Third Age Learning at Kwantlen (TALK) is preparing for a busy fall season that promises a diverse range of courses for the 50-plus age group.
TALK is a volunteer-run organization that partners with Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) to offer courses ideal for older adults who want to continue learning. Fees are kept low thanks to KPU instructors and community professionals who volunteer their time.
“Lifelong learning is so important to keeping your brain active and nurturing personal connections with others. There are so many possibilities with TALK,” says Jean Garnett, TALK’s program committee chair. “We have designed our fall courses to appeal to a wide variety of TALK members and comfort levels. Some will be in person at a KPU campus, some will be Zoom webinars and some will be a combination.”
This season’s TALK courses, most are one-and-a-half hours each, start with a webinar on why economies fail on Sept. 21. Other online courses this fall include saving Indigenous languages, meditation, memoirs of a cop and learning to love bats. In person talks at KPU Richmond or KPU Surrey include reversing climate change, improving finances, active aging, the solar system, the life of Emily Carr and famous Indigenous women in Canadian history.
“There is no stress associated with TALK events – no prerequisites, no exams, no grades, no pressure – just the enjoyment of learning something new in the company of other actively engaged people,” says Garnett.
Returning this fall is TALK’s Philosophers’ Corner. In these sessions, a volunteer researches a chosen topic and delivers a 10-minute presentation ahead of a stimulating conversation among attendees. Topics this year include the future of democracy, what COVID-19 says about rights versus privileges, and how parenting has changed. These sessions are held in various locations of Richmond, Surrey and Langley. The drop-in fee for Philosophers’ Corner is $2 to $5.
“We are delighted to get back to in-person Philosophers’ Corners and have new venues in Richmond and Langley. You don’t have to be a TALK member or over 50 to attend, nor do you need to register. Just show up and discuss important topics,” says Garnett.
A special event this season is TALK’s Compelling Conversations with KPU Chancellor Kwuntiltunaat (Kim Baird). In Reconciliation 101, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. at KPU Surrey Conference Centre and online, Baird will share the historical underpinnings of Indigenous exclusion in Canada and the impact today. Baird will also discuss some potential paths governments and First Nations are using to resolve outstanding injustices, and share some options for action that individuals can take. Registration is required.
“We are especially excited to welcome KPU Chancellor Kim Baird as our Compelling Conversations speaker,” says TALK board chair Jane Diston. “She will be talking about the critical subject of reconciliation. Compelling Conversations is an annual free lecture and conversation open to the public made possible by an endowment to the KPU Foundation by former TALK member Winnifred Searle.”
Most TALK courses are $15, in addition to a $10 annual membership fee. Courses are available through to early December and registration is open now. Visit the TALK website to view the schedule and to register.