United Way
Retirees Association

701 North Fairfax Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314-2045
tel 703.836.7100, Ext. 621
tel 800.UWA.2757, Ext. 621
fax 703.683.7811
uwra@unitedway.org
www.uwra.org

 
2006 Fact Sheet
Membership Application
Who Is Eligible for Membership
What Are The Membership Dues
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Services To The United Way Movement

In The Beginning . . .
    and Thereafter

The UNITED WAY RETIREES ASSOCIATION (UWRA) was created in April 1989 at the United Way of America Centennial Meeting in Washington D.C.  Although traditionally viewed as a concerned and caring organization, United Way had neither recognized nor adequately addressed the problems and needs of its own retired personnel until then.

Gordon Berg, former CEO in Charlotte, North Carolina, was named president.  In April 1990, the first formal gathering of UWRA took place at the United Way of America (UWA) Staff Leaders Conference in Anaheim, California.  An organizational structure and by-laws were adopted and a governing body was chosen.  Twenty-one officers and directors were nominated to represent United Way of America's five regions and serve at large.

In 1991, UWRA President Charles J. "Chuck" Devine, former CEO in Seattle, Washington, persuaded UWRA to provide a cash grant of $50,000, plus staff and support services.  These resources augmented nominal membership dues.

Following an economic downturn and UWA's internal problems in 1992, UWRA's financial and staff support were reduced considerably. Nonetheless, Don Morgan, former CEO in San Diego, California, and Atlanta, Georgia, held the newly established UWRA together.  He initiated UPDATES, the newsletter that George Wilkerson now edits. UPDATES continues to be a key source of communication among the members.

UWRA continues to grow due to the quality of its leadership and the interest and support of its members.

UWRA presidents who have made outstanding contributions include the following:

Financial support for UWRA comes from several sources.  Dues and contributions come from membership, local United Ways, United Way of America, which also provides in-kind services and Mutual of America.   UWRA extends its appreciation to all who have made it's growth possible enabling it to expand and enhance its programs for both the United Way field and its members.