Meeting new people in the Tri-Cities (Johnson City, Kingsport: school, living in, gym)

[WayNorth]

So, I am finding myself in a position I wasn't quite expecting a year ago... I won't go into much detail here, but I find myself recently single in the city, with not much of a social network here at all. I have kids here, so leaving them to go back to where I came from is not an option.

My problem is that I work from home, so I don't meet local people through work. I am not religious, so church isn't much of an option for me either. It seems like that's where most people meet other people around here. I've lived here for a few years now, and most of my social life have revolved around my ex wife and our neighbors. With that gone I have a hard time figuring out how to meet new people.

In previous cities I've lived, I would meet people by joining a club, or take a class or something like that. I've looked around here, looked at other message boards, craiglist, newspapers etc. but there doesn't seem to be that much going on here. Or have I just not looked in the right places.

Any ideas for a "lost" individual?

[beachdiver]

Here's a link that will direct you to the Newcomers Clubs in Johnson City & Kingsport: Tennessee Newcomers Clubs, Moms and Dads Organizations, Womens Clubs Directory

We lived here for 8 or 9 months before I heard of them. They have a lot of smaller groups for lots of different interests. We've met a lot of people through a couple we know that joined. I would have been all over it, but some of the things I'm interested in meet in the afternoon & my job isn't flexible.

[rccrain]

I'd suggest looking into volunteering opportunities or perhaps a gym membership. I kind of know how you feel because other than church and school (I'm recently finished with the latter), I don't find it natural to meet new people either.

Ohh, even if you are not political, going to political functions is great for meeting people. If you go, tell people you haven't made up your mind on which candidate or platform you support and see how popular you become.

[mbmouse]

Also check with the Chamber of Commerce site for the town/city you are living in. I believe they have lists of all groups and organizations in that area.

[gsp4ever]

Originally Posted by mbmouse

Also check with the Chamber of Commerce site for the town/city you are living in. I believe they have lists of all groups and organizations in that area.

The Chambers themselves have events like Business After Hours and Monthly meetings. It's a great way to meet people. They have tons of committees and volunteer opportunities within the Chamber of Commerce as well.

[WayNorth]

Thank you all for your replies. I will check with the Chamber of Commerce, as well as the newcomers club. Although I'm not really a newcomer in JC anymore after almost 3 years here...

As far as volunteering goes, I would definitely be interested in that as well. Does anybody know of any local organizations that I could contact?

Political activities sounds interesting as well. I can definitely be political at times . Any suggestions on how I could get involved in that?

Thanks again to everybody... I feel like I'm starting from scratch here in more ways than one, and sometimes it is hard to see the way ahead on where to go next. But I will figure it out

[Beretta]

The Wellness Center is a great option. Also, lots of live music at various places around town, Stir Fry, etc. Great place to meet people. Good luck and you can always set up a C-D coffee and dessert or what have you event.

[gnichols]

I've done this many times. You just have to join things, volunteer, you'll meet people. If you are not traditionally religious, try Unitarian Universalist - I think there's one in the area.

[jabogitlu]

Yup. It's in Gray. Just google it.

[trobesmom]

We're thinking about moving to the Tri-cities and aren't religous, and so might be trying out the UU church ourselves. Are there any other progressive, non dogmatic, churches in the area?