Nancy Rae
More Interviews
When Nancy Rae retired from her scientific based career, she wanted to develop her artistic side and ELLA Art classes were recommended to her. Within days’ she was approached to work on the Art Display. This led to a ten year stint in charge of the Art Display.
In her second year as an ELLA member Nancy began her Board experience as Chair of Publicity and served as President from 2009-2011, a period of quickly rising membership.
“There was such a sense of accomplishment when working together towards a goal by contributing to the organization and meeting the interests of ELLA members.”
Nancy believes that ELLA has “ongoing challenges” such as succession planning for Board members and continuity building throughout the organization. Research has shown that views of volunteering have changed in recent years, so efforts at recruitment and retention and providing meaningful positions need to be addressed. Utilizing specific skills of members will support the viability of Committees, but ensuring that records of past activities are maintained and passed along is essential.
Nancy also feels that maintaining the strong sense of community, which exists within ELLA, is important. The inclusion of online classes provides knowledge on a variety of topics and meets diverse needs of many members. However, the sense of community connections through social interaction is less. Seniors who have strong personal interactions maintain better health outcomes. Ella needs to find ways of continuing in person sessions to maintain such social interaction and utilize steps to ensure it occurs, as well, in online situations.