How to engage with the REI community as a "Newbie"

[Brittney Fields]

I am a veterinary nurse that lives in the Tampa, FL area. I am interested in learning more about REI beyond just reading about it. What's the best way to link up with other knowledgeable individuals that could help me gain more insight into the REI world? (I know..Duh! that's what biggerpockets is for)

So really I guess the question is how do you engage with the REI community outside of the cyber-world as an outsider with no REI background and very minimum knowledge?