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Western Institute for Lifelong Learning (WILL)

We enrich life through learning in community.
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  • ​Overview
  • Programs
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Address:

104 Rhoda Rd WNMU Campus
Silver City, NM 88061

Email:

Phone Number:

info@will.community
575-538-6835
More About Us
Get to know us!
Based out of Silver City, NM, WILL is an intentional community fostering friendships, challenging the mind, body and spirit, and exploring creativity and self-expression. We offer experiences in lifelong learning and opportunities for volunteering that optimize life's potential, satisfy personal curiosities, and encourage socially responsible communities.

Who Are We? Since 2005, in partnership with Western New Mexico University, the Western Institute of Lifelong Learning (WILL) has assembled the curiosity, life stories and conviviality of a community of people living in southwestern New Mexico. Most, but certainly not all, have lived in lots of different places before landing in New Mexico. For many of us, our families live far away. WILL thus serves vital social purposes as well as the intellectual pleasures of engaging our brains.

What Do We Do? WILL offers courses led by persons rewarded by their love of the topics they're presenting. The social events we hold revel in members' contributions. Dues are deliberately kept low. Scores of people donate their time and talents to keep us going, and we have but one paid, very essential staff person. Through our core value of volunteerism, our members find connection, stimulation, friendship, and community.

Where is WILL? In the southwestern part of New Mexico, Silver City is a bustling town with a diverse business and artist community and an award winning historic downtown. In this small but vibrant town, WILL enjoys an essential partnership with Western New Mexico University. The four-year university gives us classroom space, large lecture halls as needed, and the infinite resources of the faculty and library. We occupy a small house on the edge of campus for our office, meetings and some course locations. WILL could scarcely exist without the generous WNMU assistance.
Showing 5 record(s).

Program Name

Lunch & Learn

Program Name

Lunch & Learn

Program Description

Feed your mind and your body!

LOCATION: 

​WNMU, 12th St, Global Resource Center, 1st Floor ABC Room (unless otherwise noted)
DAY/TIME: WEDNESDAYS, 12 NOON to 1:00 p.m. FREE and Open-to-the-Public

WILL's longest running (12 years) gift to Silver City! This series of six inspiring talks each Spring and Fall term introduces a wide range of topics for consideration, and yes, it's free and open to everyone.
Cultural Programs

Program Name

Cultural Programs

Program Description

​Catch some culture!
In helping to make our community a better place to live, WILL co-sponsors lectures, music and other cultural events in Silver City. These inspiring productions are available to everyone in town, often free or occasionally with a reasonable ticket fee.

TICKET INFORMATION: You can purchase tickets online at wnmu.edu/cultural or at the WNMU Cultural Affairs office in Hunter Hall, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (often closed 12:00 -1:00 p.m.). Please remember that Light Hall on the WNMU campus seats only 200 people so it is advisable to get tickets early.
Enthusiasts Groups​

​Program Name

Enthusiasts Groups

Program Description

Connect with local hobbyists!
Enthusiast Groups (EGs) provide enriching opportunities to pursue knowledge, skills, and conversations with other WILL members. EGs are independent and self-directed, with members deciding where and when they will meet and how the group will function.

EGs can be started by members of a current or past WILL course who want to continue exploring the topic. Just fill out the WILL Enthusiast Group Proposal which goes to the EG Coordinator who will evaluate the proposal, give feedback to the WILL member and help get the group up and running.

Currently, we have four active EGs!
- "Memoir EG"
-"Woodworking EG"
- "Creativity Unleashed EG"
- "Gamers EG"
​Semester Course Offerings

Program Name

Semester Course Offerings

Program Description

​WILL dishes up great courses!

In the Fall and Spring we offer about 60 courses and 25 in the Summer term, all taught by volunteer facilitators. We encourage our course facilitators to give us their passion and to set the stage for mastering new knowledge. The most successful WILL courses tap into the experiences and knowledge of the course participants. A good WILL course delivers the unexpected; it fosters thoughtfulness, excitement, and a dose of laughter. Participants often say that forming bonds of friendship through sharing in courses is a big reason why they renew their membership year after year.

How to register for courses: Many Spring 2019 courses have opening positions still available! WILL members must log into our website (will.community) and use the online registration system to sign up for courses. To complete LOGIN and be activated in the system, please follow the instructions in one of these two handouts: 1) Login using Gmail OR 2) Login using other emails.

Once you're activated in the system, you can update your Profile, Sign Up for courses, and check your Course List. In your Course List, you'll find the names and locations of the courses for which you're registered and also see any courses for which you're wait-listed. You can always check your Course List from the drop down menu under your name. One week before a course begins, you'll receive a reminder email from the course shepherd. You may enroll for additional courses anytime during the semester by repeating the registration process.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Susan Beck at susanbeck@will.community.
​WILL Travel

Program Name

WILL Trave

Program Description

Explore with us!
By joining WILL Travel, you will receive first notice of upcoming tours, travel planning opportunities, as well as lively discussions of past travel adventures and destinations yet to be experienced.

Information: To get information on further meetings, events, and future travel opportunities, consider joining WILL Travel. All that is required is a current WILL membership and a signed Travel Voucher. If you are interested in this group, please contact Ron Groves, WILL Travel Director, at orangegroves42@gmail.com, and Ron will add you to the WILL Travel email list.

Connect With Us

Grant County Community Foundation
PO Box 1767
Silver City, NM 88062
​© Grant County Community Foundation. All rights reserved.
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