{"id":10611,"date":"2020-02-19T09:23:48","date_gmt":"2020-02-19T14:23:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/olli\/?page_id=10611"},"modified":"2026-03-05T16:07:09","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T21:07:09","slug":"get-involved","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/olli\/get-involved\/","title":{"rendered":"Get Involved"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"cl-wrapper cl-hero-wrapper\"><div class=\"cl-hero   cl-has-accessibility-controls\"><div class=\"cl-hero-proper\"><div class=\"overlay\"><div class=\"block\"><h1>Get Involved<\/h1><\/div><\/div><div class=\"still\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/olli\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1247\/2023\/06\/IMG_0357-1.jpg);background-position:51% 73%;\"><\/div><div class=\"cl-accessibility-controls-container\"><div class=\"cl-accessibility-controls\"><div class=\"cl-accessibility-icon\" title=\"Accessibility controls\">Accessibility controls<\/div><div class=\"cl-accessibility-control cl-accessibility-motion-control cl-accessibility-control-hidden\"><div class=\"cl-accessibility-control-default\"><div class=\"cl-accessibility-control-button\" title=\"Pause motion\">Pause motion<\/div><div class=\"cl-accessibility-control-label\">Motion: <span class=\"cl-accessibility-syntax\">On<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cl-accessibility-control-alternate\"><div class=\"cl-accessibility-control-button\" title=\"Play motion\">Play motion<\/div><div class=\"cl-accessibility-control-label\">Motion: <span class=\"cl-accessibility-syntax\">Off<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cl-accessibility-control cl-accessibility-contrast-control\"><div class=\"cl-accessibility-control-default\"><div class=\"cl-accessibility-control-button\" title=\"Increase text contrast\">Increase text contrast<\/div><div class=\"cl-accessibility-control-label\">Contrast: <span class=\"cl-accessibility-syntax\">Standard<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cl-accessibility-control-alternate\"><div class=\"cl-accessibility-control-button\" title=\"Reset text contrast\">Reset text contrast<\/div><div class=\"cl-accessibility-control-label\">Contrast: <span class=\"cl-accessibility-syntax\">High<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cl-accessibility-system-setting\"><div class=\"cl-accessibility-toggle\" title=\"Apply my preferences site-wide\"><\/div><div class=\"cl-accessibility-toggle-label\">Apply site-wide<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"cl-wrapper cl-card-wrapper\"><a class=\"cl-card  \" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/olli\/get-involved\/#volunteer\" title=\"\"><div class=\"cl-card-container media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/olli\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1247\/2025\/12\/IMG_7825-scaled.jpg\" srcset=\"\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container text\"><div class=\"cl-card-text\"><h2>Volunteer<\/h2><p>As a member-driven and member-led program, OLLI offers many opportunities for you to become actively involved by serving on a committee. We invite you to attend an open meeting to learn more about the OLLI operation and the committees which guide our institute.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container button\">Learn MOre<\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"cl-wrapper cl-card-wrapper\"><a class=\"cl-card  \" href=\"HTTPS:\/\/WEB.URI.EDU\/OLLI\/GET-INVOLVED\/#TEACH\" title=\"\"><div class=\"cl-card-container media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/olli\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1247\/2023\/11\/IMG_5840-scaled.jpg\" srcset=\"\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container text\"><div class=\"cl-card-text\"><h2>Teach for OLLI<\/h2><p>OLLI faculty and presenters are members of the community who are excited about teaching and involving an enthusiastic group of learners in a new way.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container button\">Learn More<\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"volunteer\">Volunteers make OLLI happen!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Have you thought about how you could be a more active member in our program?Have you ever wondered about the nuts and bolts of how we operate so smoothly?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a member-driven and member-led program, OLLI offers many opportunities for you to become actively involved from serving on a committee to volunteering as a Member Services Volunteer in the office.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Volunteer Opportunities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">OLLI Member Services Volunteers Needed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Have you thought about how you could contribute to OLLI? Member Service Volunteer shifts are only 1 day a week for 2 hours. You would be a great match if you are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Computer Literate<\/strong> &#8211; At this time we are looking for someone who is comfortable with computer basics including navigating the web, Microsoft Word, and typing in Excel documents. Training for OLLI\u2019s registration software will be provided.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Adaptive<\/strong> &#8211; Some days you might be answering the phone, entering registrations online, stuffing envelopes, helping to organize materials or scanning and copying. But there may be shifts where you do not have any tasks complete. We request that someone in this position is comfortable with remaining at the OLLI desk even during slow shifts to answer calls and walk ins.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sociable<\/strong> &#8211; As an office&nbsp;volunteer, you will serve as the face of OLLI when members walk into our office. You will interact with members on a daily basis- answering the phone, responding to questions, processing course registrations and memberships online.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Front Desk Volunteers Needed<\/strong>:&nbsp;Computer skills required.&nbsp;Must be familiar with and able to navigate the OLLI online registration software. Please contact Beth Desrosiers (<a href=\"mailto:beth_desrosiers@uri.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">beth_desrosiers@uri.edu<\/a>) or call at 401-874-4197.