AARP Alaska Seeks Nominees for Prestigious Volunteer Award

AARP Alaska is seeking nominations for its 2021 Andrus Award for Community Service, which honors Alaskans who volunteer their experience, talent and skills to enrich the lives of others.

To nominate someone for the Andrus Community Service Award, use this webform. Award nominations are due by September 15.

The Andrus Award, named after AARP founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, recognizes inspiring individuals who share their experience, talent, and skills to enrich their communities in ways that are consistent with AARP's mission, vision, and commitment to volunteer service.

Although AARP membership is not a requirement, nominees must be 50 or older and their accomplishments or service must have been performed on a volunteer basis and reflect AARP's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all as we age.

Alaskans are known for their service to their communities. According to the latest statistics from the Division of Community and Regional Affairs, Alaska ranks fifth in the nation for volunteerism – nearly 41% of Alaskans volunteer their time each year. Alaska donated a total of 24.6 million hours of service, and the total estimated value of those millions of hours of service across Alaska is $594.7 million per year.

The Andrus Award is AARP’s highest honor, given to an individual who embodies the principles of AARP’s founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus. While her name does not carry the instant recognition that the organization she founded does, Dr. Andrus believed in the power of the people to do extraordinary things.

Nominations will be evaluated by AARP Alaska based on how the volunteer’s work has improved the community, supported AARP’s vision and mission, and inspired other volunteers. The award recipient will be announced in the fall.

“AARP Alaska wants to honor Alaskans age 50 and older who are using what they’ve learned in life to make a difference in the lives around them.  AARP knows that volunteers are the backbone of many community programs and that they often go without recognition,” said AARP Alaska State Director, Teresa Holt.  “We want to change that. We are asking Alaskans to nominate volunteers who are making a difference in their community.  To encourage applications, AARP Alaska is donating $1,000 to a non-profit organization chosen by the Andrus Award winner."

The deadline for nominations for the AARP Alaska Andrus Award is September 15, 2021. For criteria and nomination forms, go to  www.aarp.org/andrusaward