Nominate an Extraordinary Volunteer for the 2025 Tess Canja Award!

At AARP Florida, we know the power of volunteers to drive meaningful change in communities across the state. Each day, our volunteers embody passion, leadership, and a deep commitment to making life better for Floridians 50+. And now, it’s time once again to recognize one extraordinary individual with our highest volunteer honor.

We are proud to open nominations for the Esther “Tess” Canja Award for Exceptional Volunteerism, named in honor of the late Tess Canja—a tireless advocate, trailblazer, and former AARP National President who dedicated her life to improving the lives of older Americans. Beginning in 2025, this award will be presented annually to an AARP Florida volunteer who reflects Tess's legacy of service, leadership, and impact.

The inaugural award was presented posthumously in 2024 to Tess Canja, whose daughter Deb Canja accepted on her behalf. It marked the beginning of a new tradition of honoring volunteers who lead with purpose and make a real difference in their local communities.

Now, we need your help to identify the next outstanding volunteer leader.

To be eligible for the Tess Canja Award, nominees must:

• Be an active AARP Florida volunteer
• Have accomplishments that reflect AARP’s vision and priorities, with a clear impact in their local community
• Inspire others to serve and exemplify leadership, compassion, and commitment
• Not be a current AARP Florida staff member or public office holder
• Be nominated by an AARP Florida volunteer or staff member

Married couples or domestic partners who volunteer together may be nominated, but teams are not eligible.

Nominations are now open until May 15.
Submit your nomination here.

For more information about the submission process or questions, contact Leo Tomasi Cabrera (ltomasicabrera@aarp.org)