The Growing Role of Livable Community Volunteers!

By Phil Zarlengo, AARP Volunteer Transitions alumni coordinator and former AARP Board chair*

AARP’s Livable Communities efforts have grown exponentially over the past few years.  Specifically, AARP state offices have identified hundreds of local communities where our resources and insights are helping to provide safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents to participate in community activities.  Thanks to the efforts AARP’s current and past volunteers we continue to drive change in these communities.

I am pleased to see the number of roles for Livable Communities volunteers that match their skills, interests and availability. A Community Volunteer typically represents AARP at local events, writes letters-to-the-editor and meets with local officials, and often takes on special projects like street safety assessments and walkability audits.  An Issue Area Volunteer serves on local boards and commissions related to housing, transportation and health services. Because this work is so energizing and satisfying, there are also Community Volunteer Leader roles where an individual may lead a team of volunteers and also serve on a local age-friendly advisory council.

One key component of any Livable Communities effort is emergency/disaster planning.  Having served on the FEMA Board and continuing to serve our internal AARP/FEMA task force, I have been very involved in this work and appreciate the efforts of many dedicated volunteers to ensure its inclusion in state plans.  You can’t have Livable Communities unless older people are adequately protected against disasters as recent history has tragically demonstrated.  If you would like more information about this emergency/disaster-related work, please contact AARP/FEMA task force co-chair Dale Beech.

Because of your depth of knowledge and insights, you would also be a terrific resource for a wide range of Livable Communities projects.  While you may not choose to take on a leadership role, I hope you will let your state office know that are willing to be a thought partner as community-based plans are designed and evaluated. Click here to learn more about AARP’s Livable Communities work.

*Phil also served previously as the AARP Rhode Island State President and continues today as a member of  AARP RI’s Executive Council and State Legislative Committee.