Volunteer Opportunities

All Osher Institutes are volunteer driven organizations! OLLI – U of A is no different. Our staff is dedicated, but small, and volunteers are vital to the success, quality and sustainability of the institute’s programs.  Volunteers are more important now than ever, as we strive to offer high quality and engaging classes, in a variety of formats that is safe for all. Your time, talents, and resources are valuable and greatly appreciated as we adapt to new ways of lifelong learning. 

If you have interest in volunteering in one of the areas below, or would like to help in other ways, complete this form to share your availability and interest.  

We are currently in high need of the following volunteer roles:  

  • Class Ambassadors: Volunteering as a Class Ambassador provides much needed support to our instructors, staff and participants by helping ensure that in person participants are safe and have a high quality experience. Activities include, greeting participants, introducing instructors, making program announcements and cleaning/sanitizing before and after the class. OLLI in person classes will have limited attendees and safety guidelines. 
  • Zoom Moderators: To enhance the quality of OLLI’s virtual classes, Zoom moderators are needed to support both the instructor and participants. Activities on Zoom include, admitting participants, introducing the instructor, monitoring chat or providing general support. 
  • Hybrid Class Moderators: Hybrid classes allow OLLI to provide an in person and virtual experience for participants simultaneously. Moderators of these classes are asked to do a combination of the roles above. Experience with audio/visual technology is helpful. 

OLLI Class Volunteers receive training in advance and free entry into each class for which they volunteer. Training and support is provided in advance of volunteering.

Join an OLLI – U of A Committee:

Creating a community of learners is an important aspect of all OLLI organizations. A great way to get involved is volunteering within the organization’s various areas. Committee members work closely with OLLI staff and assist with developing courses, planning and facilitating social events, recruiting new members, class and special event support. The following are descriptions of OLLI committees at the U of A.

Advisory Council: The OLLI Advisory Council is made up of Committee Chairs and At-Large Members.  Its purpose is to define, review, and update Committee responsibilities, review the performance of the OLLI program, and report recommendations to OLLI staff.

Curriculum Committee: The purpose of this committee is to develop and evaluate course proposals for upcoming semesters; to ensure quality programs are devised for our members; to develop special events and interest groups; to identify and contact possible instructors and presenters; and to gather member interests’ information. This committee meets the first Wednesday of each month for 2 to 3 hours.

Marketing/Membership Committee: The Marketing/Membership Committee works to engage and strengthen the OLLI member network through focus on recruitment, orientation, and retention; as well as communicating to members and representing member interests to OLLI staff.  They meet approximately once per month.

Social Committee: Volunteers for the Social Committee work together to create and develop opportunities for OLLI members to interact and get to know each other outside of the classroom. Committee members propose, plan, and coordinate events, outings, and special interest groups. This could involve socializing before and after class meetings and/or joining together to attend cultural events such as concerts, plays, art exhibitions, lecture series, etc. offered by other organizations.

Development/Fundraising  Committee

For more details, contact the OLLI office at (479) 575-4545 or email us at olli@uark.edu.


Other Volunteer Areas

Clerical/Office Support: At OLLI-UA we have a hard-working, but small staff. Volunteer a couple hours of your time helping in the OLLI office compiling packets, bulk mailings, photocopying, filing, answering the telephone, or other various administrative duties.

Community Outreach: Community Outreach: Help OLLI grow by spreading the news of all the great opportunities at OLLI-UA. Assist OLLI staff in distributing catalogs, flyers and promotional materials. Connect us with community stakeholders who have an interest in supporting or sponsoring our programs. Present information on OLLI at your next club meeting!

Special Projects & Events: Periodically throughout the year OLLI has special events, fundraisers and exclusive programs. Be a part of making these moments special by helping plan, coordinate and facilitate these events.