Volunteer Spotlight: James Wilson

The executive director of Bike Delaware, James Wilson services as a faithful and ambitious volunteer for AARP Delaware. Holding engineering degrees from Yale University and the University of Texas at Austin, James is the only lobbyist for cycling and walking in the State of Delaware. James Wilson is also a member of the Association of Pedestrians and Bicycle Professionals and the Institute of Transportation Engineers. James Wilson has been a dedicated volunteer of AARP Delaware since 2017.

AARP: How did you first get involved in AARP?

Wilson: I first connected with AARP Delaware, while I was advocating for legislation in Delaware's State capitol. Seeing AARP Delaware in Delaware’s State capitol advocating for the same thing, I instantly become intrigued in the organization.

AARP: What made you want to volunteer?

Wilson: Like a lot of volunteers who participate in different volunteer work, the main reason I wanted to volunteer for AARP Delaware was, because I wanted to be a part of an organization that advocated for issues and policies that I believed in.

AARP: How would you describe your volunteer experience? What is it like?

Wilson: My volunteer experience with AARP Delaware has been a great experience. AARP Delaware has helped me to develop and utilize my existing talents, abilities, skills, and passions in a way that has been fulfilling. Being apart to give my time and energy to an organization that is passionate about advocating for the community has been very exciting and empowering.

AARP: Why do you enjoy volunteering?

Wilson: Personally, I enjoy volunteering because of the relationships that I can build with great people. I enjoy volunteering with people of similar interest and ideas that help to impact the lives of others.

AARP: Tell me about a volunteer activity that you enjoyed most, and the impact that activity had on you and the community?

Wilson: As AARP Delaware's lead Livable Communities volunteer, the volunteer activity I enjoyed most was when I attended AARP conferences in Dallas, Charlotte, and Denver. Attending these conferences were wonderful opportunities to exchange and learning with other people.

AARP: What inspires your volunteer work?

Wilson: What inspires my volunteer work is my belief that safe mobility is a civil right. Over 6,000 pedestrians are killed in the U.S. every year for the "crime" of walking in the wrong place and the wrong time. This horrifying injustice that gets worse every year has inspired me to advocate for safe mobility.

AARP: How has volunteering for AARP changed your original perspectives of the organization?

Wilson: During my tenure as a volunteer with AARP Delaware, I have learned that AARP is A LOT more than just an organization that defends Social Security and Medicare.

AARP: What advice would you give to someone who is looking to volunteer for AARP?

Wilson: If you have a talent, ability, skill, or passion that you feel is under-utilized or doesn't get out enough, AARP is the best organization to let your light out from under the bushel, as the organization lets other people benefit from it.