UWRA NEWSLETTER 1 INSIDE New UWRA Members 3 UWRA’s Fall Gathering 4 Workplace by Facebook, a UWRA Member Benefit 5 United for Humanity 5 Helping Women Make an Impact 6 Putting Purpose Front and Center 7 Member Recollections & Updates 8 UWRA RESEARCHES ‘AGING IN PLACE’ PRACTICES For the past five months, the United Way Retirees Association (UWRA) has had the privilege of honoring Cinda A. Hallman, former chief executive officer of Spherion Corporation who served on United Way of America’s Board of Trustees from 2001 to 2007. Thanks to a restricted grant from the Cinda A. Hallman Memorial Fund, UWRA has been conducting a landscape review of aging in place practices and programs, honoring Ms. Hallman’s intentions to help older adults remain in their homes. Members of the research team interviewed thirteen local United Way (UW) organizations representing the UW Advisory Council on Aging (refer to inset), surveyed the broader UW network regarding their local initiatives, met with key influencers in the aging space, participated in site visits to five local communities, conducted focus groups with older adults, and attended two national conferences on aging. The team spoke with community-based organizations, gerontologists, local/state government representatives, and universities testing new programs for older adults. They visited senior centers, met UW partners, and interviewed UW program staff to better understand the supports needed to help older adults remain in their homes - independent, safe, and connected to their communities. All contacts and respondents demonstrated their passion for this work by graciously sharing their time and expertise with the goal of expanding their impact. UW ADVISORY COUNCIL ON AGING INTERVIEWEES: Aloha United Way (HI) United Way Area Agency on Aging of Jefferson Country (AL) United Way of Greater Atlanta (GA) United Way of Greater Houston (TX) United Way of Greater Rochester (NY) United Way of Lower Mainland (Vancouver, BC) United Way of Miami-Dade (FL) United Way of Northern New Jersey United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania United Way of Tarrant County (TX) United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (PA) United Way of Tucson (AZ) United Way of Washtenaw County (MI) Many programs approach aging in place and aging in community from a perspective of inclusivity and empowerment of older adults from different ages, abilities, communities, identities, and circumstances. For example, there is growing recognition of the unique challenges associated with aging in rural areas, ‘elder orphans’ who are aging alone without family support, or ‘re-closeting’ among LGBTQ adults who can no longer live independently. There is also a notable disparity between the services needed by older adults with multiple chronic diseases who are simply trying to survive at home versus relatively healthy and mobile older adults who are still thriving at home and engaged in their communities. Some of the most effective programs were based on the growing understanding that social determinants of health account for 60% of a population’s overall well-being and are linked to socioeconomic and environmental factors as well as predicted consumer behaviors (World Health Organization). For example, the home maintenance and social connection needs of older adults in rural areas vary greatly from the needs of those located in cities. Factors like education, financial security, cultural background, and physical access to their local communities also affect older adults’ ability to take care of their medical needs, maintain appropriate and safe housing for themselves, and stay connected to family, friends, and community members. These programs also effectively recognize the individuality of older adults and the need for continued independence throughout one’s life. ...continued on page 2 Issue 2, 2019 UPDATES 87% of adults age 65+ want to stay in their current home and community as they age. (AARP)
Transcript
UWRA NEWSLETTER 1
INSIDENew UWRA Members 3
UWRA’s Fall Gathering 4
Workplace by Facebook, a UWRA Member Benefit 5
United for Humanity 5
Helping Women Make an Impact 6
Putting Purpose Front and Center 7
Member Recollections & Updates 8
UWRA RESEARCHES ‘AGING IN PLACE’ PRACTICESFor the past five months, the United Way Retirees Association (UWRA) has had the privilege of honoring Cinda A. Hallman, former chief executive officer of Spherion Corporation who served on United Way of America’s Board of Trustees from 2001 to 2007. Thanks to a restricted grant from the Cinda A. Hallman Memorial Fund, UWRA has been conducting a landscape review of aging in place practices and programs, honoring Ms. Hallman’s intentions to help older adults remain in their homes.
Members of the research team interviewed thirteen local United Way (UW) organizations representing the UW Advisory Council on Aging (refer to inset), surveyed the broader UW network regarding their local initiatives, met with key influencers in the aging space, participated in site visits to five local communities, conducted focus groups with older adults, and attended two national conferences on aging.
The team spoke with community-based organizations, gerontologists, local/state government representatives, and universities testing new programs for older adults. They visited senior centers, met UW partners, and interviewed UW program staff to better understand the supports needed to help older
adults remain in their homes - independent, safe, and connected to their communities. All contacts and respondents demonstrated their passion for this work by graciously sharing their time and expertise with the goal of expanding their impact.
