The fall catalog has been released for the Creative Pursuits program from the ALS Association. I am very excited about another season and the opportunity to grow existing friendships and make new friends. If you are a person with ALS or know someone who has ALS, this is a great opportunity to live with ALS!
What is Creative Pursuits?
Creative Pursuits is a relatively new program from the ALS Association. Here’s what they say about themselves.
Creative Pursuits offers social engagement and creative outlets for people living with ALS, their caregivers, families, and friends. Participants can join online clubs and classes in writing, visual arts, reading, music, museum tours, nature immersion, sports, digital board games and improv comedy. The program fosters connection, creativity, and enjoyment for all skill levels, with opportunities to learn from expert facilitators or simply socialize and have fun. Ongoing interaction continues through online forums.
Creative Pursuits Program | The ALS Association
There is something for everyone! Most of the offerings are virtual over Zoom. They also offer in person events, they are currently limited to a couple of cities.
Sensitivity matters
Before I dig into more, it’s important to emphasize that this is designed as a safe place for those of us dealing with ALS. One example is the digital game board club. There are many instances where players including myself have been interrupted in our game play. The facilitators and fellow players understand.
We can participate without anxiety or judgment. This is a safe space for each of us.
What I participated in this summer
This summer I joined a couple of clubs and went on a virtual tour of a museum. Let’s dig into the fun.
Merry Meeples Digital Board Game Club
This was my first exposure to Creative Pursuits was Merry Meeples. Another person with ALS on Facebook brought up Merry Meeples when we were discussing Board Game Arena. I signed up shortly after.
We meet once a month on Zoom. During the meeting, we talk about the games we’re playing, discuss any issues we’re having with the platform or individual games, and orient new members. We typically start one or two new games during the meeting. I have learned at least ten new games this summer. More importantly, I have created new relationships with fellow people with ALS who enjoy playing card, dice, and board games. It has been a lot of fun!
For the Win Sports Club
I joined the sports club because, well, I like sports. The For the Win Sports Club is facilitated by Neil Everett. Neil was a host on ESPN for 23 years. It’s always a fun conversation about the latest news in sports. We also have a fantasy football league kicking off this year. The group also does other fantasy leagues and March Madness brackets to stay engaged between the meetings.
Like other clubs, we use a tool called Padlet to share thoughts, questions, and information. It is another way to have fun and build relationships with others who choose to live with ALS and enjoy sports. Now, all I need is a beer and a straw.
Neil has a podcast he cohosts with Stan Verritt, the stanandneilshow.
Online Walker Art Center Tour
This was not what I expected, but it was a good experience. It was facilitated by a tour guide from the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. The guide shared a selection of art and led a conversation about each. We talked about what we thought first then he told us about the artists and their intention. It was an interesting exchange between us as we brought different perspectives and learned from each other.
Join me this fall
This fall I am continuing with the Merry Meeples Digital Board Game Club and the For the Win Sports Club. I continue to build relationships and have fun in these clubs. I am also signing up for more this fall.
What’s new to me
Here’s the new stuff I’m participating in this fall. I hope you will join me.
I’m branching out and trying new things.
It’s about life with ALS
Creative Pursuits is about living with ALS and sharing life with others. Technology has made this possible. The ALS Association is delivering this opportunity to us. I know life with ALS is hard, but we don’t have to live a boring, lonely life. Creative Pursuits gives us many ways to learn, create, socialize, and play. Join us today!
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