Gone are the days of meeting friends on the playground, cafeteria, or after-school program. Those built in shared experiences provided us easy openings to make friends and to be involved with the world around us. For those of you looking for a way to bring back those opportunities, I have researched a bunch of local organizations that adults can join to meet new people, learn or grow skills, and be involved with the Huntsville/Madison County community.
Parade Dance Krewes
Mardi Gras parade krewes started around the mid-nineteenth century. Ye Mistick Krewe of Comus is credited with using the term ‘krewe,’ which is now the most common term for organizations that work all year to plan out the balls and parades for Mardi Gras. Many parade groups in Huntsville also share the same moniker, and while Mardi Gras is considered their biggest event, most dance/march in many local parades, as well as events. Check them out: Rocket City Novas, The Cotton Candies, The Violet Femmes Krewe, Krewe La La, and Rocket City Starlets.
Historic Huntsville Foundation
The Historic Huntsville Foundation helps preserve the architectural and historic resources of Huntsville and Madison County and promotes the preservation of historic buildings, sites, homes and neighborhoods through education, advocacy, public policy, grants, public events and acquisition of threatened properties. When you join the Historic Huntsville Foundation, you help them with their missions, as well as receive benefits such as member-only events and tours, and a discount at Harrison Brothers Hardware.
Huntsville Rugby Clubs
Rugby originated in England in the early 1800’s and is a close-contact team sport that revolves around running and an oval shaped ball. The men’s Huntsville Rugby Club- the Space Cowboys– has been competing throughout the United States since its inception in 1978. The women’s rugby team was established in 2022 and are called the Supernovas. The teams are comprised of different ages, skills and backgrounds…all with the passion to have fun and play rugby. The home games are played at Rick Cooper Memorial Park.
Huntsville Arts League
In 1957 the Huntsville Art League & Museum Association (HALMA) was founded as a local non-profit educational organization dedicated to the promotion and encouragement of art and creativity. After many years, events, and location changes the organization’s name was changed to The Huntsville Arts League and they found a permanent home at Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment. They have a cooperative gallery, manned by the artists/members, who volunteer their time to ensure the gallery runs smoothly. To be an exhibiting artist, you need to apply, pass the standards board, be a member and pay a low monthly gallery fee.
Rocket City Pride
Rocket City Pride is a nonprofit organization inspired to make an impact in Huntsville’s LGBTQIA+ community. They are dedicated to supporting the community through grants, community involvement, and scholarship programs. RCP is reimagining the way we all coexist, align, and present within the local area. There are three main ways to get involved with Rocket City Pride- general volunteer, parade committee volunteer, and/or Board of Directors.
Team Red, White, and Blue-Huntsville/Redstone Arsenal Chapter
Team RWB is a community of veterans, service members, military families, and supporters, united by teamwork, shared values, and a common goal. They help veterans lead healthier lives through fitness events, training, and programs. The local chapter hosts a weekly ruck that ends with dinner/drinks, group exercise at Big Spring Park, and participates in events such as the Bridge Street Half Marathon. Team RWB utilizes an app to access national events and virtual challenges, meet local community members, get connected, and much more.
International Society of Huntsville
The International Society of Huntsville is a not-for-profit organization open to anyone interested in meeting new people and sharing in the rich diversity of cultural backgrounds representative of North Alabama. The Society plans many sponsored events that bring people of local and international cultures together. A membership is the perfect way to get involved with the planning and coordination of all ISH activities throughout the year. Members come from all walks of life and there are three membership categories- Individual, Family, and Business.
Huntsville Urban Bike Share Coop
Huntsville Urban Bike Share Coop is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to getting bikes out of storage and into the local area. They advocate for transportation options that allow people of all ages and abilities to exercise the freedom of mobility. HUBS also advocates for safe infrastructure for pedestrians, bicycles, and all types of vehicles. They teach members of the community how to maintain safe equipment, as well as find reusable parts and equipment for those in need. By becoming a member, you can wrench with other members, participate in social rides and special events, have a place to help folks expand their bike mechanic skills, and you will be giving to the community.
Blacks in Government (BIG)-Huntsville/Madison County Chapter
The vision of Blacks in Government is to enable the growth of Black government employees as they advance their careers in public service. BIG not only builds up and grows Black professionals, but also has helped thousands of civil servants gain knowledge, skills, and connections. They are a collective of dedicated volunteers who advocate for equal opportunity, promote professionalism, elimination of racism, and promote programs and educational opportunities for Blacks in Government. There are membership opportunities for students, individuals, and associates.
College Alumni Associations
Finding out that someone has the same alma mater as you tends to elicit a strong sense of companionship. Alumni engagement extends beyond broad nostalgia; it fosters a sense of belonging that lasts a lifetime. Alumni organizations are a great way to network with individuals as an invaluable resource for personal and career growth. There are lots of alumni groups in the Huntsville area, here’s a short list to get you going, but certainly search for your specific school if it’s not shared here: University of Alabama, Auburn University, University of Florida, Vanderbilt University, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Penn State University, Louisiana State University and Alabama A & M University.
Ashley Polesak has spent the last 10 years living her best life in Huntsville, Alabama. She loves to explore all of the things that Huntsville and the surrounding areas have to offer and is a big proponent for scouting out local experiences. Ashley lives and breathes the outdoors and recreation opportunities in the area, you are very likely to run into her at a park or on a hiking trail. If she has her two rescue dogs with her, Oba and Twyla, please excuse their over-excitement, they are currently being trained and it’s a work in progress! If she had to describe herself in television characters she would choose 1/4 Eleanor Shellstrop, 1/4 Leslie Knope, 1/4 April Ludgate and 1/4 Margaery Tyrell.