UW ADVISORY COUNCIL ON AGING INTERVIEWEES:Aloha United Way (HI)United Way Area Agency on Aging of Jefferson Country (AL)United Way of Greater Atlanta (GA)United Way of Greater Houston (TX)United Way of Greater Rochester (NY)United Way of Lower Mainland (Vancouver, BC)United Way of Miami-Dade (FL)United Way of Northern New JerseyUnited Way of Southwestern PennsylvaniaUnited Way of Tarrant County (TX)United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (PA)United Way of Tucson (AZ)United Way of Washtenaw County (MI)
Many programs approach aging in place and aging in community from a perspective of inclusivity and empowerment of older adults from different ages, abilities, communities, identities, and circumstances. For example, there is growing recognition of the unique challenges associated with aging in rural areas, ‘elder orphans’ who are aging alone without family support, or ‘re-closeting’ among LGBTQ adults who can no longer live independently. There is also a notable disparity between the services needed by older adults with multiple chronic diseases who are
simply trying to survive at home versus relatively healthy and mobile older adults who are still thriving at home and engaged in their communities.
Some of the most effective programs were based on the growing understanding that social determinants of health account for 60% of a population’s overall well-being and are linked to socioeconomic and environmental factors as well as predicted consumer behaviors (World Health Organization). For example, the home maintenance and social connection needs of older adults in rural areas vary greatly from the needs of those located in cities. Factors like education, financial security, cultural background, and physical access to their local communities also affect older adults’ ability to take care of their medical needs, maintain appropriate and safe housing for themselves, and stay connected to family, friends, and community members. These programs also effectively recognize the individuality of older adults and the need for continued independence throughout one’s life. ...continued on page 2
Issue 2, 2019UPDATES
87% of adults age 65+ want to stay in their current home and community as they age. (AARP)
2 UWRA.org
Chair’s Cornerby Carl Zapora
The landscape review uncovered numerous and diverse programs and services, e.g., those aimed at maintaining health, ensuring easy access to transportation, promoting skills-based volunteering, and reducing social isolation.
These are some examples of programs that stood out for their focus on specific challenges facing older adults and their contextual approach to healthy aging:
y HomeMeds (Medication Management Improvement System) helps older adults manage their medical routines and needs. http://www.eblcprograms.org/evidence-based/recommended-programs/homemeds
y Better Choices, Better Health offers chronic disease management workshops to educate older adults on best care practices for their needs. http://goodandhealthysd.org/communities/betterchoicesbetterhealth/
y Here to Stay: Home Upkeep for All helps older adults manage home maintenance and upkeep routines. https://heretostay.aarpfoundation.org/
y CAPABLE (Community Aging in Place) identifies older adults living alone with dementia and works with them to address their health, housing, and future planning needs. https://nursing.jhu.edu/faculty_research/research/projects/capable/index.html
y Silver Nest is a home-sharing program which helps older adults connect with tenants across generations for safe and accessible housing. https://www.silvernest.com/
y Go Go Grandparent helps older adults maintain their mobility through ridesharing programs like Lyft and Uber without using a smart phone. https://gogograndparent.com/
y A Matter of Balance runs short, evidence-based classes with older adults to minimize fall risks through education, exercise, and preventative thinking. http://www.eblcprograms.org/evidence-based/recommended-programs/a-matter-of-balance
y SAIL: Stay Active and Independent for Life! is an evidence-based strength, balance, and fitness class helping older adults in their own communities.
y Encore connects older adults with opportunities to mentor, lead, and volunteer within their communities. https://encore.org/
y Give 5 connects older adults with local volunteer opportunities that take advantage of their skill sets and talents. https://give5program.org/
y Senior Corps provides a network of national service programs for Americans 55 years and older to improve lives and foster civic engagement. https://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/senior-corps
The next phase of the project involves summarizing the many observations and conclusions from dozens of appointments, interviews, and visits to make recommendations for potential partnerships and scalable programs to help older adults successfully, safely, and happily age in place.
Beyond the delivery of these recommendations, the study has provided UWRA with rich knowledge about healthy aging that will continue to benefit UWRA members and honor the legacy of Cinda A. Hallman. Watch for more information in the next UPDATES newsletter.
UNITED WAY PROFESSIONALS DON’T RETIRE, THEY…Like many “retiring” United Way professionals, I went on to complete a stint in another field (good golly, government?) for six years. I was hired because my board of elected officials wanted someone who could broker different organizations and entities toward new goals. Sound familiar? It’s what we United Way people do best.
Our UW profession groomed us to see opportunities to collaborate that others might not.
A recent example for me came through my community colleges connection in Washington State. I’m a trustee at Edmonds Community College and current board chair of our state trustee association. I was surprised to learn
that most of our 34 college presidents were not aware of 2-1-1. I also suspected that better collaboration between colleges, 2-1-1, and community organizations could help students address ‘life challenges’ (i.e., housing, food, transportation, daycare, etc.) that can hinder student success.
Well … UWRA to the rescue! Our CEO Amber Kelleher set up a meeting for me and United Way Worldwide’s 2-1-1 lead Rachel Krausman to learn more. We discovered that one community college in New York State partnered with 2-1-1 and saw their student dropout rate - for reasons other than academic and financial aid challenges – fall by 30%. WOW!
