Original Query: From Marge Wyngaarden, LLI, Bergen Community College, Paramus, NJ
The question of honoring our volunteer instructors arose at a recent Advisory Council meeting. Some were in favor of an annual luncheon, one heard that another LLI gives instructors $25 gift certificates at Barnes & Noble. A third argued that the emphasis is on volunteers. Another held that a free membership should be given. What do other institutions do? Please let me know.

From Ben Fisch, Learning Institute, New England College, Henniker, NH
Learning Institute provides a free membership, an annual lunch and a letter of appreciation.

From Karl Kregor, RENESAN, Santa Fe, NM
We give an honorarium equal to $25.00 per hour to all instructors/discussion leaders. Coordinators who find and schedule participants for a course get to take the course at no cost.

From Nancy Gluck, Lifetime Learners Institute, Norwalk, CT
We do several things, not to "pay" our facilitators who are all volunteers, but to express our appreciation:
1. Free membership and priority in enrolling in any course with a lottery.
2. A recognition event -- either a lunch or a dinner -- at which we say some nice things.
3. A small token gift with our logo.

From Bob Neil, McCALL, Montreat College, NC
Since we began in 1993, we have presented our instructors a check for $100.00 (plus some travel expense, if they come from more than 25 miles away). This check is presented in a "thank you" letter at a luncheon (free for instructors) on the last day of each term's classes. The letter states that we realize this is not compensation for their work, but an appreciation for their help. Occasionally, an instructor who is a member of McCALL will return the check to us. I would also be interested in hearing how others handle this.

From Steve Benson, ElderLearning Institute, University of Minnesota.
We put on a special luncheon at the end of the year for our volunteer instructors plus plenty of ongoing praise. The chance to work with our members seems to be very satisfactory compensation. We even have current faculty and retired faculty from the University as well as area colleges who lead groups. All seem to like our guidelines: be passionate about your topic, leave plenty of time for interaction and never any tests! We have over 100 instructors per year. There have been discussions about providing a book bag with our logo. Good luck!

From Bob Hartmann, QUEST, City College of New York City
We estimate that about 40% of our membership (52 out of 130 members) are involved in "coordinating/teaching" at least one course. Our Curriculum Committee has established a guideline whereby every course must have a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 3 coordinators. This is done to avoid cancellations due to illness and also to spread the responsibility for each course.

In addition, it brings to the subject matter different opinions and viewpoints. Since we are 100% peer conducted, our remuneration to the various coordinators is a pat on the back, a handshake, and a "job well done." Once our newer members are exposed to the concept of "peer learning" we encourage them to present short papers (10 to 15 minutes) on a focused subject within the parameters of the course. This is not so daunting and we find that once they do it, they are more willing to take on the responsibility of serving as one of two or three course coordinators.

For those members who are too shy to get up in front of the class, we offer other opportunities to serve: committee work, telephone communications, hospitality etc. The whole point of Quest is that we have no bosses; we are all interested in the success of our group; and everyone contributes to the extent of their ability. As in the case of any organization there are some 20% who attend classes but who are unable or unwilling to do any activity outside of attending classes. We feel they are valuable also by contributing their ideas in the classroom.

Since such a large percentage of our membership does contribute, remunerations or gifts are really not suitable. The only person who does get additional remuneration is our paid administrative assistant who covers our reception desk and who does various administrative chores throughout the year. Hope this gives you another perspective.

From Joan Harris, SAGE Society, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
In late April at the conclusion of our spring semester (when many of our snowbirds fly back to cooler climates) we put on for all moderators and co-moderators and the curriculum committee plus the president a very nice reception usually at the home of someone with a big enough place - its a nice catered event and seems much appreciated by those essential people without whom there would be no SAGE study groups.

Plus our president always makes a point of publicly thanking all those who make SAGE work from the committee members to the social organizers to the board at each and every opportunity (we have 2 general meetings each year) and we try to be sure we include mention of any special thanks when appropriate in our newsletter (published 4 times a year). We've had some problems in the past with a perceived lack of appreciation and too frequent criticisms by the membership for those who pull it all together, so in the past 2 years there has been increased emphasis on remembering those who serve so well. (P.S. - I like the idea of a tote bag with our logo/name and intend to suggest it to our board.)

From Sara Skaggs, Center for Learning in Retirement, Rock Valley College, Rockford, IL
It's been our policy to honor class leaders at an annual luncheon in the spring. At this event the president of the college recognizes the involvement of this program as being an integral and important aspect of what's going on in the community and the college. A great lunch is served, each speaker is called to the podium and presented with a Certificate of Recognition for their contributions. We present a $15 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble, which has been a great success. Class leaders are recognized in our newsletters, which number 6 a year. There is much volunteerism in this program, a much talked about aspect of LLIs. The class leaders are the essence of what is going on here and the Steering Committee has determined that $15 is appropriate. People are certainly doing what they're doing because they love it, not for the monetary rewards.

From Dan Salmon, PEIR, Hofstra University, New York
Since our members are the instructors and course leaders and most of our courses are completely peer taught, we do acknowledge their work but they get no special gifts or consideration. We attempt to get all of our members involved as active presenters or leaders. Does it work 100%? No! About 70% do share the workload and this appreciated by all, especially the deadwood.