Beyond the Classroom.
Going beyond the classroom with Omnilore is a great way to get to know the talented and fascinating people who make up the Omnilore community.
Special Interest Groups
Special Interest Groups are an important part of the Omnilore experience. Complementing our more structured Discussion Groups, Special Interest Groups offer members a chance to engage in social activities and experiences which, while still retaining an intellectual focus, are an opportunity to build connections and develop friendships. These groups are all initiated and led by Omnilore members who have an interest they’d like to share with others.
Click on the links below to learn more about the four groups that are currently active.
Behind the Kitchen Door
Experience local restaurants and meet with the proprietor to learn about what it takes to operate a successful restaurant
Field Trips
Explore and learn about local history, cultural sites and institutions, often followed by a meal
The Omnilore Book Club
Do you enjoy discussing the books you read with others? The Omnilore Book Club welcomes you!
If you have an interest you’d like to share with others, come join us and make it happen!
Affiliated Groups
Affiliated Groups operate independently of Omnilore and do not require Omnilore membership to participate, although the majority of participants are members of Omnilore.
Click on the links below to learn about the two that are currently active.
Science, Technology and Society
Explore scientific topics of social importance over a pot luck dinner
Forum
Forums are held three times per year during the last weeks of February, June and October and provide an opportunity to bring the Omnilore community together for a luncheon and to hear an invited speaker. The October Forum is also our Annual Meeting at which we elect officers for the coming year.
Past speakers have included scientific and academic researchers, business leaders, journalists, local politicians and famous local artists. Forums are held at selected venues in the South Bay.
You do not need to be a member of Omnilore to attend the Forum. If you are thinking about joining Omnilore, the Forum offers a great opportunity to meet members and learn more about the organization.
Our most recent Forum was held on June 26 with speaker Mark Shoemaker from the Hermosa Beach Historical Society speaking on early south bay history.
Our next forum will be held on October 30, 2026.
The theme will be Halloween - costumes optional
Our speaker, Paul Webber, will give a talk on renewable energy.
Paul Webber has a broad and interesting background. He participated in alternative fuel projects with GM, Toyota, Volvo and other companies. He has worked with major oil companies such as Amoco (now ExxonMobil), Arco (now BP), and others. He has also worked with chemical companies such as DuPont. Over the years, he was involved in the first demonstration of hydrogen fuel cell cars and buses, the world’s 1st in plug in Prius, and more recently the world’s first CO2 refinery (in Iceland).
Planning for this event is currently underway. We will update this page as details are finalized.
Check back for further updates
If you have suggestions for future speakers, contact the Forum committee at forum@omnilore.org
Annual Picnic
In an informal social setting members have time to get to know each other and build the Omnilore community.
Get Involved in the Management and Administration of Omnilore
Everything we do is done by us, our members, and there’s a lot to do!
Help us plan and schedule a new curriculum of Study/Discussion Groups every term
Plan events like our picnic or our forums
Create and lead a Special Interest Group
Serve as coordinator for a Study/Discussion Group
Serve on the Management Council or lead a sub-committee
Serve on the Management Council or lead a sub-committee
Join the website maintenance team
Help edit the bi-monthly newsletter
Help grow our membership by participating in recruitment activities and spreading the word in our community
… and more!
