisting with various aspects of OLLI classes, such as:

• Classroom Setup: Preparing the classroom environment to ensure it is conducive to learning.
• Attendance Management: Taking attendance to allow the coordinator to focus on the presenter and address participant questions.
• Off-Site Class Assistance: Providing support for classes held at external locations such as Taliesin West, Kerr Cultural Center, or Phoenix International Raceway.

REGISTER BY January 2 IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN HELPING FOR SUMMER or FALL 2026.

Join us on a delightful culinary journey designed for members ready to step outside their food “comfort zone.” Together, we’ll explore diverse cultures through cuisine, meeting for lunch at a variety of ethnic restaurants—from central Phoenix to the West Valley. These unique gatherings will take place in our informal classroom settings, where you’ll savor authentic flavors, make new friends, and deepen your appreciation for global traditions. Perfect for food lovers seeking adventure and connection! This SIG will meet once a month on Thursdays through December. The restaurant for the first meet-up will be shared after registration. Future Thursday lunch dates will be chosen collectively by the group.

Fees for this SIG will vary based on restaurant prices.