Volunteer at OLLI

Volunteers are the heart of OLLI

OLLI is a volunteer-staffed organization. With only 3 paid employees, volunteers are our lifeblood. OLLI member volunteers are the creative source for all the courses, special events, social activities, publications, and classroom services. Volunteering creates a more vibrant learning community and connects you to other OLLI members. It’s a great way to make new friends and is personally satisfying and rewarding. Volunteer jobs vary in time commitment, skills needed and frequency. OLLI Committee Chairs and Board members are always on the lookout for volunteers. Don’t be bashful! We always need help!

How do I Volunteer?

Review the opportunities below….you may find a particular job that is attractive. You will find contact information for each opportunity

To understand our volunteer needs, it may help to know a little about how OLLI is organized. 
We are a non-profit, tax-exempt organization with articles of incorporation and bylaws. The Governing Council (14 members) sets policies, approves budgets and oversees OLLI operations. It elects the Executive officers: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Members-at-Large. Additional volunteers are needed for the following Working Groups that have been established to oversee OLLI operations:

Communications

  • Produce The SUN – a quarterly newsletter/course catalog and other publications as required
  • Create marketing brochures, special event flyers
  • Plan and oversee advertising efforts with local media
  • Plan PR events that involve community outreach

Chairpersons: email the OLLI office for Communications or email Jan Stein for Marketing 

Education

  • Establish the quarterly class schedules, including class leaders, locations, dates, times, and catalog descriptions.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of classes and class leaders using  feed-back from students and/or peer review.
  • Offer, in cooperation with the Technology Working Group, instructor training in classroom presentation techniques and technology.
  • Plan and implement special events or guest lectures

Chairpersons: email Donna Hawk 

Technology

  • Establish and oversee curriculum for technology classes.
  • Recruit instructors and coaches for technology classes and evaluate their effectiveness.
  • Make recommendations regarding the purchase or donation of IT hardware and software.
  • Offer, in cooperation with the Education Working Group, instructor training in class-room presentation techniques and technology.
  • Provide technical assistance for audio-visual equipment when requested by an instructor.
  • Oversee the process of equipment repairs, replacements, and enhancements.

Chairpersons: email Kathy Winkenwerder  or Wesley Peck

Member Services 

  • ​Assist in recruitment and retention of members.
  • Assist in recruiting volunteers to fill needs as identified by the Governing Council and working groups.
  • Distribute The SUN and other membership recruitment materials to the greater Long Beach community.
  • Organize annual general membership meetings
  • In conjunction with the PR/Marketing Working Group, coordinate participation in University and community events.
  • Organize at least one volunteer recognition event per year.
  • Organize events such as socials, dedications, holiday celebrations, excursions, and memorials.

Chairperson: email Karin Covey  

Governance

  • Initiate the strategic planning process and development of annual and long-term goals 
  • Present plans to the Executive Council for discussion and approval by the Governing Council.
  • Oversee the nomination and election of Governing Council Officers.
  • Oversee the mentoring and grooming of potential future leaders for the organization.
  • Make recommendations to the Executive Council of persons to fill Governing Council vacancies.
  • Review the bylaws annually and recommend revisions to the Governing Council.
  • Draft and present to the Governing Council for its approval, revisions of existing policies and procedures and new policies and procedures that are deemed necessary.
  • Conduct an annual review of the strategic plan and recommend modifications as needed.

Chairperson: email  Bill Shaddle