“Loneliness has the same impact on mortality as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.” - Douglas Nemecek, MD, Cigna’s chief medical officer for behavioral health
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to attend the American Society on Aging (ASA) annual conference as part of UWRA’s aging in place project (see cover article). Dr. Charlotte Yeh, Chief Medical Officer for AARP Services, Inc. and a featured presenter at the conference, described the importance of purpose and positive views of aging. Dr. Yeh noted that purpose and positivity matter because they are associated with better outcomes — fewer heart attacks, lower risk for dementia, more preventative services, and lower healthcare costs. What a powerful message.
Furthermore, research from the Stanford Graduate School of Education and Encore.org linked purpose and positivity - finding that purposeful people have a positive outlook on life (read more on page 7). That bodes well for UWRA members who are among the most purposeful people I’ve met.
This issue of UPDATES is full of examples demonstrating the purposeful character of UWRA members. Each of you continues to make a difference as advocates, advisors, authors, caregivers, and more. I thoroughly enjoy hearing about your interests and passions. Please keep them coming. Your stories are inspirational.
Beyond purpose and positivity, a connection with community has also been linked to healthy aging. ‘Community’ means different things to different people, of course. Some of us are comfortable with a community of one, e.g., a weekly phone date with a friend or relative. Others thrive on different types of community engagement, e.g., regular volunteer commitments or a monthly book club.
Many of you emphasize the importance of staying connected with your UW community. The UWRA Member Workplace group is growing (see page 5), and it’s no surprise that at least 20 of you, so far, are planning to connect in Alexandria for the UWRA Gathering (see page 4). I hope many more will consider making the trip. The UWRA Gathering will be an opportunity to experience the many charms and attractions of the DC area while (re)connecting with friends and former colleagues who share your sense of purpose. Either way, UWRA will continue to strengthen and sustain your UW connections, on-line and in-person, as a key priority of our mission.
I will end with an acknowledgement to those who continue to contribute your time and talents to the UW community, as coaches, consultants, and mentors for UW colleagues who are under-staffed and under-resourced. Your impact is changing lives.
With gratitude, Amber
Fast forward, we’re now studying how we can do a better job collaborating with 2-1-1 in Washington State. It’s early in the process, but I predict we’ll find many colleges helping students in ways they hadn’t considered before, and as a result, lowering the dropout rate. Few things improve lives like an education!
It’s a great story, and one that was pretty easy for a United Way professional (retiree) to observe and help get started. We don’t retire. We just apply our experience and passion in new ways and in new areas.
Thanks to UWRA and UWW for making the connections and helping UWRA members to continue to make a difference!
4 UWRA.org
PLEASE JOIN US FOR UWRA’S FALL GATHERING
4 TIPS TO COOL DOWN SPENDING AND ENJOY SUMMERSummer is in full swing. It’s a popular time for fun and relaxation, yardwork and household projects, barbecues and beverages, and traveling with family and friends. How can you enjoy it all without going overboard on your budget? Here are four tips to keep in mind as temperatures start to climb:
1. Budget First, Then PlayExpenses for things like vacation and entertainment can be a shock to your wallet if you’re not prepared for them. Make a list of everything you’d like to do this summer, and figure out what it will cost. You may need to make some adjustments to your budget (hopefully you have one!), but that’s okay because planning now will help you avoid overspending and having to face credit card debt come fall.
2. Find Free and Reduced ActivitiesA lot of communities host free concerts, plays and movie nights in the park during summer. Just pack a blanket, some drinks and snacks, and enjoy. And many museums and tourist sites offer reduced fees on particular days or during certain hours. Also, look for street fairs, nature hikes, art shows and other activities that cost little or nothing to attend.
3. Carry CashGive your debit and credit cards a vacation from swiping. Instead, set a daily spending budget, and use cash to pay for your purchases. This may seem “old-school,” but using cash puts a hard limit on your budget. Since you can only spend what you have in your wallet, you may be less apt to buy things you don’t need or truly want.
4. Keep A Little Happy in Your Day If you enjoy a cold-brew coffee, get one. You can keep your budget in check by thinking carefully about what matters most to you and spending on things that bring you joy (within reason, of course!), and then offsetting that spending by cutting back on other nonessentials.For additional information and articles about retirement visit www.mutualofamerica.com
Hotel: Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria 801 N St Asaph St. Alexandria, VA 22314
UWRA’s group rate is $159 per night plus taxes. Daily breakfast and Wi-Fi access are included in the group rate. Reservations must be booked by September 10th to qualify for the group rate. The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to and from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
The UWRA Gathering is a great time to relax, connect with friends, and make new ones! This year we are excited about being in Alexandria, Virginia. We have a full agenda planned and you are welcome to participate in all or a selection of our activities.
Monday, September 30th y 4:00pm Welcome reception hosted by the Executive Management Team at United Way Worldwide.
Tuesday, October 1st y 9:30am Tour of the National museum of African American History. Tickets are free, but RSVPs are required.
y Lunch on your own. The Museum has an excellent restaurant, Sweet Home Cafe, and there are also many places nearby.
y 4:00pm Happy hour in our hotel hospitality suite.
y 5:30pm Departure by water taxi to the National Harbor for dinner.
