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.

SOU OLLI volunteer

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.

Community & People

Creative & Storytelling

Organizing & Planning

Active & Hands-on

Flexible & Open

Community & People

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

  • Offer activities that help members connect.
  • Plan and host OLLI at SOU events.
  • Promote OLLI at SOU in the community.

These roles bring members together to work collaboratively on activities that help OLLI at SOU members connect with one another and share OLLI’s presence in the wider community.

Creative & Storytelling

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

  • Help shape course descriptions.
  • Edit, proofread and write copy for media stories and advertisements.
  • Capture OLLI at SOU’s story through photos.

Attend monthly meetings to share ideas and stay connected with others doing similar work. Some people may enjoy ongoing creative projects; while others may dip in for a few hours at a time.

Organizing & Planning

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

  • Coordinate people, ideas and projects.
  • Engage in strategic planning and policy discussions.
  • Welcome, orient and mentor volunteers.

These roles can be done independently or with small planning teams. Some roles are steady and ongoing; others are project-based, with opportunities to take on more responsibility over time.

Active & Hands-on

Contribute to OLLI at SOU in meangingful 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.

  • Assist members and provide clerical support at the OLLI office.
  • Show instructors how to use classroom AV/IT.
  • Care for the Campbell Center’s garden.

These roles can be described as “learn by doing,” with clear tasks and support along the way. There are opportunties for independent or collaborative work, with one-time or ongoing commitments.

Flexible and Open

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.

All Content © 2025 Southern Oregon University – 1250 Siskiyou Boulevard Ashland, OR 97520
Southern Oregon University is committed to providing equal opportunity in its recruitment, admissions, educational programs, activities, and employment without discrimination on the basis of age, disability, national origin, race, color, marital status, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. For any equity related concerns, including Title IX, please contact Angela Fleischer, Director of Equity Grievance/Title IX Coordinator at equitygrievance@sou.edu .