Sedona AZ (April 14, 2012) – In a time when most individuals, businesses, political and social movements communicate via Facebook and email blasts, the marketing committee of the Yavapai College’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) of Sedona and Verde Valley is discovering that face time remains a solid strategy of engagement. In a recent internal marketing survey conducted with OLLI membership, when members were asked how they had heard about OLLI, many shared “through a friend.” Taking this feedback seriously, OLLI marketing committee members have launched various person to person activities in the Verde Valley.
OLLI of Sedona and Verde Valley is a one of a kind program at Yavapai College created to meet the needs of intellectually active adults. What makes OLLI a unique learning experience is the lack of grades or tests. Members attend learning groups and workshops for the joy of learning. General topics of groups and workshops have included music, literature, metaphysical arts, science, self-improvement, and much more.
Face time activities during the OLLI winter 2012 term have included meet and greets in local libraries, events at Yavapai College Verde Valley and Sedona campuses, and recently, an afternoon coffee talk at the Sunset Village retirement community in Sedona.
The Sunset Village retirement community talk was an effort put forth by OLLI members Robert Gesche and Ronald Olson who serve on the recently formed OLLI R&D team, a team that works in partnership with the OLLI marketing committee. Instead of research and development, the team members create innovative face to face outreach experiences and programs that are relevant and dynamic.
At the Sunset Village event, a discussion ensued about the possibility of creating a Mente Olympics, a learning group in which members would engage in mental agility games. OLLI members discussed the program’s positive experiences including friendships that developed resulting from shared interests, and sometimes opposing viewpoints.
The OLLI spring term begins April 9, 2012 and ends May 17, 2012. The spring term is especially unique because of the number of workshops and diverse themes ranging from tales of Vietnam, Kenya, and Japan to discussions on sustainability, solar cooking, the fine arts and sculpture-the variety of workshops are robust and engaging.
Membership fees do apply and scholarships are available for up to two presentations per term. OLLI catalogs are available at the west Sedona and Village of Oak Creek libraries and other locations around the Verde Valley. To schedule a presentation for your club, group, or community, call 928-649-4275 in Sedona or 928-649-5550 in Clarkdale. Visit OLLI of Sedona and Verde Valley on the web at www.yc.edu/lifelonglearners.
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