Wednesday, October 2nd y 10:00am Lecture tour of the Library of Congress, led by Constance Carter.
y Lunch on your own. y 4:00pm Happy hour in our hotel hospitality suite.
y 5:00pm Group dinner (additional charge) at DC Central Kitchen, with a presentation about their Chef's Training Program.
y 7:30pm Evening tour of the monuments (additional charge of approximately $50).
Thursday, October 3rd y 10:00am Tour of Mt. Vernon (additional charge of $20) OR The Newseum (additional charge of $20).
y Lunch on your own. y 4:00pm Area United Way colleagues, alumni, and retirees are invited to join us Thursday evening.
Friday, October 4th y 9:00am Closing good-byes and send-off.
Note: There will be accommodations for transportation from the hotel to the Metro and a few of the activities.
Cost:A registration fee of $80 per person (paid at the time of registration) covers our Gathering expenses, our hospitality suite, and happy hour refreshments. Payment for optional activities will be requested at the close of the Gathering.Please feel free to contact any of us for additional information or clarification. We look forward to spending a fun week with you!
GROWING NUMBERS JOIN UW’S WORKPLACE BY FACEBOOK, A BENEFIT AVAILABLE TO UWRA MEMBERSBy Ruby Fakhimi (Lead Associate, Temp - Information Technology, United Way Worldwide) and Jim Yu (Director of Technology Engagement - IT Group, United Way Worldwide)
Workplace by Facebook (WP) is a growing community of 7,000 United Way staff, alumni, and retirees. Each week, over 1,500 people sign on to WP to connect in real-time in a way that is easy, social, fast, and mobile-friendly.
Current members of the United Way Retirees Association (UWRA) are eligible to join WP as one of their member benefits.
Why do UWRA members join Workplace?UWRA members are using WP to connect with former colleagues, to engage in online conversations with current UW staff around the work they are doing, and to join communities of interest (e.g., UW History and UW Women United).
How does WP differ from United Way Online (UWO)?The platforms have complementary purposes. WP is designed for collaboration and engagement. UWO is the repository of archived materials, documents, guides, network data, toolkits, and best practices.
I don’t have a Facebook account / I don’t (want to) use FacebookWP doesn’t require that you create a Facebook account, nor will you ever have to use Facebook to access Workplace. There is no connection between your WP account and your personal Facebook account (if you have one). It is a separate product that operates on a different system.
How do I request to join Workplace?You automatically receive a WP account when you register for a UWO account. If you have a UWO account, then you have a WP account already. Email [email protected] to confirm whether you already have a UWO account.
I can access Workplace from an email link, but I don’t know how to access it separately.From your computer, you can access Workplace using the following instructions:
1. Log in to UWO (https://online.unitedway.org) with your normal ID & password; request a new password, if needed.
2. Click the “Workplace by Facebook” link at top of any page.
3. Click “Log in With SSO”NOTE: Many members miss the SSO step and enter their email address. Do not fill in your email & don’t click “Continue.”
4. You will see a screen with your name.
5. Click that you agree to the Workplace Premium Policy, Acceptable Use.
6. Click “Create Account”.
NOTE: You will only complete steps 4 to 6 the first time you access Workplace. You will not need to repeat those steps in the future.
Now what do I do?Once you have access to WP, visit the “UW How to Use Workplace” group to get started: https://unitedway.facebook.com/groups/uwhowtouseworkplace/
I get too many notifications.You can’t turn off notifications entirely, but you can adjust how you’re notified and what you’re notified about. To access your notification settings, click “Settings” from your Workplace profile on your computer and select “Notifications.” For even further customization, you can adjust notification settings for each group you’ve joined, under Group Activity.
See you on Workplace!
Still have questions? Please email [email protected] to request assistance.
UNITED FOR HUMANITY - CHANGING THE DEBATE ON IMMIGRATION
By Brian Lachance, UWRA Liaison and Chief of Staff, United Way Worldwide
One in every 113 people around the world is now a refugee. Every three seconds, someone is forced from their home by violence, war and persecution. Some call migration a political or economic issue. It’s foremost a humanitarian issue. It’s about people seeking better lives.
United Way has supported migrants or refugees in China, Europe, Canada, the United States, and many other places in which we work. But one of the most pressing issues at the moment is the migrant crisis along the border between the U.S. and Mexico. Migration is one of the defining issues of our time.
United Way Worldwide (UWW) recently launched a major effort to change the nature of the debate on immigration and the treatment of migrants. There was a special edition of Breakfast with United Way (26-Jun-19) featuring a message from Brian Gallagher, links to the #UnitedforHumanity website (united4humanity.org), social media posts, and examples of how United Ways are providing support to refugees and migrants around the world.
United Way will continue to lean into this issue. We must view this issue thoughtfully, and work together to provide jobs, education and support for people seeking safety. We will tell these stories and play an active role in shaping the narrative about migration at all levels of our society. We must be United for Humanity.
