Volunteer Opportunities

MURA is proud of the significant volunteer activities of our members in a wide variety of organizations and efforts. We believe that volunteering during retirement is a great way to stay mentally and physically healthy as well as make important contributions.

In the MURA member survey conducted in 2021 with 266 responding, members collectively donated 519 hours per month to MU/UM departments, divisions, offices, activities, or events. MURA members also volunteer to a great number of volunteer organizations in the community that benefit from the talents, energy and expertise of our retirees.

Volunteer activities are valued and recognized by the campus through the Chancellor’s Retiree of the Year Award for both faculty and staff. See the MURA web site for guidelines and application form.

MU Retirees Association. The MU Retirees Association sends bi-weekly email updates that includes announcements of breakfast programs and socials. Another feature in the newsletter is “Barbara’s Picks” identifying free online programs. Occasional requests for volunteers in university research projects are also given.

Retirees volunteer at the University Bookstore at the beginning of each semester. Revenue earned is contributed to the Kitty Dickerson Scholarship Endowment.

MURA Members are invited to share interests and expertise in MURA Board positions or MURA committee work. Committees include Program, Education, Membership, Scholarship, Awards, Communications, and Audit/Fiscal.

Osher @ Mizzou. Keep your mind sharp with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Osher Lifelong Learning is an active community for adults 50 and up to explore new interests, pursue favorite topics, and socialize. Osher @ Mizzou delivers noncredit courses designed to complement the interests, concerns and lifestyles. Choose from a wide variety of fascinating classes.

Value-added Fridays are included free-of-charge for Osher members and offer both Potpourri of the Arts and “Lunch and Learn” Seminars; clubs for those interested in Travel, Languages and Diversity Books; and social activities.

MU Health Care. Become a patient ambassador, work the information desk, handle clerical tasks and other opportunities. Call 573-882-4714 for details.

School of Medicine STEP Program. The Heyssel Senior Teacher Educator Partnership Program (STEP) brings together senior members of the community and future physicians to share past and current life stories. In many cases the friendship bond becomes very strong as medical students learn from active and dynamic seniors and appreciate them as multi-faceted individuals. In return, students share their educational adventures, and companionship with the seniors in a partnership that is beneficial to both. Contact Sharree Rose at rosesn@health.missouri.edu or 573-884-1941 for more information on applying to become a partner.

School of Medicine Simulated Patient. High-tech simulation mannequins can recreate multiple urgent and emergent situations but real people, Simulated Patients (PSs), are also needed for a range of scenarios. An important skill for medical students is the ability to effectively communicate with diverse patients in a variety of situations. Retirees represent an age group where conditions can arise that can add complexity to communications- decreased hearing, early memory changes, multiple diagnoses and concerns, family dynamics, etc. and SPs in this age range can help students learn to adjust to these challenges. Training is provided and applications are accepted throughout the year. We are looking for men and women ages 18 to 75.

Mizzou Alumni Association. Support the best interests and traditions of Missouri’s flagship university by joining the Mizzou Alumni Association. Not only will you provide financial support for student scholarships, faculty grants and educational and social programs, but you will receive invitations to members-only events, an annual wall calendar, merchandise discounts, Ellis Library privileges, and more. Discounted annual and life memberships are available for retirees 65 and older. Call 573-882-6611.

Fortnightly Club. Women affiliated with MU and the UM System make up the Fortnightly Club, which publishes bulletins and hosts teas, luncheons and bus trips. An annual fee helps support student scholarships and allows women to participate in interest groups for antiques, crafts, books, bridge, food and exercise, among others.

4-H Volunteering with Youth Missouri 4-H volunteers make a difference in the lives of young people. Plus, you benefit from being a 4-H volunteer. Missouri 4-H volunteers gain leadership skills and make new community connections while helping youth gain confidence as future leaders. Find out more in the Missouri 4-H Volunteer Impact Study (PDF). You decide the level of involvement that fits your skills and schedule, such as:

  • Lead a community club, school enrichment, or afterschool program
  • Be a mentor, lead a project, or be a social media assistant
  • Serve as chaperone, board member, or event judge
  • Assist with community service projects, teach a skill, or be a guest speaker
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