Volunteer with OLLI at SOU

OLLI at SOU runs on curiosity, connection and volunteers. There’s no single way to get involved. Some roles are ongoing and collaborative; others are short-term, occasional, or behind the scenes. The best fit is simply what matches your interests, energy and schedule.

Every Volunteer Makes a Difference. Find Your Fit.

See something you’re interested in below? Submit the Volunteer Interest Form or contact Program Specialist Megan Rutherford at rutherfordm@sou.edu or 541-552-6583.

VOLUNTEER INTEREST FORM

Community & People

Enjoy planning and hosting activities and events? Build member connections and share the OLLI at SOU story in the community.

Connections & Outreach Committee Member – Open House Team

General Position Description: Join the volunteers who work hard to plan and execute the annual OLLI Open House. The team is looking for members interested in coordinating volunteers, collecting door prizes from the community and helping with other miscellaneous tasks that contribute to our biggest event of the year.
Time Commitment: The team meets once a month between May and August for two hours. Individual tasks leading up to the event may take six to ten hours a month, depending on the role. Volunteers should be prepared to spend four to six hours with the team the day before and the day of the Open House.

Connections & Outreach Committee Member – Outreach Team

General Position Description: Help spread the word about OLLI by joining staff at local events and community organizations—like the YMCA or the ACCESS Senior Fair—ideal for those who enjoy talking with others.
Time Commitment: The committee meets once a month for two hours. Outreach events may take anywhere from two to four hours, depending on the type of activity.

Creative & Storytelling

Enjoy writing, shaping ideas, and working with words or images? Contribute to the OLLI at SOU story in creative ways.

Communications Committee Member – General Member

General Position Description: Help the committee produce the print catalog, print or media advertisements or internal communications. Interest and/or experience in editing, design, writing or public speaking is desired.
Time Commitment: The committee meets once a month for one hour. Additional tasks may require around two to ten hours per month.

Communications Committee – Photographer

General Position Description: Attend various OLLI events and take photos for use in the print catalog, external ads and internal communications. Someone with a passion for photography can submit photos for consideration for the print catalog cover.
Time Commitment: The committee meets once a month for one hour (a photographer may not need to attend all committee meetings). Photos at an event may take between two to four hours, depending on the event.

Commmunications Committee – Print Catalog Team

General Position Description: Assist with various aspects of producing the print catalog, including copy editing, selecting photos, managing print ads or other miscellaneous tasks.
Time Commitment: The committee meets once a month for one hour. During the catalog cycles (three times a year) the team may spend an additional four to ten hours on various tasks.

Communications Committee – Promotional Materials/Advertising Team

General Position Description: Work with external organizations and internal OLLI committees to produce print and electronic ads. Tasks include communicating with partners, collecting finished and in-progress ads, uploading ads to the shared Google drive.
Time Commitment: The committee meets once a month for one hour. Additional tasks may require around two to ten hours per month.

Curriculum Committee Member – Arts Liaison

General Position Description: At this time, the only position open in the Curriculum Committee is in the arts subject area. Someone with experience or interest in the arts (visual, music, film, etc) is desired. Mentor and support OLLI instructors throughout the course proposal process and provide extra support to New-to-OLLI (NTO) instructors. Liaisons review proposal submissions from instructors in their subject area, collaborate with the instructor on edits, attend the first class of any NTO instructor, and provide additional support as needed.
Time Commitment: The committee meets once a month for two hours (not including February or July). During the month-long course proposal periods (three times a year) the liaison may spend as much as 15 hours a week, depending on the number of course proposals in their subject area.

Organizing & Planning

Contribute by organizing ideas, developing programs, or orienting and mentoring others.

Finance Committee – General Member

General Position Description: Assist in reviewing the OLLI at SOU budget as it is prepared and revised. They may assist the Treasurer with tasks relating to the finances of the organization. Volunteers who are interested in and have experience with accounting, or with analyzing financial issues, budget trends, and financial projections are especially welcomed.
Time Commitment: The committee meets three or four times a year, for roughly two hours per session. Some time reviewing materials in preparation for these meetings, and following up after meetings, might be expected. The total time committment would be from 15 to 40 hours per year.

Programs and Activities Committee – General Member

General Position Description: Encourage/support members interested in offering an activity or presentation, or starting a shared interest group (SIG). Guide facilitators through the proposal process, proposals, coordinate the scheduling and technology needs, edit the description of the offering, serve as a point of contact for facilitators and periodically review participation/feedback.
Time Commitment: The committee meets once a month for two hours. Additional tasks may take four to ten hours per month, depending on the number of offerings.

Travel Committee – General Member

General Position Description: Help plan travel trips for OLLI at SOU members. Each team member takes responsibility for working with a specific vendor to plan, contract, promote and assist with tour details. All members also assist with promotion, evaluation and general tasks.
Time Commitment: The committee meets once a month for two hours. Additional tasks and communication with vendors may take five to ten hours per month, depending on the number of trips.

Active & Hands-on

Contribute to OLLI at SOU in meaningful ways through direct service or support and appeals to those enjoy hands-on work and clear tasks. The work is concrete, helpful and essential to members and instructors.

Office Support Team – Office Volunteer

General Position Description: Assist in reviewing the OLLI at SOU budget as it is prepared and revised. They may assist the Treasurer with tasks relating to the finances of the organization. Volunteers who are interested in and have experience with accounting, or with analyzing financial issues, budget trends, and financial projections are especially welcomed.
Time Commitment: The committee meets three or four times a year, for roughly two hours per session. Some time reviewing materials in preparation for these meetings, and following up after meetings, might be expected. The total time committment would be from 15 to 40 hours per year.

Venue and Technology Committee – Instructor Tech Support Team

General Position Description: Help OLLI instructors feel comfortable and confident using the technology in Campbell Center classrooms. This role is a good fit for someone who enjoys learning, helping others, and working with basic technology. No prior experience is needed. Training is provided by one of our experienced trainers.
Time Commitment: During the two to three weeks before each term, 30-minute instructor training sessions are scheduled based on your availability. Expect to train 10-15 instructors during this period.

Flexible & Open

For those who are open to trying different roles or contributing as needs arise, this area offers flexible opportunities to support OLLI at SOU in a variety of ways.

Interested?

Let us know what sounds appealing, and we’ll help you find one that matches your interests, schedule, and how involved you want to be. Submit the Volunteer Interest Form or contact Program Specialist Megan Rutherford at rutherfordm@sou.edu or 541-552-6583.

VOLUNTEER INTEREST FORM