UWRA: You’ve worked in nonprofit administration, education, and fundraising for over 40 years—all valuable experiences that you’re using to inform your upcoming book. How did you get here?I was trained as a psychotherapist/social worker and transitioned into administrative positions after five years of direct service work. In between agency work, I taught social work at a liberal arts college and served as an adjunct professor at the University of Iowa Graduate School. Returning to nonprofit administration, I became CEO of a family service agency and learned the art of fundraising. Eventually, I joined United Way and served for twelve years as the CEO of United Way of East Central Iowa (UWECI). After retirement, I started a consulting service and now work with United Ways on major gifts and women’s philanthropy programs. I am also writing a book on women’s philanthropy.
What are some of the highlights of your career with United Way? There are many, but I’ll mention two. During my United Way career, our community experienced a horrific flood that demolished our downtown and more than 5,000 homes. Our United Way led the charge to build a 14 million-dollar human services campus to house 13 nonprofit agencies, including UWECI.I am also extremely proud of the Women’s Leadership Initiative (Women United) program we developed in 2006, which is still growing. As the first and only woman CEO of United Way of East Central Iowa, I am truly proud of all the women who served with me and will continue the great tradition of women giving to women.
How have you seen the philanthropy world change in the past two decades? Donors are more informed about the causes they support and want a direct link to the issues. They have so many more choices. Fundraisers have to spend more time stewarding them. There are also generational differences in giving. For example, younger donors are more likely to be influenced by peers and social media. Philanthropy has always been a relationship business, but now donors can have relationships in so many new ways, personally and virtually.
Your upcoming book focuses on women’s philanthropy. What makes this type of giving unique?Thanks to the wonderful research conducted at the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University, we now know more about how women think about philanthropy and how it influences their decisions. Women approach philanthropy differently. They like to get engaged in the cause, network, create solutions, and work in collaboration with others. Philanthropy is more than a transaction for women — it’s truly an investment. Women define philanthropy much more broadly than just money. Women have had to learn how to be philanthropic in different ways because they haven’t always had access to money.
What are some of the topics you’re exploring in your upcoming book?1. The projected increase in women’s
wealth and philanthropy2. Women’s motivations for giving 3. How philanthropy impacts programs
for women and girls4. The impact of women’s increased
philanthropic efforts
What advice would you give to women philanthropists looking to make an impact through giving?First, think about what values are important to you and how those could translate into giving. Second, learn as much as you can about your financial situation. What assets do you have and what are your options for giving? Third, think about what causes you want to impact and the level of impact you want to make. Small or large, short-term or long-term? Do you want to touch many different causes through multiple efforts or be more strategic and make fewer and perhaps larger gifts? Study the issues and learn about them, ask for metrics and outcomes, and then follow up to make sure your investment is creating change.
Now that you are retired, how has your purpose changed? Retirement has allowed me to be more focused in my professional endeavors and enjoy some activities I didn’t have time for when I was working full time. My husband and I love to travel domestically and internationally. We bicycle, golf, and enjoy cooking. I am also a master gardener and participate in my local garden club.I still enjoy consulting. I have been putting my administrative and fundraising skills to work serving on three nonprofit Boards. And then there’s my book on women and philanthropy, which has been a labor of love. I have been interviewing women donors across the US and it has been fascinating. But writing is very hard work.Best of all, I can take time off to spend time with our children and grandchildren.
How can UWRA members reach you?I’d love to connect. You can email me at [email protected].
LOIS BUNTZ: HELPING WOMEN MAKE AN IMPACTBy Mary Lambkin, UWRA Volunteer
Lois Buntz, former CEO of United Way of East Central Iowa (UWECI), recently retired but is staying busy through consulting and volunteer work. Her upcoming book on women and philanthropy explores the new and different ways women participate in philanthropic giving.
The Pathways to Encore Purpose study -- a nationally representative survey of nearly 1,200 adults, ages 50-90, augmented by more than 100 in-depth interviews -- shows:
Nearly one third of adults over 50 (31 percent) are purposeful beyond the self, defined as having a “significant, ongoing commitment to regular, active work toward goals that are meaningful to the self and also aim to contribute to the world beyond the self.” Extrapolating to the population as a whole, that’s more than 34 million people dedicating themselves to making their corner of the world a better place.
Purpose is an equal opportunity pursuit. Purpose cuts across all demographic groups, irrespective of economic situation, educational background and health status. The one meaningful difference is that the prevalence of purpose was higher among people of color than among whites.
Purposeful living is not a zero-sum game. Purposeful living does not crowd out other pleasures and personal goals. The apparent divide, between baby boomers who are happy to get rid of their to-do lists and those who feel a strong commitment to continue to work for a better world, is a false one. Purposeful respondents strongly endorsed not only beyond-the-self visions for later life but also more self-oriented visions – for example, having time for travel, family, friends, learning. Theirs are not lives of self-sacrifice.
