History
Prime Timers was founded in 1987 by a retired professor in Boston, Woody Ballwin. Professor Ballwin, frustrated with society’s worship of youth and the marginalization of older gay men, decided to strike back. He put an ad in the Boston paper and solicited his friends to help create a new organization. It was to be called Prime Timers . Its growth first in Boston and then throughout the United States heralded the need for addressing the social needs of the aging gay and bisexual man.
Size of the Organization
Today, Prime Timers Worldwide has more than 7,000 members in over sixty chapters across the United States, Europe and Australia. Men not close to a local chapter may still join as an independent and attend any local chapter event, join PT travel groups and participate in regional and national conventions.
Lifeblood of the Organization
The organization is continuously revitalized through its local chapter meetings and social activities, organized cruises and conventions. During odd numbered years, members gather to celebrate at the Prime Timers Worldwide Convention. Reno, Nevada hosted the 2007 Convention October 12 – 14 and Toronto will host the 2009 Convention. During even numbered years, local chapters host regional conferences open to all members both regional and worldwide. Local chapters also invite all members to participate in their cruises that take place all over the world.
|  History
On the 3rd of June 2007, Michael Stone (the Vice President of Chapters from Prime Timers Worldwide) met with nine St. Louis gay men to help create Prime Timers St. Louis. These men set up an interim Board of Directors and slate of Officers to serve until elections in January 2008.
Activities
Since that initial meeting, the organization’s “fun-loving” membership has put in place an effective leadership team and has established a schedule of exciting social, recreational and educational activities. There are monthly meetings centered on an educational theme and there are frequent social activities at local restaurants, theatres, community centers and members’ homes.
Recruiting
The organization has quickly established its strategies for raising its visibility and expanding its membership. For example during St. Louis Pride Fest, members attracted the attention of the gay community by wearing “ASK ME ABOUT PRIMETIMERS” buttons and passing out informational cards to potential recruits.
Impact
We look forward to Prime Timers St. Louis rapidly becoming a major presence in the gay community and a much needed social organization for older gay and bisexual men in metropolitan St. Louis community.
Click here for the chapter By-Laws Click here for the chapter Polcies and Procedures |