How to find a programming mentor or (better yet) an enthusiast group?

So I'd like to find a programming mentor in my area. Or better yet, an enthusiast group. Think Toastmasters for programming. A LUG or MUG only for programmers of all ages and skill levels, where the only requirement is to get better. An environment of mutual encouragement.

Does such a thing exist? How would I find one? Searching the 'net hasn't produced much in the way of useful results.

I'd like to find a similar thing for mathematics -- specifically statistics -- but my focus right now is on programming.