Have you ever looked through the program catalog and thought, “I wish there was a course on that”? Maybe it’s a subject you’re passionate about—like walking, classic films, theology, or sports—but you didn’t find it, or it didn’t go as deep as you’d hoped. While the Renaissance Society offers a wide variety of topics, occasionally an area of interest slips through the cracks.
When that happens, it’s a great opportunity to speak up—and even step up—to lead a program of your own.
If you don’t see something, say something. Your ideas help shape the richness of our offerings, and chances are, others share your curiosity. By leading a program, you’re not just filling a gap—you’re creating a space for meaningful connection and shared learning. You might be surprised by how much you get out of it.
Sometimes adults don’t realize how much they have to offer. This list of example topics is meant to spark ideas and show how everyday skills and knowledge can be turned into fun, useful programs.
-
Cooking or baking basics
Teach “30-Minute Weeknight Meals” or “Simple Sourdough at Home.” Many adults want to cook more but feel intimidated—your guidance could make the difference.
-
Budgeting and personal finance
A program on “Budgeting for Beginners” or “How to Use a Free App to Track Spending” can provide real value and life skills people are eager to learn.
-
Gardening or plant care
A session like “Indoor Plants for Small Spaces” or “Grow Your Own Herbs on a Windowsill” appeals to both beginners and apartment dwellers.
-
Local history or storytelling
If you love your town’s past, teach “Hidden History of Our Neighborhood” or “How to Share Family Stories with the Next Generation.”
-
Basic tech skills
Topics like “Intro to Smartphones,” “How to Use Google Docs,” or “Online Safety 101” are extremely helpful for older adults or tech newcomers.
-
DIY or crafting
“How to Make Natural Soaps,” “DIY Holiday Decor,” or “Beginner’s Knitting” are great hands-on programs that encourage creativity.
-
Health and wellness topics Lead a session like “Stretching at Your Desk,” “Intro to Mindfulness,” or “Meal Planning for Energy and Focus.”
Even if just for an hour lecture, it's important to hear from our fellow Renaissance members. You may feel unprepared or uneasy about leading a program, but the tools on this website should have you well on your way.
Length of Program:
After realizing the type of program that you'd like to lead, the length of the program is next. In this segment we will discuss some limiting factors such as how many weeks a program should be in order to cover the appropriate depth as well as how many hours the program should realistically take to cover.
Types of Programs:
The catalog organizes programs by day of week, time of day, and type of program. Use the Abbreviation Key below to identify each program's delivery format and recording status.
D = Diversity program; Z = Zoom-only; IP=In-person only; H = Hybrid (IP + Z) program; IP+R = In-person (live) & recorded; R = Program recorded; NR = Program not recorded; SE = Selective enrollment; WI = Walk-in program enrollment helps us notify you of changes, seats available first-come/first-served
Types of Programs:
Before stepping into the classroom, the first step is to choose a subject that feels both exciting and teachable. This is often where new instructors feel stuck—not because they lack knowledge, but because they haven’t yet connected their personal strengths and interests to a teachable topic. The most successful programs come from subjects the instructor genuinely cares about, knows something about, and can deliver in a practical, engaging way for adult learners. The subject should fit into one of these categories
Seminars- led by one or more members, range from 3-13 weeks, and focus on one subject.
Shared Interest Groups (SIGs)- facilitated by members, offer activities centered on what people enjoy doing together. These groups sometimes meet off campus or on Zoom.
One-Time Presentations- feature a variety of single presentations by member and guest speakers.
• Community Presentation and Monday Big History Series enrollments are open to non-members.
Bring your family and friends.
• Tuesday Speaker Series, Friday Morning, and Friday Afternoon Series require membership.
Forums- Friday's premier speaker program held at 3pm and features prominent community leaders who address newsworthy issues.
Whatever your style or approach, the Renaissance Society will do it's best to accommodate (within reason). Please feel free to ask other members and program leaders for assistance.
Length of Programs:
Seminars
Deciding how long your seminar should be depends on several factors:
-
How deeply you want to explore the topic
-
The level of interest from other members
-
The natural scope of the subject
When in doubt, it’s often better to break a topic into smaller, manageable blocks rather than stretch it out over too many weeks. If there's still more to say, the program can always continue in a future term.
Shared Interest Groups (SIGs)
SIGs are member-facilitated groups built around activities or interests that people enjoy doing together. These typically meet off-campus or on Zoom and may last just a few weeks, span the entire semester, or continue year-round. Some groups become recurring each semester if there’s sustained interest.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to determining how long your program should be. A good starting point is to talk to other Renaissance members—ask for feedback, gauge interest, and connect with past group leaders who’ve taught similar subjects. Their experience can help guide your planning and build your confidence as you shape your own program.
Teaching Options:
Once you've chosen your subject and determined the length of your program, there are only a few additional details to consider when planning.
Thanks to the support of our tech team and the accessibility of Zoom, teaching is more flexible than ever. In fact, some Shared Interest Groups (SIGs) don’t meet on campus at all—they take place entirely online. This flexibility makes it easier to lead a program, even if you have travel plans, mobility concerns, or simply prefer to participate from home.
If you're feeling unsure about the technology involved, you're not alone—and you're not without support. We offer training and assistance to help you get comfortable with Zoom and other tools, and there are always friendly members willing to guide you through it.
You also don’t have to go it alone. Connecting with others who share your interest can be a great way to find a co-leader or backup facilitator. Whether you’re facing scheduling conflicts, family obligations, or just want to share the workload, having a teaching partner can make the experience more manageable and enjoyable.
Remember, all Renaissance Society offerings are volunteer-led, and our community understands that life happens. If something unexpected comes up, just communicate as early as possible. Members are flexible and appreciative when given notice.
If you have any questions or concerns—about logistics, content, or anything else—please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