Purposeful people have a positive outlook on life. In the interviews, the great majority (94 percent) of those who were unambiguously purposeful share a trait we call “positivity,” which refers to joy, hopefulness, optimism and other
related emotions. Though many people in this group were dealing with serious life problems -- such as poverty, poor health, family difficulties, and bereavement -- they emphasized the joy and satisfaction they experience in their lives, especially in their beyond-the-self engagements.
What about the other 69 percent who aren’t yet engaged in purpose beyond the self?
The majority of all older adults exhibit high levels of prosocial values and behaviors. More than half of older adults place great value on social equity and empathy. Nearly half (48 percent) say they “always” or “often” try to help young people achieve their potential.
In fact, in addition to the 31 percent who already prioritize purpose in their lives, one-fifth of all older adults had at least one purposeful goal among their top life goals. They may not yet see this goal as central to their identity or they may not have the time or know how to pursue it.
But this inclination represents a huge opportunity for older adults and for society. To take advantage of it, people seeking purpose can:
y Build on lifelong interests to find a place to engage.
y Reach out to family, friends and neighbors to find out what they are doing.
y Ask professional associations to suggest ways to use skills and life experience.
y Check out Gen2Gen, a campaign to mobilize 1 million people 50+ to help kids thrive, for ways to get involved.
Count me in. The research tells us that there’s a big appetite among older adults for purposeful engagement. This is as true for people in their 80s and 90s as it is for those in earlier decades. It’s true for people who report their health is poor, as well as for those who are healthy. And it’s true for people across a wide spectrum of education and income.
Our findings offer a new way of looking at longer lives -- as an opportunity for people to find purpose in a pursuit that is likely to boost their mental and physical health, while making the world a better place.
For more information, check out the following publications at https://encore.org/.
y Purpose in the Encore Years: Shaping Lives of Meaning and Contribution
y Six Key Findings: Applied Research Briefs
y Programs Supporting Encore Purpose: Mapping an Emerging Landscape
Anne Colby, a lifespan psychologist who has studied purpose across the life cycle, was the lead researcher on the PEP project. Jim Emerman led Encore.org’s collaboration with the Stanford team. Both have been named as Next Avenue Influencers in Aging.
34 MILLION PEOPLE OVER 50 PUT PURPOSE BEYOND THEMSELVES
FRONT AND CENTERBy Anne Colby
and Jim Emerman
New research from the Stanford Graduate School of Education and Encore.org shows that 34 million people over 50 put purpose beyond themselves front and center in their day-to-day lives.
2,000 Fellows50 U.S. cities2 million hours of talentencore.org/fellowships
Attend the UWRA Member Gathering in Alexandria, Virginia (Sep 30 – Oct 4)
Receive the UWRA Updates newsletter, published three times each year
Join the UWRA Members group on Workplace (https://fb.me/g/2tCM9O8C4/wx2j6TVA)
UWRA MEMBERS MAKING CONNECTIONS. MAKING A DIFFERENCE.
DAWSON DOWTY (LINCOLN, NE)Dawson retired from the Lincoln, NE Community Foundation after completing his United Way career as President of the United Way in San Diego. Dawson shared a sobering recollection: “Early in my United Way career, I attended my first national conference in French Lick, Indiana. It was the spring of 1968 and Lyman Ford was Executive Director of United Community Funds and Councils of America, United Way of America’s predecessor. At the closing ‘Fun Night’ banquet that was intended to wrap up the conference in a lighthearted manner, Lyman abruptly adjourned the dinner and the conference when he announced that Martin Luther King had been assassinated. Those of us in attendance were stunned into silence and solemnly left the hall. The trip home from that conference was a very somber and thoughtful one. That event, and the sixties in general, gave me a perspective and a motivation for my United Way work that stayed with me for the next 27 years.”
SUSAN DUNN (WEST HARTFORD, CT) Susan is a current UWRA Board member and the retired President and CEO of United Way of Central and Northeastern CT. She recently recalled, “I was fortunate to have the privilege of working with George Bahamonde in Hartford, CT for the last 12 years of his life. While I could probably write a book from all I learned from George about life and United Way, one of the lessons that stands out had to do with jobs. George reminded us often that, ‘The best social service program is a job.’ It was an honor to work for a United Way focused on financial stability long before it became a national priority.”
JACK HOLMES (LEHI, UT)Jack and his wife, Frances, were approached by their church after retirement and asked to be Area Welfare Managers in Eastern Europe. They were headquartered in Moscow and placed in charge of all humanitarian activities in the 15 Soviet Union countries and Turkey. They had an annual budget of $11 million and supervised 22 humanitarian missionary couples, traveling more than 50,000 air miles in two years. Their projects in Eastern Europe involved distribution of nearly 35,000 wheelchairs, getting clean water to 47 villages in Armenia, and teaching medical staff neo-natal resuscitation training. Upon returning to the US, Jack and Frances were asked to assist again with humanitarian projects in North America. Jack recalls many memorable experiences serving others, including his time with United Way.
