Building community through shared writing
UMRA member Marilyn DeLong was one of three panelists who participated in a recent discussion and idea exchange on the value of shared writing groups as a means of community building, hosted by the national Association of Retirement Organizations in Higher Education (AROHE). She shared the history of the University of Minnesota Women’s Club and its Creative Writing Circle.
DeLong, U of M College of Design professor emerita, is the current president of the Women’s Club and co-leader of the Creative Writing Circle. Members of the circle are writing memoirs, historical fiction, poetry, or whatever is of interest. Some volunteer to submit samples of their writing, which the group then reviews and “offers support and critique” at its monthly, two-hour meetings, DeLong said. “The critique is kind, insightful, questioning, and focused on improvements.”
AROHE board member Dolores (Dee) Stegelin, Clemson University College of Education professor emerita, compiled an excellent summary of the November 2025 panel discussion, which includes a list of shared writing resources. See "AROHE Community Building Brief” to learn more.
—Eric Hockert, UMRA past president and AROHE president-elect
News
One last reminder that the Nominating Committee is looking for your suggestions for candidates to serve on the UMRA Board—primarily president-elect, who serves as Program Committee chair for one year before becoming president; secretary; and up to five directors. The Board meets monthly from September through May and directors serve three-year terms.
Volunteerism is declining across the country, and the University Retirees Volunteer Center is gearing up to help reverse the trend. Please be on the lookout for a short survey in February or March. URVC wants to hear about your interests, experiences, and suggestions related to volunteering.
Meet UMRA member Nanette Hanks, a fourth-generation Texan who has hiked the Camino de Santiago in Spain nearly 40 times! She’s going back in June, and still has a couple places left if you’d like to join the group she will be leading.
There are some relatively easy things you can do to help protect yourself against identity theft and online and telephone fraud. Here are some New Year’s resolutions to help make your 2026 a safe year.
The third of Marilynn Erickson's three stories about her family history. She wrote each story “to check out the verbal family stories and connect them to documentation and photos.”
This third story is about Scandal in the Graveyard.
The second of Marilynn Erickson's three stories about her family history. She wrote each story “to check out the verbal family stories and connect them to documentation and photos.”
This second story is about the Sea Wing disaster.