Following is a good example of how one LLI handles the discussion of the Long Range Planning issue. Taken from the April, 2006 edition of the Academy for Lifelong Learning (A.L.L.) , Cape Cod, Massachusetts and reprinted here with permission.

In keeping with the A.L.L. tradition of special meetings for Long-Range Planning, a group assembled in December of last year under the leadership of Fran Quinn, President and Joe Gill, Immediate Past President, to assess where we are and where we want to go. Consisting of the Long-Range Planning committee, the Board, and a small mix of representative coordinators, the group dealt with topics such as welcoming new members, social events, courses, finances and communications as well as other topics.

One area of concentration is always recruiting and integrating new members. Interesting suggestions included “mutual outreach” – inviting other clubs, such as fishing, birding, gardening, investment, travel, etc., to some of our large events and then attending their events; pushing for more publicity in free newspapers like Vitality and even making a video with clippings from classes to use at speaking engagements or on public access television. In terms of member integration it was suggested that the new member orientation be made more of a social event and include members who are not new as well.

Another topic of interest to people is collaboration with other organizations. One place to start is by improving our already good relationship with Cape Cod Community College. It’s been suggested that we ask for college students to orient any interested members, but especially new ones, to the resources and facilities of the college, such as the library, computer room, and fitness center which are open to all of us.

A concern with insuring ongoing leadership and Board recruitment prompted the suggestion that more explanation be provided in the newsletter about the responsibilities of Board members, the various positions and what they do, how and when to think about running, attending Board meetings, etc. All of these topics, as well as finances, communications, the role of coordinators, and curriculum, were brainstormed in small groups with recommendations later written up and sent to the Board. These are now in the process of moving forward to the appropriate committees.

If you have any suggestions you would like to add, or if you would like to be a member of the Long-Range Planning committee, leave a message for outgoing chair Fred Miller or President Fran Quinn at the A.L.L. office and they will forward this information to the new chairperson. Everyone’s ideas are welcome.