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Committee&nbsp;Volunteers&nbsp;Needed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>OLLI continues to be a strong organization due in part to members serving on various committees providing leadership in partnership with the staff. Looking ahead to this academic year it is time to recruit new members to serve. If you are interested in serving on one of our committees, watch for the announcements for informational meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Contact <em>Beth Leconte<\/em>, Executive Director at 401-874-2405, <a href=\"mailto:bleconte@uri.edu\">bleconte@uri.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"teach\">Teach for OLLI<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"type-intro\">OLLI faculty and presenters are members of the community who are excited about teaching and involving an enthusiastic group of learners in a new way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of our OLLI instructors are current or retired high school or college faculty, while others are people who enjoy the opportunity to share their interests and knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Have you thought about teaching an OLLI course?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As a member-driven program, we encourage you to consider the valuable contribution you can make outside of your role as a student. We invite you to share your knowledge, passions, and interests with other OLLI students by teaching a course for us!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have questions regarding a topic or format, please contact Assistant Director Beth Desrosiers, directly at 401-874-4619 or email <a href=\"mailto:beth_desrosiers@uri.edu\">beth_desrosiers@uri.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Proposal Due Dates<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fall 2026<\/strong>, Proposals due May 5\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>(Term is Sept 14 to Dec 11)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<a class=\"cl-button   prominent\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/olli\/course-proposal\/\" title=\"\">COURSE PROPOSAL FORM<\/a>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s to be gained by teaching at the OLLI?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Just as our members attend classes for the pleasure of it, our faculty at OLLI often teach for the sheer joy of sharing their expertise and enthusiasm for a topic. There are no tests to prepare or papers to grade, just teaching and holding discussions with interested and engaged students. We are able to offer small honorarium dependent on the length of the course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What learning formats are supported at the OLLI?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Traditional<\/strong>: lecture, discussion, or a combination of both<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hands On<\/strong>: getting the fingers dirty (e.g., painting, photography)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Collaborative<\/strong>: Collaborative learning classes, or study groups, are led by a facilitator, not necessarily an expert in the field. The facilitator might offer a syllabus with readings and lists of topics. Class participants take responsibility for class activity as peer leaders working independently or in teams. Working from guidelines provided by the facilitator, the class participants have the opportunity to make a presentation, lead a discussion, invite a guest speaker, or develop other ways to engage the class in the subject.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does a potential faculty\/coordinator propose a class?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Complete the following form at the link below. If you should have any questions or would like to speak to someone prior to your submission, please call the OLLI Office at 874-4197.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The proposal form includes an area for a <em>course syllabus,<\/em> and <em>course description<\/em>. The <em>syllabus<\/em> is a brief week-by-week outline for the Curriculum Committee to review for approval. The <em>course description<\/em> is what will be published in our catalog for our members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Duration of course<\/em>: Lectures meet one-time for 1.5 hours. Courses meet weekly for 3-6 weeks for 1.5 hours. Our courses are offered M-F from 9:00am-6:00pm.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Special considerations:<\/em> If you are requesting to teach a course that is longer than 6 weeks, longer or shorter than 1.5 hours, or would like to limit your course enrollment, please indicate as such on the proposal form. Note that art and hands-on courses must have at least 12 participants and any other course topics must have 15 to be considered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We strive to deliver a balanced and diverse program designed to satisfy our membership; all submissions are welcomed. Please be aware that the OLLI Curriculum Committee is responsible for reviewing course proposals, which takes place after all proposals are due. You will be contacted shortly after the due date regarding the status of your proposal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just as OLLI presents its classes for the sheer joy of learning, so too is the joy that OLLI faculty members experience as they share their knowledge.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Volunteers make OLLI happen! Have you thought about how you could be a more active member in our program?Have you ever wondered about the nuts and bolts of how we operate so smoothly? As a member-driven and member-led program, OLLI offers many opportunities for you to become actively involved from serving on a committee to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2097,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-10611","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/olli\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10611","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/olli\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/olli\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/olli\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2097"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/olli\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10611"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/olli\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10611\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17866,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/olli\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10611\/revisions\/17866"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/olli\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10611"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}