Wednesday Morning Group Lecture Series

Overview

The Wednesday Morning Group Lecture Series, also known as the Wednesday Morning Group (WMG), is a U.S. nonprofit organization based in Bethesda. It has been hosting weekly lectures since 1962, offering a diverse range of topics including current events, literature, science, health, arts, and education. The lectures take place on Wednesday mornings, typically lasting one hour.

Activities

The organization holds its lectures at Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Bethesda. Throughout the year, WMG organizes several social events exclusively for its members. Program planning meetings are conducted in the spring and fall, which are open to all members. These meetings involve evaluating about 200 speaker ideas annually to select approximately 40 speakers for each program year.

Inclusion and Diversity

WMG emphasizes inclusivity by fostering a diverse environment. It values intellectual discussions and aims to recruit members and speakers from various cultural, racial, and ability backgrounds. This commitment contributes to a rich exchange of ideas among members and speakers.

Membership

Annual membership dues grant access to about 40 lectures per year, along with periodic issues of the organization's journal. Members are allowed to invite guests, although guest attendance is limited to twice per semester. Membership is currently full, with interested individuals placed on a waitlist upon request.

Mission

The mission of WMG is to provide stimulating lectures that encourage informed discussion and intellectual growth among its members. By engaging a diverse community, WMG aims to enrich the cultural and intellectual landscape of its participants.

Structure

WMG operates through a structured program year, typically from September to June. It does not accept proposals from external speakers, relying solely on suggestions from current members to curate its lectures. This approach ensures that the content aligns with the interests and values of the membership.