Meaningful connection as adults is hard. Between working, parenting, paying bills, pretending to workout and trying to meet basic needs, we rarely have time for in-person socializing and fun. Adults need an outlet that’s not related to their day-to-day and a little time for social connection.

Enter The Chattery.

We solve this problem by providing a fun and safe space for creative adulting. We’re a Chattanooga-based nonprofit that provides fun, affordable and creative learning experiences for adults. Our classes bring like minded strangers together to form relationships over the simple act of learning something new.

After popping up in over 50 spaces throughout Chattanooga, The Chattery is now looking for a permanent home and we need your help as we grow!

The Chattery is heavily reliant upon our community to attend, teach and suggest classes. Without a permanent home, it's becoming difficult to maintain and cultivate our community. We'd like The Chattery to be a learning hub where we learn together, network, and most of all, promote collaboration. Our classroom and event space would give us the flexibility to host more classes and events. This space will allow us to host more socially-driven events where our community can meet and learn from each other. We work with lots of small business owners who have great products - this space would allow us to partner with those folks to showcase their products in our space and show off how awesome our learning community is!

WHAT WE OFFER

The Chattery is a fun and safe space for adult learning. From budgeting for retirement to mixing a classic cocktail to mastering Excel, The Chattery offers a diverse course selection. We listen to the community's needs and interests, and we collaborate with other like-minded organizations. Since our startup in 2014, The Chattery has conducted over 500 learning experiences taught by over 150 community members in over 50 venues throughout Chattanooga. More than 6,000 adults have come through our classes, and we continue to grow every day.
 

THE SPACE

The Chattery is creating a physical space where adults can learn, connect and grow together. Amenities will include:

• Room for private parties, classes, and more

• A small kitchen with coffee, water, beverages, and snacks

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

• Killer A/V system

• Flexible & comfortable furnishings for work and play
   

PROGRAMS

The Chattery cultivates and fosters a community of learners and teachers through fun, affordable and accessible learning experiences throughout Chattanooga. The Chattery is different than typical education systems. As colleges and universities are placing less emphasis on their public continuing education programs, we fill a vital role in the importance of lifelong learning without earning a degree.

Our key programs include:

• Classes on arts and culture, professional development, and self-help, taught by artists, small business owners, and creative Chattanoogans.

• Partnering with like-minded organizations to provide free lectures and workshops on topics ranging from civics to childbirth.

• Documentary film series, Cinematics, which explores important topics through the art of film.

• Open Mic Storytelling Night, encouraging Chattanoogans to learn from each other, share and gain community.

• The Great Adult Egg Hunt, which promotes artists and community collaboration.

• Adulting Summer Camp, a weeklong learning experience breaking down typical “adult” topics into fun ways to learn.

SERVICES

In addition to educational programming The Chattery already runs, we will expand to include the following:

• Rental space for one-on-one meetings and events

• Membership packages for freelancers, solopreneurs, and lifelong learners

• An area dedicated to selling our teachers’ products!

WHY CROWDFUNDING?

As a community-based organization, we’ve explored various forms of fundraising. What was missing from our efforts? You, our community.  Our philosophy is for the community, by the community. Money from our iFundWomen campaign will go toward building our physical space, which allows us to do more of what we love: building community. We chose iFundWomen because we believe in women owned businesses, and we love that they support women!

FOUNDERS

The Chattery is proud to be a women-founded, Black-founded organization led by founders who met as adults and were new-ish to a city. Though we were aware of traditional methods of meeting new people, we felt like Chattanooga was missing something. We were missing a place where we could connect with adults and grow as humans.
 

OVERALL

If you’re a curious and adventurous adult who is eager to learn, The Chattery is the perfect place for you. The Chattery has existed for five years now and it’s working. We’ve watched numerous people forge relationships over the simple act of learning something new!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Thank you for supporting our community of curious and adventurous learners. Together we’re redesigning connection by breaking down barriers and making learning less intimidating and more accessible.