Join a team where you can make a difference

AARP Connecticut volunteers share their time, knowledge and experiences to create a state that can be a great home for people of all ages to live. They are advocates on legislative issues that affect families such as caregiving, financial security, independent living, health care, utilities and prescription drug prices. They offer valuable resources and information that help people protect themselves from fraud and scams, take charge of their life so they can live their best life now and in the future, in their job search or transition to a new career, and more.

Through education, advocacy and service, AARP volunteers have the opportunity to benefit from quality training and workshops; enjoy stimulating challenges; meet new people and be creative; and know that they are truly making a difference on important issues.

AARP Connecticut offers a variety of ways to get involved, including:

• Advocacy & Influencing Policy Makers: A multifaceted and rewarding opportunity, volunteers are essential on legislative issues such as caregiving, financial security, independent living, health care, utilities and prescription drug costs. Volunteers can engage in legislative and regulatory advocacy; provide residents with valuable resources; assist people in serving their communities; and more.
• In Your Community: Volunteers are crucial to the vitality and viability of our communities. With AARP Connecticut, volunteers can connect with residents, community leaders and organizations on consumer and family issues; attend fun events; and offer resources and information that help people guard against fraud, search for a new job or career, choose how they live as they age, and more.
• Regional Impact Teams: To recognize and serve characteristics, strengths and identities that are unique to each community, we established volunteer teams to engage with people, organizations and efforts in their own region in ways that impact the population, employers, and influencers, as well as increase community-based and multicultural collaborations.
• Caregiving: Support for caregivers, the backbone of our health care system, is vital. Join us to advocate on important policies and programs, show how to navigate systems with local resources and build support networks, and more.
• AARP Fraud Watch Network: Give people an inside look at the mind of a criminal through footage of scammers, expert insight and advice, and invaluable tools that keep people safe.
• Disrupt Aging: Challenge outdated beliefs about what it means to age and bridge the gap between generations by focusing on aging from an intergenerational perspective, spurring thought-provoking discussions and offering unique activities.
• Livable Communities: Help neighborhoods, towns, cities and rural areas create Livable Communities for all ages, including safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities to participate in community life.
• Road to Livability: Offer people age 50+ an opportunity to talk about “what they have” vs. “what they will need” in the future regarding their home, car, and community.
• Electric Choice Program: Help consumers find reliable information on electric suppliers, understand their individual choices and make informed decisions based on their own situations.
• Financial Security: Help people, including entrepreneurs and job seekers, make the most of their future with information and tools towards financial independence, resiliency and security.
• National Programs in Our State: Join millions of others across the country who volunteer in their communities and states to provide people with valuable resources through the AARP Driver Safety Program, AARP Foundation Tax Aide and Experience Corps.

While AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization for people 50-plus, with nearly 38 million members nationwide and approximately 600,000 in Connecticut, we work on issues that impact residents of all ages; provide information and resources on important topics; advocacy on state and federal issues; and access to a variety of local AARP events, programs and services.

Are you interested, but have concerns about a lack of experience or a time commitment? Specialized skills and talents are not a requirement and appreciate whatever time you can give. Volunteers are not required to put in a minimum number of hours and we provide all of our volunteers with quality training.

Visit www.aarp.org/volunteer to learn more about the different programs. To learn more about how you can share your experiences through volunteering in Connecticut, contact Elaine Werner at ewerner@aarp.org or 860-548-3169.

AARP is making a difference in your local community, but we can’t do it without you!