Frequently Asked Questions
Our mission is to promote healthy aging through lifelong learning, active lifestyles, and volunteer engagement.
Have questions about Oasis classes, Zoom, volunteering, or donations? Wondering how St. Louis Oasis supports lifelong learning, healthy aging, and community engagement for older adults? Browse our frequently asked questions below to find answers to all your questions!
Our Organization
What is St. Louis Oasis?
Founded in 1982, St. Louis Oasis is part of a national nonprofit dedicated to lifelong learning, health, and volunteer opportunities for older adults. We offer classes, tours, wellness programs, technology training, and volunteer experiences.
Our offices are located in Clayton at the Center of Clayton and at Northwest Plaza in St. Ann. We have additional partner sites throughout the St. Louis region. Learn more about our organization at stloasis.org/about.
Account & Class Registration
Registering Online
- Create a MyOasis Account: If you don’t already have one, click here to create your MyOasis account.
- Access Your Account: Once your account is active, visit stloasis.org and open the “My Account” dropdown in the top menu bar. Log in using your username and password.
- Browse Classes: From the St. Louis Oasis website, select “Classes” from the top menu. Use the filters or search bar to explore offerings by topic, date, location, or instructor.
- Select Classes: Click “Add to Cart” for classes you’d like to register for. Use “Add to Wishlist” for classes you’re interested in but not ready to purchase yet.
- Checkout: Click the Cart Icon in the top right corner of your screen to begin checkout. During checkout, you can choose to apply available coupons and/or make a donation directly to St. Louis Oasis.
Registering By Phone
- Create a MyOasis Account: If you don’t already have one, click here to create your MyOasis account. If you need help, our volunteers can also create an account for you when you call to register.
- Browse & Choose Classes: From the St. Louis Oasis website, select “Classes” from the top menu. Use the filters or search bar to explore offerings by topic, date, location, or instructor. If you have a printed catalog, please review and write down classes, events, and programs you’d like to register for.
- Call Our Office: Please call (314) 862-4859 ext. 24. If our team does not answer, please leave a voice memo with your name, phone number, and reason for the call and a representative will contact you within 48 hours to assist you with your registration process.
Making Changes to Your Registration
Please call (314) 862-4859 ext. 24. If our team does not answer, please leave a voice memo with your name, phone number, and reason for the call and a representative will contact you within 48 hours to assist you with your changes.
What is a MyOasis account?
Your MyOasis account is your personal hub for everything Oasis! With an account, you can register for upcoming classes, events, and programs happening at all St. Louis Oasis locations. It’s the easiest way to explore what’s coming up, manage your registrations, and stay connected with the Oasis community. MyOasis accounts are free to create.
How do I register for a MyOasis account?
You can easily register for a MyOasis account online by filling out the form at st-louis.oasiseverywhere.org/register.
If you’d like help getting started, our staff can assist you by phone at 314-862-4859 ext. 24. You can also register in person at our Center of Clayton or Northwest Plaza locations.
I’m trying to register for an account, but it says I’m already a member.
If you receive this error, it means that your information is already tied to an existing MyOasis account. Please use the designated username and password you created to login to your account. If you are having trouble logging in, please fill out a username/password request form here and your information will be emailed to the email associated with your account.
How do I recover a lost password or username?
If you have a MyOasis account, you can have an email sent to you with your login information. Please click here to fill out and submit a password/username request form.
Catalog & Class Information
How can I access the newest St. Louis Oasis catalog?
You can visit stloasis.org/catalog to access our digital version of the most recent catalog. If you’d like to be added to our catalog mailing list, please fill out a form here.
How often do catalogs come out?
New catalogs are distributed in February, April, June, August, October, and December. Catalogs are distributed the month prior to a catalog class registration date occurring so that you have plenty of time to register for upcoming sessions.
How do I know if a class is offered virtually?
Classes offered exclusively online will be listed as taking place on Zoom. If a class is available both in-person and online, it will be labeled as a “Hybrid Class” on the class listing image.
Additionally, we offer virtual classes from other Oasis centers across the country. These can be found at store.oasiseverywhere.org.
How do I join my virtual class?
You’ll receive an email from St. Louis Oasis with a link to your registered class. Click the link a few minutes before your class begins. A browser window will open, giving you options to:
- Open Zoom Meetings (if already installed)
- Download the Zoom app
- Join directly from your web browser
Choose the option that works best for you. For the best experience, we recommend downloading the Zoom app.
