NEW DIMENSIONS IS A LIFELONG LEARNING PROGRAM FOR ADULTS 50 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER
Your curriculum team hard at work preparing for the next term.
"The Art of Falconry" led by Ray Rickard.
Our Founders: Jan Henwood Jean Gauley
Board of Directors: Kent Brown Bill Byers Vi Crawford Jean Gauley Dave Karisny Glenn Whitaker Sandy Miller
Jan Henwood-- President Emeritus Dr. Phil Mohler--Board Member Emeritus
Advisory Committee: Anne Breckenridge Jean Gauley Jan Henwood Eileen Lepisto Paul Van Camp Stan Zygmunt Laura Daniels
Course Development: Judy Herr David Karisny Dick Arnold Paul VanCamp Susan Hall Deb Cockroft Stan Zygmunt Glen Whitacre Ken Mabrey Sandy Miller Jackie Walker Michael Wallace Lynn Bragdon Val Lambdin Cathy DiPaola Kathy Herzog Beth Egghart
Curriculum Coordinator: Anne Breckenridge
Marketing: Jan Henwood Stan Zygmunt Volunteer Coordinator: Laura Daniels
Web Support: Anne Breckenridge Bill Gordon
Technology support: Paul VanCamp David Karisny Sandy Miller Barbara Roberts Scott Perrin Akira Fukai
CONTACT: New Dimensions (970) 425-6129.
WHO ARE WE? In the fall of 2014, a small group of retired individuals began talking about the possibility of classes for seniors that would reflect the successful national model: The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. New Dimensions has incorporated many of the policies and much of the structure of OLLI. This model has provided a framework to guide in the planning of all facets of what we now know as New Dimensions Lifelong Learning Institute (NDLLI).
After much discussion, a concept for the program was formed and planning for classes began. New Dimensions was launched in the spring of 2015 with 16 classes and 64 members and almost all of the classes were held at local churches and CMU.
After completing 13 sessions (one in the winter/spring and one in the fall of each year), we have grown showing a 60% increase. The Grand Valley shows there is a need and great interest for people 50 and over to continue learning and meeting new people. New Dimensions was created by seniors to serve seniors over the age of 50.
VOLUNTEERS PROVIDE THE SUCCESS AND SUSTAINABILITY OF THE PROGRAM Strong membership involvement is needed to organize and sustain the program. We hope you will consider taking an active role. New Dimensions uses volunteers to select courses and recruit instructors, maintain membership, conduct registration, manage the web page, plan marketing and promotion, and conduct operations.
PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY In the spirit of fostering understanding, each member is encouraged to share opinions and ideas. NEW DIMENSIONS class participants do not attempt to "convert" others, because there is a mutual respect for each member's experiences, ideas, value systems and beliefs. The true focus of a New Dimensions class is the critical examination of issues and opinions. Each participant's point of view carries equal weight. Consensus is not a goal. We encourage participants with varied perspectives to attend and become engaged through discussion and civil debate.
FUNDING AND RESOURCES The major funding source for NDLLI is the membership fee and donations. The program received non-profit status in 2015 which allowed for a way to seek funding and sponsorships. Recently we have had requests for a way to donate to New Dimensions and have added a "Donate" page to our site. In order to donate click on the page and follow the prompts.
Scholarships: A limited number of scholarships are available. Please contact us at info@newdimensionsgj.org
PROGRAM GUIDELINES FOR COURSE SELECTION AND INSTRUCTION
Course Selection
Will provide diverse and intellectually stimulating offerings in a wide variety of disciplines to include but not limited to: history, science, literature, political science, ethics, philosophy, economics, nature study, humanities, art studies including history and appreciation, and current issues. In addition, topics on lifestyle enrichment may be included: i.e. travel, entertainment, wellness, and fitness.
Will include topics of controversy and concern and ensure that instruction represents information on all sides of an issue.
Will strictly limit courses representing private business or nonprofit agencies; these classes when offered will meet strict guidelines including board-approved sponsorship.
Instructors:
will create a welcoming classroom encouraging all participants to engage and interact through a variety of formats including discussion, small groups, question, and presentation.
will respect the diverse opinions of participants.
will remain neutral in presenting controversial material and will include information on various positions on the subject.
will represent varied ethnic and racial groups whenever possible.