News & Events Archives

Volunteer opportunity: Become an AARP tax-aide

Do you enjoy working with numbers and helping people? You can do both, by joining AARP's tax-aide program—the nation's largest volunteer-run tax preparation and assistance service. You will be helping seniors, low-income, disabled, and other disadvantaged taxpayers at a site near you. Choose to be a Preparer/Counselor, Document Facilitator, or Technical Supporter. AARP provides everything you need—and you need neither tax experience nor AARP membership to join. 

Planning for a meaningful retirement: Thoughts from the Cares Committee

One way to decide how you will spend your retirement is to think of it as a question of the meaning of life. Think back on your life and what made it meaningful. Make a list of your values and your options and then brainstorm. If you read the research literature on happiness, you will find that deep happiness comes not from pleasure-seeking, but from helping others.

What can caring for others do for you? 

Book Notes on September Book Club Meeting

Parking reservations available for UMRA luncheons

Combine your reservation for the UMRA luncheon with a reservation for parking and ensure your parking space. Plan to arrive between 10 a.m. and noon. Pay when exiting, and use parking coupons as usual.

Parking reservations available for UMRA luncheons

Combine your reservation for the UMRA luncheon with a reservation for parking and ensure your parking space. Plan to arrive between 10 a.m. and noon. Pay when exiting, and use parking coupons as usual.

Help Wanted: Cares Committee seeks new members

UMRA Cares Committee seeks new members to assist workshop development and important communication work. Those of you who’ve experienced the Cares Committee’s outreach at a time of serious illness or loss know the important role filled by these caring members.

To volunteer, all Ron Anderson, Cares Committee Chair at 612-963-6660 or email him at [email protected]

Three honored with 'Service to UMRA' awards in May

This year the executive committee awarded three awards for Service to UMRA. All three of the awardees have served UMRA for many years in demanding positions, which required steady and consistent leadership. All three are leaving their respective positions this year. With thanks, we recognize them for helping to making UMRA the successful organization that it is.

URVC celebrates 30th anniversary

Congratulations to the University Retirees Volunteer Center (URVC) as they celebrate 30 years of service this year. Beginning as an UMRA committee, URVC has grown and is now a national model for other universities. Last year, 325 URVC volunteers logged an all-time high of 9,640 hours. URVC invites UMRA members to volunteer for rewarding, fulfilling experiences in giving back or paying it forward.

Care Guide program is suspended

Care Guides are a small group of volunteers who were trained by the late Dr. Robert Kane, director of the U of M Center on Aging. The guides were started to assist UMRA members in locating resources to manage unexpected long or short hospital stays or the challenges of providing caregiving to family members with serious health problems. 

Professional Development Grants for Retirees- a program worthy of your support

Do you have a scholarly project you would like to finish with the support of a small grant? Or a new project you would like to start? Then you might want to consider applying for a grant from the Professional Development Grants for Retirees (PDGR) program.

Reach out with your personal invitation

The most effective way to recruit new members to UMRA is for current members to extend a personal invitation to colleagues they know have retired or are about to retire. Pick up an UMRA brochure to support your invitation at the next luncheon meeting.  

Curious about how UMRA was started?

University Archives contains many UMRA documents. One of the earliest was created with one of the most common tools of the trade of the early 1980's. The 22 page, typewritten (remember those?) pdf document can be found in the article.

Voter Registration Volunteers Needed

Neighborhood House / Wellstone Foundation is initiating a voter registration opportunity in tandem with its Mass Produce Distribution events in an effort to promote community resources when residents congregate. Here is a chance to contribute to higher voter turnout and foster the democratic process.

Red Cross Front Desk Support

The Minneapolis Red Cross main office – 1201 West River Parkway – (near the Guthrie) serves many functions of this valuable service organization. The position requires a regular 3 – 4 hour weekly shift. 

Tactile Acuity Research For Aging Piano Players

The purpose of this study is to determine whether you, a piano player, have not had a decline in your sense of touch. Your participation is welcomed if you are between ages 55 to 75 AND have been a long-term piano player.