YEZDYAR KAOOSJI (FRESNO, CA)
Yezdyar had a long career working for many United Ways before retiring in 2000 from United Way of Greater Los Angeles. He recently replied to Dick Aft’s request for UW lore by recalling his signature welcome to new Board members and volunteers, “Welcome to the United Way - the only organization in the United States where the Democrats and Republicans work harmoniously together! The Republicans help raise funds effectively, while the Democrats help to distribute those funds fairly and judiciously!”
UWRA MEMBERS MAKING CONNECTIONS. MAKING A DIFFERENCE.
We are pleased to share a few Member recollections and updates, gathered by UWRA Board members. Please email [email protected] if you have a memory or an update you would like to share.
MIKE BENZ (CONCORD, OH)
Mike admits, “I never really retired.” He is currently consulting at an accounting firm where he mentors young leaders and advises as part of the firm’s non-profit practice. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Cleveland Clinic and Fifth Third Regional Bank. Mike has enjoyed traveling to Africa, Alaska, and Israel - in addition to a swing West to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. Some may remember Mike was the director of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He took up guitar after leaving United Way of Greater Cleveland and now plays every day. He and his wife Louise have been married 50 years and have 16 grandchildren.
CECILIA BRODER (LITTLETON, CO)
Cecilia worked for Mile High United Way for 30+ years, leaving 5 years ago. She remains heavily involved with the Women’s Homelessness Initiative in Denver and had the privilege of collaborating with them on an award-winning book, Exposure - Homelessness Through the Lens of Art and Poetry, which is close to selling out its second printing. For more information, you can contact Cecilia at [email protected].
MYRON LINER (DETROIT, MI)
June 1st marked the 25th anniversary of Myron’s retirement from United Way. When he retired, Myron expected to do some consulting and decided he didn't want to work on someone else's schedule. Around the same time, Myron began receiving requests to join Boards from local agencies. Over the years, he served on the Boards of a couple of family service agencies, an agency serving physically and mentally disabled, a senior service agency, and a large multi-service agency. Myron also served on the UWRA Board for an extended period. Myron writes, “Over time, more slowly than I expected, things have slowed down. I intend to stay as active as I can because keeping my head busy probably does more for me than for the one agency I am still with.”
DON SANDERS (CHARLOTTE, NC)
Don writes, “Mary and I are in good shape and live in a retirement facility, with which we are very pleased.” He notes that his volunteer activities have significantly diminished, save those at the retirement facility, but they remain engaged and involved. Don also acknowledges continued care and concern for our collective role and the response of citizens toward the needs of our fellows.
Receive daily Breakfast emails from United Way Worldwide
Access United Way Online (UWO)
Search job postings across the United Way network
Volunteer for coaching, mentoring, and specialized consultative support for United Ways
Robert X. Chandler Born in 1927 in Norwood (MA), Bob earned his BS and Masters in Social Work from Boston College. Prior to attending to his undergraduate studies, Bob served in the U.S. Navy as Seaman First Class and then post graduate studies, he served in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corp.
Bob served as executive director, United Fund of Elkhart (IN) before moving to become president of Albany Community Chest – Red Cross Joint Appeal in Albany (NY). He then moved his family of 7 children to Tennessee to become the president of the United Way of Greater Memphis. Finally, Bob returned to his Massachusetts roots to become the CEO of the United Way of Boston where he served for 19 years until his retirement from United Way. Bob finished out his career serving as the director of the Development Office for the Archdiocese of Boston.
Bob was a beloved husband for 59 years, a loving father to his 7 children, and the proud grandfather of 20 loving grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.
Please visit the UWRA Memorial Wall at http://www.uwra.org/acknowledgements to view a recent list of gifts made to UWRA to honor colleagues, friends, and family from the United Way community.
Contact [email protected] for more information about memorial gifts and endowment contributions.
IN MEMORIAM
REMEMBERING FRIENDS
Mary Jo (Attinasi) Favata Mary Jo Favata lived to the age of 87. She worked for United Way of Greater Rochester (UWGR) for 42 years, from 1949–1991. She worked as an administrative assistant to resource development and planned giving. According to UWGR staff, Mary Jo always held a special place in her heart for United Way and frequently came back to attend events where retirees were invited. She thought of United Way as her extended family and took an active part in their 100th anniversary last year.
Steve Miller Steve passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Sunday, June 16th in Philadelphia after a brief illness. Steve retired as CEO of United Way of Central Stark County in 2003, leaving a legacy of caring leadership in Stark County. He served as President & CEO of United Way for 13 years, following United Way service in communities from San Francisco to Sioux City. In his retirement, Steve was an avid photographer, had a keen eye in capturing the human spirit of caring, and was able to communicate that in a pictorial manner to people across the country.
REMINDER: AVOID INCOME TAX ON YOUR IRA REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTIONOnce you reach 70½ years of age, annual withdrawals from traditional retirement accounts are required. Skipping a required minimum distribution will result in a penalty of 50 percent of the amount that should have been withdrawn.1
You can avoid income tax on your required withdrawal by donating your money directly to a qualifying charity, such as the United Way Retirees Association. Many UWRA members already take advantage of this tax savings.
