Frequently Asked Questions

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, click here to learn about applying 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.

Click here to apply today!

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.

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.