Member Handbook

LLI is building a volunteer database that will include the interests and basic information of LLI members. We want to make any “job” that you do or any time that you give is rewarding to you. By filling out a simple questionnaire we will have the information available to make sure that you have opportunities that interest you. All information on the questionnaire will be in a secure database and will be kept confidential.

Included on the questionnaire is a request for emergency contact information and alternate emergency contact information. This information will be kept in the unlikely event that we might need it.

Some institutes make volunteering a condition of membership. LLI – Manassas does not do that. Volunteering is central to our existence as an organization.

It is the intention of LLI – Manassas to be governed by its members and to function as an “intellectual cooperative” in which members volunteer to administer, plan, instruct, organize, and serve as officers and committee members. The three reasons why volunteers are integral to the success of LLI – Manassas are: money. workload, and teaching.

The membership fees for LLI – Manassas are minimal because we rely on members to teach or lead courses and we do not pay outside teachers and speakers.

There are 4 other things that should be known about volunteering:

• Everyone has a talent to help in some capacity
• You should volunteer only for what you want to do
• Your time is valuable. We will not ask you to give more than you can handle.
• You should look on volunteer work as enjoyable and rewarding. If it isn’t we are doing something wrong.

LLI members already involved in running the organization are always on the lookout for volunteers. Experience shows that the best way to get volunteers is the direct and personal approach. But you should not wait to be asked. Take the initiative.

After perusing the list of Volunteer Opportunities listed in this handbook, you may find a particular job that is attractive. At times LLI is looking for immediate help. We may place word in our newsletter or we may call. Announcements of job openings are included in the LLI – Manassas newsletter and on the website.

We hope to have each person have a wonderful experience being part LLI and that is no less true of volunteering. Volunteers who are dependable and responsible are what we are looking for. Each job, each task is important to LLI’s success.

• Clear and professional communication from your leader
• Appreciation for your time and effort
• Respect
• Necessary training

If your needs are not being met in these area please let the Chair of Volunteers, or a board member know.

In order to understand the need for volunteers, it is helpful to know how the organization is structured.

LLI – Manassas is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization incorporated in Virginia with articles of incorporation and by-laws. Ultimate authority is exercised by LLI members at the annual meeting at which the membership receives a report from the president, elects directors to serve on the Board of Directors and acts on any amendments that may be proposed to the by-laws.

The thirteen member Board of Directors sets policies, approved budgets, and oversees LLI operations. It elects the officers, – president, vice-president, treasurer, secretary – and has established standing committees to assist with LLI operations.

The committees are:

The following are some of the opportunities to lend a hand:

• Greeters at the Forums and other Special Events
• Shuttle drivers for Forums and other Special Events
• Committee members
• Typist
• Newsletter contributors

There will be an LLI Speaker’s Bureau for use by NOVA Faculty in the subjects being taught at the Manassas Campus. Please watch for additional information in the future.

Attached is a print example of the survey that we will be asking you to complete. The survey is an on-line survey and should take less than 5 minutes to complete. The link to the survey will be sent out and will also be linked to the LLI website. Again, all of the information is strictly confidential.