What is the purpose of Alumni Groups? The purpose of Elderhostel Alumni Groups is provide Elderhostelers with the opportunity to continue their Elderhostel experience in their local communities after their educational adventure is completed. Elderhostel operates like a large college or university offering 10,000 educational programs worldwide. Unlike traditional educational institutions, however, our "students" do not come to our "campus" but rather take classes in more than 100 countries around the globe. Through the establishment of the Elderhostel Alumni Association, we hope to promote continuing friendship among our program participants and strengthen the relationship between our constituents and the Elderhostel organization. What do Alumni Groups do? Elderhostelers gather in local Alumni Groups in their communities to share Elderhostel experiences. At their meetings, groups may choose to have a member of the group speak about a recent Elderhostel program experience. They may invite a member of Elderhostel's staff or a program provider to make a presentation or they may schedule a local expert to give a lecture on topic of shared interest. Related Links •  Volunteer as an Alumni Coordinator •  Established Alumni Group List •  Frequently Asked Questions about Alumni Groups •  Sign up for an Existing Alumni Group •  Charter Programs •  Return to Alumni Main Page •  Contact us What are the responsibilities of an Alumni Coordinator? An Elderhostel Alumni Coordinator is responsible for ensuring an atmosphere that is in accordance with Elderhostel's mission, where diversity is welcome, individuals are respected, and where learning and friendship are valued. Alumni Coordinators are volunteers who organize alumni gatherings in their local communities. They keep Elderhostel headquarters informed of their activities and serve as a liaison between Elderhostel and their alumni members. We ask you as an Alumni Coordinator to welcome Elderhostelers from your local community and encourage new participants to join in Elderhostel programs. Will I have help? Yes! You will work in collaboration with Elderhostel staff. Elderhostel has committed two staff members, Frania and Elizabeth, to assist you and your alumni group. Frania and Elizabeth are available to help you in many ways such as finding a meeting location, planing your events, scheduling speakers, and sending out and tracking invitations. How will I contact interested Elderhostelers in my area? Elderhostel is committed to protecting the privacy of all its participants. For this reason, Elizabeth and Frania will make the initial contact with Elderhostelers from your local community inviting them to participate in local alumni activities. In that way, we can protect your contact information as well as that of our other participants in your local area. At your first meeting, you may collect names, addresses, and email addresses directly from your attendees. Where and how often will the group meet? Alumni Groups meet in a variety of places including libraries, retirement communities, local senior centers, and members' homes. If none of the suggested places are available in your area, Frania and Elizabeth can help you in find a location to hold your meeting. We recommend that groups meet quarterly to keep the momentum going for your group. Who funds these groups? As a not-for-profit organization, Elderhostel does not have the budget necessary to fund the numerous Alumni Groups around the country. Some groups collect dues, ranging from $2.00 to $5.00 per household, to offset the costs of mailings, copies, or refreshments, while others ask members to volunteer to organize meetings for the group. Can I plan an Elderhostel program that is just for my Alumni Group? Yes! Elderhostel Charter Programs are an ideal way to bring a community together. Charter Programs enable groups to reserve an Elderhostel program exclusively for their members. Charter programs are the same high quality, affordable programs we offer to our individual participants.