Club Activities Other Than Discussions and Lectures

The purpose of an Objectivist group is to study and promote the philosophy of Objectivism, but occasionally it can fun to try something different. Here are a few ideas:

1. Dinner. The purpose of a dinner is purely social, so there's no need to do much planning beyond when and where to meet. It's a great time to get to know one another outside of the shared interest in Objectivism.
2. Movie night. Find a night to get together at someone's house and watch a movie (and it doesn't have to be "The Fountainhead" or "We the Living"!), or see something in the theater.  Movies can lead to long and deep discussions about art and philosophy.
3. Game night. Just like dinner, it's just an excuse to meet and get to know each other.
4. Field trip. Go off-campus together to visit a museum, for instance, or to attend an event such as a concert. 
5. Campus events. Attend a campus event together as a group--perhaps a lecture hosted by the university or by another club.
6. Parties. Consider hosting a Christmas party, or an end-of-year party. Advertise the party outside the club itself, and you will attract people interested in your club whom you may be able to recruit as new members.
7. Regular meeting in a different setting. Usually meetings are held in a classroom, a coffee shop, or someone's home. If the members are agreeable, try holding your meeting in some type of commons area, on- or off-campus. Or if the weather is nice, find a place outside to meet.

These are just a few options on how to do things differently. Follow your own interests and values and those of your officers and other club members, and don't be afraid to experiment and see what works.

Darren Cauthon is the president of the Kansas City Objectivists.