During the COVID pandemic, as a full-time caregiver for my husband, I was desperate for some outside diversion. My cousin convinced me to join LLI. She had been an enthusiastic member for years. The online classes during the shutdown were just perfect for me, connecting me to the outside world.
After my husband passed away, I was still enjoying my classes, but the program director, Sue Pike, asked me to consider becoming a recruiter. I was interested, but I had no experience as an educator. She said, “Well give it a try,” so I did, and here I am, still recruiting some years later. My job is to help recruit presenters to offer the classes our members love to take.
Some people have asked how I get my ideas for recruiting. First of all, I try to get classes that would interest me. I love history, genealogy and culinary classes. Ideas for possible classes come from articles I read, TV documentaries I enjoy and good books. I also research other LLI programs at other universities and have found some great presenters from those programs.
One of my favorites—out of many favorites—is Jim Pula. He wrote a book called “The Sigel Regiment: The 26th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry,” using as part of his research letters my great-great-grandfather wrote home while he served in the Civil War. Another favorite is Chef Todd Mohr. I joined his online cooking community originally to alleviate boredom during the pandemic.
I love Zoom classes, especially in the winter. Virtual learning is also an attraction for snowbirds and people who are housebound. That said, most presenters prefer to teach one-on-one in the classroom, and some travel quite a distance to do so. Still, our live-streaming allows us to serve a wider audience.
I encourage other LLI members to seek out volunteer opportunities. You’ll find plenty of support available as you get started. You can devote as much time or as little time as you like because, for LLI, every little bit helps. I’m so happy I joined, and I’m grateful I was asked to volunteer.
—By Ellen Framness, LLI Member & Volunteer