Talent wanted
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.
News
The election of UMRA officers and new board members for 2024–25 will be conducted via an online poll from May 13 to 19, with the results to be announced at our annual meeting on May 21. Look for the ballot in your email inbox on May 13. Diane Young has been nominated to be president-elect.
“I convinced myself I could handle this problem without support groups or doing additional research, but that’s only because I didn’t want to make it any more real than it already was. Denial comes in many forms, and one is to avoid thinking about the problem any more than need be.” —Alice A. Larson
Meet UMRA member Peter Moe. He retired in 2023 after a career that spanned nearly half a century at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and is credited with developing the “Arb” into one of the few in the U.S. with world-class fruit and landscape breeding programs.
The University Retirees Volunteer Center (URVC) has welcomed two new members with valuable skills and experience to the URVC Leadership Council: Lynn Slifer and Jeanne Jacobson.
The University plans to remove retirees from the @umn.edu internet identity domain on December 7. UMRA has advocated for ensuring continued access to this identity (including email, Google Workspace, and associated services), citing University retirees’ enduring contributions to and engagement with the University. Thus far, our efforts have not prompted any change of plans.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to explore your photographic interests, hone your photographic skills, and hear what other retirees are up to, the UMRA Photo Club is a great place to be. We have fun! And whatever your skill level, there is room for everybody.
Leading the online Journal of Opinions, Ideas & Essays has been a labor of love for Kris Bettin. Alas, a change in family needs has necessitated her retirement. So, JOIE is seeking a new leader to join a savvy editorial committee of five and bring fresh ideas for continued development of the UMRA-sponsored journal.
Soon you will receive an email or letter inviting you to renew your UMRA membership for the 2024–25 year. Please renew before you get busy with your summer activities. Your support helps to make our programs and many other member benefits possible!
This will be a new regular column where you can find organizational tasks that need your help! We are currently looking for help researching a new UMRA Membership Database and URVC volunteer database, and a co-producer for UMRA's Zoom webinars. See more details: