English-Speaking Groups

The American International League (AILO), Creative People in Florence, The Women’s International Network (Network), Expat Women in Florence, Firenze Moms 4 Moms and the Australian and New Zealanders in Florence use English at meetings and in their publications.

Open to Men & Women

Founded close to 40 years ago, AILO (the American International League of Florence) started as an informal gathering of English-speaking women.  Now an international nonprofit organization, open also to English-speaking men, AILO actively seeks to contribute to the well being of the Tuscan community.

The monthly newsletter is a good source of club and local information.  The League sponsors an annual Christmas Bazaar and Lottery, where members sell their handmade crafts, as well as gift items donated from local businesses. The money raised is distributed to local charities.  The club also organizes cultural visits and social events.

The League traditionally convenes in the morning over a coffee meeting that hosts a speaker and an optional restaurant lunch.  General meetings from October to May are scheduled for the first Tuesday of the month at the British Institute Library at 9:30 am, while both the September and June meetings are held at the Park Palace Hotel.  There is also a monthly evening meeting, which is held at various members’ homes. Annual membership:  €80.

Australian and New Zealanders in Florence is a social hub that meets monthly either at a potluck dinner at a member’s home or at a restaurant.  Notification of the next meeting is sent via e-mail, along with the newsletter.  The group celebrates Australia Day in January and ANZAC Day in April, the latter at the British Institute Library.

True to its name, Creative People in Florence (CPF) is a network of artists and creatives within Tuscany. The members’ various talents are expressed through bookbinding, sculpture, painting, illustration, jewelry design, writing, dancing, photography, fashion and more. The network originated on Facebook and has also developed a blog page with an artist directory listed by genre and name at creativepeopleinflorence.wordpress.com.

CPF is a mainly English-speaking group, although many members speak fluent Italian, among other languages. Members come from diverse parts of the world including the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Asia and even Italy. CPF meets once a month for aperitivo, artist talks, studio visits and other activities. This gives members a chance to catch up, exchange info, inspire collaborative work, share ideas and make new friends.

For Women Only

Started in 1991, the Woman’s International Network supports networking among the young and young at heart to meet friends and mentors. Each meeting features a social hour and potluck dinner, followed by a speaker. Network also sends an informative newsletter with articles, listings and contacts to aid in the search for a job, housing or babysitters.

Meetings are usually held on the second Wednesday of every month at Syracuse’s Villa Rossa in Piazza Savonarola at 7:30 pm. Free for first time guests, annual membership is €40 and includes an annual subscription to the newsletter.

Expat Women in Florence usually meets on a Thursday evening once a month for aperitivo (pre-dinner drinks and buffet), with the venue communicated via e-mail. The informal gathering provides a perfect opportunity to meet other young professionals in the area.

Started by a mother simply looking for a playgroup for her toddler, Firenze Moms 4 Moms Network has had a meteoric rise in membership. Moms 4 Moms offers play dates, meetings for expectant mothers and mothers of newborns plus a gourmet club for moms who enjoying cooking (and eating).