OTHER PLATO ACTIVITIES
Although SDGs are at the heart of PLATO, they are far from the only things we offer. PLATO members can choose to participate in any number of programs and activities that strike their fancy or widen their social universe.
DAY TRIPS
Once a month, PLATO members visit places of local interest. Recent trips include visits to the Wende Museum of the Cold War, the California Space Shuttle in Exposition Park, Homeboy Industries, St. Sophia Cathedral, the Mormon Genealogy Center; and the home of renowned woodworker, Sam Maloof.
BROWN BAG LUNCHES
Members speak about their personal experiences and on other subjects of interest at noontime gatherings several times a month. Recent topics are as broad as the imagination of the members. Recent topics have included the “Best of Hubble,” traveling in Iran, clerking in the Supreme Court, the birds of Cuba, and life in the Peace Corps.
TGIF+
Times and/or days other than periods in which SDGs are presented is when a wide range of extracurricular activities scheduled. Friday and noontime activities include current events discussions, an opera group meeting, play reading is offered, mindfulness meditation, a poetry group gets together, bridge, and “special topics” ranging from debates on medical ethics to the Israeli-Palestinian issue occurs. The possibilities are limited only by the interests of the members.
FOREIGN TRAVEL
Annually, PLATO members travel with an educational guide for two to three weeks. Members travel together after participating in a study group on the country or area they plan to visit. Recent trips include Ireland, Turkey, Sicily, Cuba, and China.
The PLATO GETAWAY
PLATO members enjoy three days of discussions on various topics, hiking, field trips, games, great meals, late night chocolate dipping, and other activities. The getaway is generally held at an outdoor retreat location within an hour’s drive of PLATO.
AD HOC GROUPS
As a result of SDGs and other social interactions at PLATO, members often find they have shared interests and form groups consisting of PLATO members and other non-PLATO members to pursue these interests. PLATO does not supervise, sponsor, manage or promote these groups, which are formed and meet outside of PLATO, but periodocially PLATO will make mention of these groups so members desiring to join any of these groups can do so, if openings are available. These groups have included hiking, ethnic dining, movies, astronomy, technology, books, play reading, bridge, tennis, and arts. Any member can create a group, so the number of groups continues to grow.
SOCIAL & CULTURAL EVENTS
Social events are important to the PLATO community. These events include an annual holiday luncheon in the winter, an annual luncheon/business meeting in the summer, new-member brunches, trips to plays, places of interest, operas and other social events.
INDEPENDENT ACTIVITIES
Our location in Westwood Village is accessible by public transportation. PLATO is within walking distance of the Geffen Playhouse, Hammer Museum, numerous restaurants and movie theaters. From PLATO, it’s easy to hop on UCLA’s BRUIN BUS, with free transportation to public lectures on the nearby UCLA campus.
