Start a Chapter
You don't need a budget, a building, or a board of directors. You need coffee, a few good neighbors, and the willingness to show up.
The Best Things Start Small
The Glencoe chapter — Chapter No. 1 — started with a few neighbors who liked each other's company and a coffee shop willing to hold a table every morning. That was it. No paperwork, no planning committee, no budget meeting.
Forty-plus years later, those morning gatherings are still happening. The faces have changed, the coffee shop has moved a few times, but the spirit is exactly the same: show up, pour a cup, and talk.
We believe every community in America has the ingredients for a Senior Coffee Group. All it needs is someone willing to make the first call and say, "Want to grab coffee sometime?"
Hometown in Glencoe
Four Simple Steps
Round Up a Few Neighbors
You don't need a crowd to start. Four or five people who enjoy good conversation is plenty. Think about neighbors, friends from your place of worship, former colleagues — anyone who'd enjoy a regular morning out.
Find a Friendly Coffee Shop
Look for a local spot that's welcoming every morning — somewhere with good coffee, comfortable seating, and staff who don't mind a group that lingers. Many coffee shops love the regular business.
Pick a Day and Show Up
Consistency is everything. Pick a day and time that works for your group and commit to it. The first few meetings are the hardest. After that, it becomes the best part of the week.
Contact Us to Make It Official
Once your group has met a few times and feels ready, reach out to us at [email protected]. We'll add you to the official Chapter Roll, send you your charter materials, and welcome you into the AASCG family.
What It Means to Be an Official Chapter
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people do I need to start a chapter?
There's no minimum. The Glencoe chapter started with just a handful of neighbors. As long as you're meeting regularly and the group is growing, you're doing it right.
Does it cost anything?
No. There are no fees, no dues, and no required materials to get started. Everyone pays for their own coffee. That's it.
Do we need to meet at a coffee shop?
A coffee shop is ideal — it's neutral ground, there's no cleanup, and the atmosphere is naturally relaxed. But a community center, library meeting room, or even a rotating home works too. The coffee is the point, not the venue.
How often should we meet?
Once a week is the sweet spot. It's frequent enough to build real friendships, but not so often that it becomes a burden. Many chapters meet on the same morning every week.
What do we talk about?
Anything and everything. The news, grandchildren, local happenings, old memories, new ideas. There's no agenda and no moderator. Just conversation. The tagline says it all: "Solving the World's Problems Every Morning."
What happens after I contact you?
We'll follow up personally, learn a bit about your group, and officially add your chapter to the AASCG Chapter Roll. You'll receive a charter number and be recognized as a founding chapter of the AASCG.
Ready to Get Started?
Drop us a line at [email protected] and tell us about your community. We'll take it from there — over coffee, of course.