Follow this link to learn more: https://goo.gl/XnEJ3m.1 Brandon, Emily. “How to Donate Your IRA Required Mini-mum Distribution to Charity.” U.S. News & World Report, 12 Feb. 2019, money.usnews.com/money/retirement/iras
NAMED ENDOWMENT FUNDSDick & Mary Lu Aft Tom & Carol Brown Alan & Selma Cooper
$2,500+Carl Zapora +*
$1,000-$2,499Susan Dunn * Tom and Barb Laing +* Ed Rivera *
$500 - $999 Tom Brown +*Deborah Bayle *Susan Gilmore *Ralph Gregory +*
Ed John* & Joyce WilburMildred Keeys *Amber KelleherMichael McLarney +
Dennis Murphy +Don and Mary Sanders +*Joe and Terry Tolan *
$250 - $499Edward Allard, IIIMeg BaxterK. Michael BenzEugene Berres +*Maria Chavez-WilcoxRobert CorneliusLTC Ralph DiSanto USA (Ret)Barbara Edmond *Jack R. EvansWinston Faircloth
Roger Frick *Thelma Garza *Teresa Hall BartelsRobert HinesJanet Jackson *Barbara (Perry) KaplinskyDavid Lee +*Myron Liner +*Deborah Mariner AllsopWilliam Mills *
$100 - $249Shannon Abitbol *Dick Aft+*Carol AquinoElizabeth BaierGerald BeggsBud BiscardoEugene BlytherEleanor L. Brilliant +Eleanor BrownWarren BurtKay BurtzloffJoseph CapitaViney Chandler +*Benton ClarkW. Sloan CoatsBonnie ColeGreg CottBobbie CrequeRick DavidKaren DavieDale DePoyJohn DiCesarePaul DidierEva DillardDaniel J. Dunne +Michael DurkinSusan C. EckertRobert Ferriday III
Pat Gobble Fekete +Mary FogartyScott FergusonJohn GeistTheodore GrangerMike GreenPhil GrzewinskiSusan HagerJoe Haggerty +Sharon Hamilton +Patrick HanrahanBrian HassettWinifred Helton +*Kathleen V. HemmeschTed HendryRobert HinesBette HoffmanLeslie Ann HowardMike Hughes +*Anne HuntRudolph JacksonJanet JokischTy JoubertFrank KarrDiana KellyKenneth KemerlingDavid KennedyMichael Kint
Sharon KishBill KitsonElizabeth KnowlesRobert KulinskiToni Lanford-Ferguson +Carlos E. LeeDebbie MasonSara MattaTish McCutchenNed MontgomeryTerry MoranRichard O’BrienElizabeth O’MaraRob RainsRobert ReifsnyderBill RobinsonJerry RuaneRussy Sumariwalla +*Dirk Van Den BoschJames Van Der KlokMaria VizcarrondoLyanne Lindo Wassermann +Carole M. Watson *George Wilkinson +*Roger WoodRobert WoodsAlex Young
+ Endowment Founder / Contributor | * Current / Former Board Member
12 UWRA.org
UWRA’s current initiative to identify successful, scalable initiatives to help older adults “age in place” continues a long tradition of United Way leadership in research, planning, development, and funding services for older people.
Social research for human service planning dates back to 1776, when Boston clergy met to coordinate their responses to the needs of their city’s poor people. Based on their research, they created the forerunner of United Way “Holiday Clearing House” social service client information exchanges. United Way Worldwide’s response to support planning for aging in place is taking shape in the form of this UWRA research initiative.
Examples of local United Way involvement in research and development of services for older people can be documented back to the 1930s.
y In 1933 and 1934, while on loan from the Cincinnati Community Chest, C. M. “Book” Bookman served as Assistant Director of FDR’s Federal Emergency Relief Administration. His role included drafting legislation to provide “continued benefits for old age workers, mothers, children, the blind and physically handicapped,” as part of the Social Security Act of 1935.
y Carl Warmington, while serving as Executive Secretary of the Rhode Island Community Chest, shared his Providence research paper on the
“Contributions from Older Citizens” with attendees at a 1960s Campaign Leaders’ Conference. His research, along with that of local executives including Gordon Berg (Richmond, VA), Bill Kaufman (Mobile, AL), and Harold Weekley (Chattanooga, TN) gave momentum to the proliferation of the community foundation movement.
y Using grants made available by the Older Americans Act of 1965, many local United Way organizations, in conjunction with local governments, formed Area Agencies on Aging. From their inception, the mission of the AAAs has been to help older adults and people with disabilities live with dignity and choices in their homes and communities for as long as possible.
y At the 1981 White House Conference on Aging, Atlanta United Way Director of Planning for Aging Ralph Gilmore said, “The programs we are developing for our older citizens today will serve as prototypes for an explosion of senior services that will trace the demographics of aging in all of our communities.”
Today, research on aging in place will increase local United Way organizations’ impact on the capacity of older adults to be self-sufficient through education, income, and health services.
