Volunteer Leadership Institute graduates first class

Darine Prok of Medina has graduated as a member of the inaugural class of AARP’s Volunteer Leadership Institute (VLI).  She was one of 23 exceptional volunteers from across the country who completed the course.

VLI is a rigorous and innovative training opportunity launched by AARP in December 2012 to mobilize highly skilled and motivated AARP volunteers to the next level of volunteer leadership.  The first class met both in person and virtually over a 13-month period to build their leadership strengths in one of three chosen “tracks” – advocacy, community outreach or external representation.

AARP is one of the leading volunteer organizations in the nation, with more than 55,000 active volunteers.  Many of them, according to Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond, have the skills and the desire to do even more.

“VLI is an investment in our volunteers – providing resources and opportunities for innovation to take volunteers with proven leadership ability to a new level,” she said. “I know of no other organization has created this type of volunteer development experience.”

The graduation of the VLI’s first class of participants is a critical step forward for AARP as an organization.  “We have an ambitious social change agenda aimed at empowering people 50+ to enjoy the way they live and work today, while reaching their goals for tomorrow,” LeaMond said.  ”AARP is able to meet our goals by leveraging the talents, the skills, and the tenacity of our volunteers.”

An AARP Ohio volunteer trainer since 2005, Darine Prok said that while the VLI taught her a careful approach to community involvement, she is most impressed with what she learned about the real possibilities offered through Life Reimagined: “It’s a very good program. It’s opening doors to new opportunities. So many people could benefit by exploring what’s out there one step at a time.”

The other VLI graduates have made early strides as well, taking on new responsibilities, such as serving on committees and task forces; representing AARP as subject matter experts at events and conferences; and reaching more than 11,000 people through speaking engagements.  AARP will host two VLI classes in 2014.  The first will begin meeting in February.