Volunteering is a perfect way to make a difference in your community, connect with others, and find purpose. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) provides numerous opportunities for individuals to volunteer, leveraging their skills and experiences to benefit others.
Whether you’re interested in advocating for the rights of older adults, assisting with tax preparation, or educating your peers about health and safety, AARP has a place for you. We’ll explore the diverse volunteer opportunities with AARP, highlighting how you can give back to your community.
The Power of Volunteering
Volunteering not only enriches the lives of others but also provides significant benefits to the volunteers themselves. It offers a sense of purpose, helps build connections, enhances your resume, and can even improve your physical and mental health. AARP recognizes these benefits and creates environments where volunteers can thrive and make meaningful contributions.
AARP Volunteer Opportunities
Here are a few of the top volunteer opportunities as a member at AARP to consider.
1. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program
The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program is the nation’s largest free, volunteer-based tax assistance and preparation service. It’s designed to help low-to-moderate-income taxpayers, with special attention to those aged 50 and older.
Volunteers receive training and support to help prepare basic tax returns in communities nationwide. No prior experience in tax preparation is necessary, making this an excellent opportunity for volunteers to learn new skills while serving their community.
2. AARP Driver Safety
AARP Driver Safety volunteers help promote safe driving among older adults. Volunteers can become instructors for the AARP Smart Driver™ Course, the nation’s first and largest refresher course for drivers aged 50 and older.
There are also opportunities to work as a CarFit technician, helping drivers find their best “fit” for safety and comfort in their vehicles or participating in advocacy efforts to improve road safety.
3. Advocacy and Legislative Volunteers
AARP advocates on issues that matter to older Americans, such as healthcare, retirement security, and protecting Social Security and Medicare. Volunteers can get involved in local, state, and national advocacy efforts. Whether it’s meeting with legislators, organizing community events, or helping with campaigns, advocacy volunteers are critical in influencing policy decisions that impact millions of lives.
4. AARP Foundation Experience Corps
The AARP Foundation Experience Corps is an intergenerational volunteer-based tutoring program that helps children who are struggling to read. Volunteers aged 50 and older work with kindergarten through third-grade students to improve their reading skills, helping them succeed academically and in life. This program not only aids children’s literacy but also fosters meaningful connections between generations.
5. Community Outreach and Education
AARP offers numerous opportunities for volunteers to engage in community outreach and education. Volunteers can lead workshops and presentations on topics such as financial security, health and wellness, technology, and more. Volunteers empower their peers to make informed decisions about their lives and futures by sharing knowledge and resources.
Getting Involved with AARP Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to meet people and get involved in your community. Here are a few things to do before selecting your volunteer endeavor.
1. Identify Your Interests
The first step to volunteering with AARP is to consider what you’re passionate about. Whether it’s advocating for older adults, educating the community, or providing direct services, AARP has several options to suit different interests and skills.
2. Explore Opportunities
Visit the AARP website to explore the available volunteer opportunities. The site provides detailed information about each program, including the roles and responsibilities of volunteers, the training provided, and how to apply.
3. Apply and Train
Once you’ve identified an opportunity that interests you, follow the application process outlined on the AARP website. Many volunteer positions require some sort of training, which AARP provides. Training sessions equip volunteers with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in their roles.
4. Commit Your Time
Consider how much time you can realistically commit to volunteering. AARP offers both short-term and long-term volunteer opportunities to fit different schedules and levels of commitment.
5. Make an Impact
As an AARP volunteer, you’ll have the chance to make a tangible impact on your community and the lives of individuals. Whether it’s through educating others, advocating for change, or providing direct assistance, your efforts will contribute to a stronger, healthier community.
Conclusion
Volunteering with AARP offers a unique opportunity to give back, leveraging your life experiences to benefit others. Whether you’re passionate about education, advocacy, safety, or financial security, AARP provides the platform and support to make a difference.
By volunteering, you’ll enrich the lives of others and gain a sense of fulfillment, connection, and purpose in your own life. Consider joining the ranks of AARP volunteers today and positively impacting your community.
You might also be interested in: 10 AARP Benefits Easily Worth The Price Of Membership
