Volunteers Can Help Make Communities More Livable About

Volunteers Help Make Communities Livable

AARP and organizations nationwide need — and can sometimes provide — helping hands

Older adults bring a wealth of insights and professional experience that can help local leaders improve the lives of people in their communities. According to the , a full 50 percent of people age 50 or older say it's "extremely or very important" to have volunteer opportunities that allow them to actively engage in their community.

People for Better Places

AARP PHOTO AARP staff, partners and volunteers gather at the site of an AARP Livable Communities pop-up demonstration project in Dallas. Volunteers are needed for all sorts of local livability efforts. The following AARP Livable Communites resources are frequently used by or with local leaders and volunteers. AARP volunteers, for instance, are working throughout the nation to plan and staff events, lead advocacy efforts, provide professional-level services, teach courses and serve as mentors. The following resources and community service programs for older adults are useful for both finding volunteers and volunteer opportunities.

AARP Advocacy

AARP members and supporters advocate on belief of older adults and people of all ages by engaging with legislators and local leaders in person (often with AARP state offices and chapters, see below) as well as via online

AARP Create the Good br

Created in honor of AARP founder Ethel Percy Andrus and her desire for older adults “to serve, not to be served,” the program connects people with simple, time-flexible opportunities in communities throughout the nation. The Create the Good website is useful for both volunteer opportunity seekers and providers.

AARP Driver Safety br

volunteers organize and teach classroom courses at community locations (hospitals, libraries, community centers) throughout the nation. They also assist with marketing, data management and technical assistance. Training, tools and support is provided. Interested individuals can complete the .

AARP Foundation Experience Corps br

An intergenerational, volunteer-based tutoring program, the inspires and empowers adults age 50 or older to serve in their community and disrupt the cycle of poverty. By serving as mentors, Corps volunteers help children who aren’t reading at grade level become great readers by the end of third grade.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide br

Volunteers with make it easier for older, low-income taxpayers to file their tax returns and get the credits and deductions they’ve earned. Working in more than 5,000 locations nationwide, AARP volunteers provide free, in-person assistance by helping to prepare tax returns or serve in other ways, such as by organizing client paperwork, managing computer equipment, acting as interpreters, or making sure everything runs smoothly. The program seeks compassionate, friendly people to join its teams of local volunteers. Learn more at .

Another Opportunity

AARP State Offices and Chapters br

AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. AARP has numerous volunteer needs, both in as well as in local communities. To get started, contact the office for your state or complete this online . Another way to get involved is through an . Chapters are independently incorporated AARP-affiliated entities. Chapter activities vary but, for many, community service is a major priority. Use the tool to learn more.

AARP Volunteer Wizard br

The tool asks a series of questions about the user's interest in volunteering and giving back to their community. It then attempts to match the person's preferences with AARP volunteer opportunities. Page published January 2020 The weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities e-Newsletter provides local leaders with information and inspiration for making their town, city or neighborhood more livable for older adults and people of all ages.

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