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Finding Connection in La Crosse: A Conversation on “Third Places”

AARP

Published May 13, 2026

AARP

Across the country, more people are experiencing loneliness and social isolation – trends that affect not only emotional well-being, but overall health and quality of life. Yet the solution may be simpler than many expect: a conversation, an invitation, a shared moment.

What if something as small as inviting someone to coffee could help strengthen connection – not just for two people, but across an entire community?

During La Crosse Housing Week, coordinated by Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region, AARP Wisconsin sponsored a community lunch discussion at the Pump House Regional Arts Center to explore exactly that.

Centered on the concept of “third places,” the May 7 conversation highlighted the everyday spaces – and everyday actions – that help people build relationships, find belonging, and stay engaged.

The event, Finding Your Third Place, featured Dr. Richard Kyte, Director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership and Endowed Professor of Ethics at Viterbo University in La Crosse. Drawing from his book, Dr. Kyte shared insights on the importance of “third places” – the spaces beyond home and work where people gather, build relationships, and experience a sense of belonging.

A Room Ready to Connect

The gathering brought together an intergenerational group of attendees from La Crosse and surrounding communities. Seated at round tables, participants didn’t just listen – they engaged. Conversations flowed naturally, reflecting a shared understanding that social connection is not just nice to have, but essential to our well-being.

As Dr. Kyte observed, those who made the effort to attend already recognized something important: connection doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intention.

The Courage to Reach Out

One message from Dr. Kyte’s remarks stood out above all: take the first step.

He spoke candidly about a common barrier to connection—fear of rejection. Many people, he noted, want to be invited to coffee, lunch, or conversation. But too often, they hesitate to extend that invitation themselves. The result is a quiet but widespread sense of isolation.

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His call to action was clear and practical: Invite someone to coffee or lunch and make it a habit. Chances are, they’ll say yes. It’s a small act, but one with the potential to rebuild the social fabric of our communities – one conversation at a time.

Why AARP Shows Up for Conversations Like This

At AARP Wisconsin, we know that where and how we live shapes our ability to stay connected, engaged, and independent. Housing is more than a physical structure—it’s part of a larger ecosystem that includes relationships, accessibility, and opportunities to gather.

That’s why conversations about “third places” are so important. They directly connect to key drivers of healthy aging, including social connection and lifelong learning—both pillars of brain health.

They also help build livable communities: places where people of all ages and abilities can participate fully and feel a sense of belonging.

One of the most accessible ways to create those connections is through volunteering. Whether it’s supporting a local cause, helping neighbors, or sharing your time and talents, volunteering creates opportunities to meet others, stay engaged, and strengthen the community as a whole.

A Simple Step Forward

The conversation in La Crosse was a reminder that meaningful change doesn’t always require big systems or sweeping policies. Sometimes, it begins with something much simpler—reaching out. Invite someone to lunch. Join a group. Say yes to a new experience. Connection starts with us.

Ready to take that first step? Explore local events near you at aarp.org or through the AARP Now app. Interested in giving back while building connections? Learn more about volunteer opportunities.