I’ve been volunteering as an instructor at the UD Osher Lifelong Learning Institute’s Lewes facility since February. I’ll be finishing my first 11-week course, Fascism in America, this month. I’ll also be giving a presentation there on April 19, titled Looking for Justice in All the Wrong Places. In the fall, I’ll be teaching two courses, Fascism in America and Advocacy - Personal and Public. Both will be five-week courses.
I’ve learned quite a bit from volunteering, and I now have a better sense of how to go about it.
I was hoping to volunteer at Cape Henlopen High School. I wanted to involve interested students in researching and reporting with an eye toward publishing their own works – either individually or collaboratively with fellow students. I called the high school back in February and left my name and number with a request for the principal to call me back to discuss this or set up an appointment for me. I was disappointed when no one got back to me.
I’m 78 years old. I’ve had quite a career. I have my health, lots of free time and a genuine desire to be of service to my community. I’ve taught at all levels, including graduate school. I’ve been clinically licensed in five states. I was president and CEO of a software corporation I started in the 1990s. I’ve worked with every level of news media and was responsible for a nationally televised, award-winning special back in the 1970s. I’ve received some awards and functioned as an advisor to both local and state governments in two states. In my retirement, I work as a giclée print maker for local-area artists.
I’m guessing there are other free resources in our community that don’t come with any expense for those willing to consider them and take advantage of the opportunity being offered.
For the record, my experience at Osher has been wonderful. The people there are welcoming and helpful.