Many, if not most, UMRA members volunteer and can be found in settings all over the community. But have you thought about volunteering for UMRA itself? We have teams of folks who do all the work to make the organization and all its activities go. They are essential to our programs and work. And they share a little secret: they have fun doing it.

Speaking for myself, my volunteer work with UMRA has blessed me with several new, good friends. Currently, we have some pressing needs for help. If one of these opportunities interests you, and I hope one will, get in touch with the listed contact person and they’ll tell you more. —Ron Matross, UMRA president

Co-producer for UMRA workshop and forum webinars. Working together with the UMRA Zoom webinar producer and technical director, the co-producer helps organize and troubleshoot. Responsibilities include creating the PowerPoint slides for the webinar opening and closing, obtaining slide decks from speakers, scheduling rehearsals, and troubleshooting behind the scenes during webinars. Making these productions happen is creative and fun if you’re detail-oriented, calm under pressure, and enjoy working with others. Contact Kris Mortensen at [email protected].

Technical manager for in-person forums. We need someone to make sure the technical aspects of our in-person forums run smoothly. The technical manager creates the forum opening and closing PowerPoint slides, obtains presentation slide decks from guest speakers, and troubleshoots problems with speakers and the Campus Club technical support staff. We need someone who is knowledgeable and handy with laptop computers; having a laptop that can be used for the presentations is a plus! Contact Cathy Lee Gierke at [email protected].

Membership database assistant. Works with the UMRA database manager to maintain and update the membership database. Work includes verifying the status of applicants for UMRA membership, entering data, updating records when requested, and occasionally stuffing and stamping envelopes. You’ll enjoy this opportunity if you like doing light clerical work. Previous database experience is not required! Contact Virgil Larson at [email protected].

URVC staff. The University Retirees Volunteer Center needs volunteers itself in several areas. Contact Deanne Magnusson at [email protected]

• Project development liaison. Connect with University academic and service units to identify and develop volunteer opportunities. Good people skills and previous connections within the University are helpful.
• Communication and outreach assistant. Develop and implement communication strategies for URVC, including writing newsletter articles, working on web pages, and developing marketing and evaluation strategies. Previous experience helpful.
• Office assistant. Assist with general office duties, including answering phones, responding to email, registering volunteers, and other data management tasks.