Story last updated at 4:45 PM EST on March 11, 2004

Get Out!

How to live an interesting life, step one

by Kerry Burke

There's nothing to do in Detroit.

I hate when people say that. I once mused to my mentor in Chicago "Thea, you live the most interesting life."

She was always going to the ballet, the opera, concerts, art shows or films – she was 35 years my senior and had more energy than me.

She said: "Kerry, it takes effort to lead an interesting life. Do you think the ballet comes to my house on Tuesday nights and performs in my living room? No matter how tired I am, I never regret taking the opportunity to experience something new."

I adopted that philosophy, and since moving back to Detroit, I'm the one leading the interesting life, as observed by my friends.

There is a TON to do in Detroit. This is a very cool city. You just have to know how to get started.

A good place to start is by joining an organization. There are many to choose from, all with compelling causes and great people.

They have regular meetings, social outings and serve as a good vehicle to make new friends. The Detroit Synergy Group is a great example, as it has garnered a long list of members and friends in a short period of time.

Dave Naczycz (pronounced NA-chez), co-founder of the Detroit Synergy Group, describes it as a "grass-roots mass-mobilization organization." To a prospective member, what that means is that it is a volunteer-driven group that creates all sorts of cool things to do while meeting new people and bettering the city.

"Last year we completed 30 projects and activities, all run by volunteers," Naczycz said.

How to get on board? Just attend a monthly meeting, Dave said. Or attend a "Third Thursday" happy hour, hosted by Detroit Synergy.

Another group getting people together to learn new things and cultivate new friends is the Fanclub Foundation for the Arts.

Fanclub raises money for arts education through social events. It has many events throughout the year, some called "friend-raisers," doing just that, simply creating another interesting social outlet.

"Our events are a great way to meet new people and contribute to a good cause as well," said Allison Jewett, director of membership and events for Fanclub. "We have four big events and five or six smaller events throughout the year … lots for people to get involved with."

In addition to these groups, it seems there are groups in every corner of the city.

The Michigan Opera Theatre, the Detroit Yacht Club, the Detroit Symphony and the new Create Detroit are just a few of the organizations that have socially driven volunteer groups.

This is an exciting time to be in Detroit, especially for those who think there is nothing to do. Just get up and check this city out.

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