How do I install Zoom?
When you click on your meeting link, you will be prompted to download Zoom. Click on the option which works best for you and follow the instructions shown on the screen.
You can also download various versions of Zoom including versions for desktop, app, and plug-ins by visiting zoom.us/download.
How do I connect my audio and video?
After clicking on your meeting link, and installing/opening Zoom, a meeting window for the class will open. Zoom will prompt you to connect your audio and video. If asked, allow Zoom permission to access your microphone and camera. Use the small arrows next to the microphone and camera icons to:
- Choose a different microphone, speaker, or camera
- Test your audio and video
- Adjust lighting or blur your background
Tip: Test your devices before class starts so you can join smoothly. Keep your microphone muted when you’re not speaking and when speaking, please speak clearly, don’t talk over others, and don’t record or take screenshots without permission.
How can I ask questions during class?
You’re encouraged to interact and ask questions! Chat is a great way to share comments or questions without interrupting the instructor.
- Click the chat icon (speech bubble) on the bottom toolbar.
- A chat panel will open on the right side of your screen.
- Type your message in the box and press enter to send.
How do class recording work?
Some of our classes are recorded so you can revisit the material later! Look for the “Recorded” tag on the class image in our online listings. To access a recording, you’ll need to register before the class starts. Recordings are available to view for 14 days after they’re released.
Discount Opportunities
What does an annual membership include?
Signing up for a membership is completely optional, but it’s a great way to save money and support our mission!
For only $79 per year, members receive 10% off all St. Louis Oasis classes (discount not valid for Oasis Everywhere). Your membership lasts 365 days from the date of purchase and does not automatically renew, so you can decide each year if you’d like to continue.
Joining is an easy way to get more value from your classes while helping us enrich the lives of older adults through lifelong learning, health, and volunteer programs.
Memberships are not required to purchase classes.
What is a Program Pass?
The Program Pass gives you unlimited access to in-person and virtual St. Louis Oasis classes starting the month you sign up*.
*While exercise, trips/tours, and art classes are not included, Program Pass subscribers enjoy a 15% discount on any of those classes that begin in the same month as their pass.
It’s a flexible, affordable way to explore new topics, connect with others, and experience all that Oasis has to offer!
Volunteer Opportunities
Who can volunteer with St. Louis Oasis?
Anyone with the passion, time, or skills to help. We welcome volunteers, per-diem facilitators, and independent contractors to join our community of lifelong-learners.
What kinds of volunteer opportunities are available?
We have a variety of opportunities:
- Lifelong Learning Instructors — Teach in Arts & Humanities, History, Science, etc. Curriculum and schedule support provided.
- Technology Instructors — Help older adults with smartphones, tablets, internet safety, etc.
- Health & Fitness Volunteers — Lead walks or bike tours, teach exercise classes, or facilitate health-discussions for older adults.
- Tutors & Mentors — Work with young students (K-3 reading or K-2 math) or mentor teens in foster care. Training is provided.
- Support & Outreach Volunteers — Assist with customer service, class coordination, marketing, and helping classes run smoothly.
What are the requirements to volunteer?
Requirements vary by role. Some roles (like exercise instructor) require certification (ACE, AFAA, NASM, ACSM); others (like tutors) require only willingness to show up and connect — training is provided.
How do I sign up to volunteer?
Please visit st-louis.oasisnet.org/volunteering and fill out the contact form located at the bottom of the page. A member of our team will reach out shortly after your submission is received.
Making a Donation
Why should I donate to Oasis?
Your support empowers older adults to stay engaged, active, and connected. Donations help fund lifelong learning, wellness, and volunteer programs that promote healthy aging and community connection.
How can I make a donation?
You can donate securely online at stloasis.org/donate. You may give a one-time or recurring gift.
Can I choose where my donation goes?
Yes — you may designate your gift to a specific program or purpose, or make a general donation to support Oasis’ greatest needs.
What types of gifts can I make?
We accept the following donations:
- One-time or recurring gifts
- Tribute & Memorial Gifts
- Gifts of Stock & Securities
- Donor-Advised Funds
- IRA Designation
- Planned Giving
Are my donations tax-deductible?
Yes. Oasis is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. You will receive a confirmation email or letter for your records.