From the President
2026-04: 50 years of creating community
An article by business consultant James Donnelly, “The Power of Creating Community: Why It Matters, Drawbacks without It and How to Do It,” recently caught my attention. The article seemed like a road map for a successful retirement association like UMRA. A closer look at the details of UMRA’s 50-year history and context started coming into focus for me around Donnelly’s theme.
He offers thoughts on why community matters—citing a sense of belonging, support, and encouragement; collective growth; collaboration and innovation; and positive impact. As I think about UMRA in this context over its 50-year evolution, so many examples pop up illustrating UMRA’s “brand”: special interest groups, gatherings and conversations over breakfast and lunch, messages of condolence, opportunities to volunteer, opportunities to innovate, and opportunities to participate with others for positive impact. The list goes on.
Donnelly writes, “We are naturally social people. We crave connection and a sense of belonging.” He further shares, “Communities provide emotional and practical support. … In times of crisis, a strong community can act as a safety net. … When people come together, they share knowledge, skills, and resources. … The collective wisdom leads to personal and professional growth. .… Shared knowledge doesn’t just benefit individuals but also strengthens the community itself.” Each of us can point out meaningful UMRA examples that illustrate these quotes.
As UMRA looks forward to the 50th anniversary of its origin in 1976, the collective wisdom on which we are all standing is humbling. UMRA founders and minders over time seem to have internalized the roadmap Donnelly paints for us. And there continue to be opportunities within UMRA for each of us to participate in the community-creating roadmap, as they fit our personal moments in time.
It is my honor and pleasure to be on this journey together with you!